The culinary corner

Mustard Leaves  Mustard leaves, also known as mustard greens, are leafy vegetables from the Brassica family, closely related to cabbage, kale, and broccoli. They have broad, tender green leaves with frilly or smooth edges depending on the variety. The flavor is sharp, peppery, and slightly spicy—similar to arugula or horseradish—especially when raw, but it mellows when cooked. Mustard greens are fast-growing, cool-season plants that thrive in spring and fall, and they are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants. I planted seeds directly into the soil about ½ inch deep and spaced them 6 inches apart. Germination was fast—tiny sprouts started showing in just 4 days! The seedlings are vibrant green and already developing slightly ruffled leaves. Now look how curly they are. So far, no signs of pests. Added a light mulch layer today to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Watering every 2 days, depending on weather. The soil is staying nicely moist but not soggy.My...

How to do a squid stir fry A squid stir-fry is a quick and flavorful dish, bringing together the delicate tenderness of squid with the bold, aromatic elements of Asian stir-fry. The result is a savory, slightly spicy, and umami-rich meal with a fresh, oceanic note and a vibrant mix of textures and colors. I am cooking a simple version of a quick stir fry...    Ingredients  5 00g cleaned squid 5 cloves crushed Garlic 4 large red chilies or Capsicum sliced  1 whole leek sliced 1 tea spoon Paprika or chilli powder  oil for stir frying      In this recipe I am using defrosted frozen squid. If you are using the same please make sure remove all the liquid before following the next few steps.   Defrosting method  In the fridge until tender. It will take at least 24 hours to defrost properly. If not you can cook it directly in salted hot water and remove all excess water.    Cooking...   Add oil to a pan and fry onion, c...

 Banana Peels..... Using banana peels as fertilizer is a natural and effective way to enrich your garden soil and support healthy plant growth. Banana peels are packed with essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium—elements that are particularly beneficial for flowering and fruiting plants. These nutrients help strengthen plant cell walls, promote root development, and improve overall resilience. I make a a fertilizer for my plants using banana peels. I add all the peels in a bucket and the fill water to the top. The I add 100g of baking soda and sugar. The mixture get fermented and I dilute it in water before using for the plants. (1 Part banana water to 6 parts of water) This is a very mild fertilizer. But it helps the plants to grow with out any chemicals.    T his one of the making fertilizer with the banana peels. Make sure to cover after every use. I don't throw them. When You add baking soda it has no smell. During this time, minerals l...

R eachable height To grow a fig tree to a reachable height (i.e., one where you can easily harvest fruit without a ladder), you’ll need to use a combination of pruning, training, and choosing the right variety . Here's a straightforward guide:  This is one of my fig trees that I am training to stay to a height I desire. I prune every other year so it can maintain the height  that I like. The leaves become healthier . I hang my hanging pots on branches so the bend with out my effort.  Here is a picture to show how low my fig tree grows. Its below the fence line.    I will train all the branches hanging my pots or tie with wires.   ✂️ Prune to Control Height       When to prune: Late winter or very early spring (while dormant) Light summer pruning (after fruiting) to shape        How to prune: In the first year, cut the main trunk back to about 2–3 feet to encourage low branching. In the following years, prune...

  Kale Tempura    ......is a delicious and crispy Japanese-style snack or appetizer made by lightly battering kale leaves and deep-frying them until golden and crunchy. It’s a great way to enjoy kale in a new and indulgent form while still getting some of its nutrients!   I am using the red Russian Kale.   🥬 Kale Tempura Recipe 📝 Ingredients: F resh kale leaves (curly or Red Russian work well) 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1/4 cup corn flour 1 egg , lightly beaten 1 cup ice-cold water (very cold is key!) Pinch of salt Oil for deep-frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil) Optional: a sprinkle of chili flakes , sesame seeds , or lemon zest for garnish Serve with: tempura dipping sauce , soy sauce , or ponzu   👨‍🍳 Instructions: Prep the Kale: Wash and dry the kale thoroughly. Remove tough stems; keep medium-sized leaves whole for best results. Make the Tempura Batter: In a bowl, mix the cold water and egg. Add flour an...

Russian Kale Russian kale , specifically Red Russian kale , is a unique variety of kale known for its tender leaves , sweet flavor , and distinctive appearance . It's a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike for its versatility and cold-hardiness.     🌿 Red Russian Kale – Quick Overview: Scientific Name : Brassica napus (var. pabularia) Family : Brassicaceae (mustard family) Origin : Thought to have originated in Siberia and brought to Canada/Russia in the 19th century Hardiness : Very cold-tolerant; thrives in early spring and fall Growth : Fast-growing, ready for harvest in about 50 days 🥬 Appearance: Leaves : Flat, fringed or lobed (oak-like shape), unlike curly kale Color : Blue-green leaves with purple veins and stems Texture : More tender than many other kale, especially when young 🌱 Taste & Culinary Use: Flavor : Milder and sweeter than curly kale, with a slight nuttiness Young leaves : Great raw in salads or smoothies Mature lea...