Delicious Summer Picnic Recipes: Balkan Pie & Tofu Lettuce Cups

Discover easy summer picnic recipes with our Balkan pie and tofu lettuce cups. Perfect for outdoor gatherings, these recipes ensure a delightful picnic experience.

Planning a picnic? Try these yummy recipes! Our Balkan pie and tofu lettuce cups are perfect for a summer day. They are easy to make and taste amazing.

Delicious Summer Picnic Recipes: Balkan Pie & Tofu Lettuce Cups

Introduction

Planning a picnic can be fun, but choosing the right food is key to a great outdoor experience. Yotam Ottolenghi's recipes for Balkan pie and tofu lettuce cups are perfect for summer picnics. These dishes are easy to make, transport well, and are sure to impress your friends and family.

Easy Picnic Recipes

Balkan Pie with Charred Sweetcorn and Spring Onions

This Balkan pie, also known as Gibanica, combines filo pastry with a delicious egg batter and charred sweetcorn. It’s a delightful mix between a pie and a quiche, perfect for a picnic setting.

Ingredients:

340g tin sweetcorn, drained
4 eggs
300g soured cream
200g feta, crumbled into pieces
100ml whole milk
200g spring onions, finely chopped
1½ tsp baking powder
Fine sea salt and black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
270g pack filo pastry sheets
1 tbsp sesame seeds
100g baby cornichons or pickled chillies

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
Char the sweetcorn in a hot pan for about 8 minutes.
Mix the sweetcorn with 3 eggs, soured cream, feta, milk, spring onions, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
Brush oil on two filo sheets and line an ovenproof dish.
Soak another filo sheet in the mixture and place it in the dish.
Repeat with the remaining filo sheets, top with the last two sheets brushed with oil, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake for 40 minutes, let it cool, and serve with pickles on top.

Tofu Peanut Lettuce Cups

These lettuce cups filled with tofu and peanut sauce are perfect for a summer snack. They are easy to assemble on-site and stay fresh for up to three days.

Ingredients:

10g dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked in boiling water
3 tbsp vegetable oil
400g firm tofu, crumbled
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
50g spring onions, sliced
Fine sea salt
50g roasted peanuts
3 tbsp kecap manis or soy sauce with brown sugar
½ tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp rice-wine vinegar
15g coriander leaves, chopped
2 baby gem lettuces

Instructions:

Slice the soaked mushrooms.
Fry the tofu in oil until golden, then add the mushrooms, carrot, and half the spring onions.
Add peanuts, kecap manis, sesame oil, and the mushroom soaking water.
Cool the mixture, then stir in the remaining ingredients.
Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves to serve.

Healthy Picnic Foods

When preparing for a picnic, choosing foods that remain fresh and tasty is essential. Ottolenghi's recipes emphasize ingredients that don't wilt or go soggy, ensuring your picnic spread is as enjoyable as it is delicious.

Packing Tips for Picnic Foods

Transport Well: Use containers that seal well to avoid spills.
Avoid Sogginess: Keep dressings and sauces separate until serving.
Stay Fresh: Use ice packs to keep perishables cool.

Picnic Essentials

Creating the perfect picnic requires more than just great food. Here are some essentials to ensure your picnic is a success:

Picnic Basket: A sturdy basket to carry all your items.
Blanket: A large, comfortable blanket to sit on.
Reusable Utensils: Eco-friendly options that are easy to pack.
Trash Bags: Keep the area clean by packing out your trash.

Conclusion

Enjoying a picnic with delicious recipes like Balkan pie and tofu lettuce cups can make your summer outings memorable. These dishes are easy to prepare, transport well, and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Leave a comment, share with friends, or explore more recipes on our website. Enjoy your picnic!

Hope you love these recipes! Leave a comment, share with friends, or explore more recipes on our website. Enjoy your picnic!