Cheaper cuts of red meat are usually quite tough and need to be prepared with a lot of care to turn them into a tender bite...

These kitchen tricks are used by top chefs to tenderize meat and make it flavorful.

Marinate the Meat

If you want to add more depth of flavor to the meat, marinate it for several hours or overnight. Not only will this enhance the flavor, but it will also tenderize the meat. To tenderize meat with a marinade, it's important that it contains an acid source such as vinegar, citrus juice, or yogurt, as well as plenty of salt, according to the portal Kuvar.

Tenderize Meat with a Mallet

Do you have a meat mallet in your kitchen? Not only will it help flatten the meat for more even cooking, but it will also tenderize the tough cut through the pounding process.

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Cut the Meat Properly

Butchers know well that the tenderness, appearance, and taste of cooked meat also depend on how it is cut before it goes into the pan. Carefully inspect the raw piece of meat and identify the direction of the muscle fibers. Use a knife to cut across the grain vertically. This will shorten the fibers and make the meat easier to chew.

Cook Meat Slowly at a Low Temperature

If you want to make a delicious goulash from tough beef shank pieces, it’s important to cook the meat at a low temperature—for hours. Goulash is traditionally simmered for two to three hours over low heat, during which time the collagen in the muscle tissue breaks down, making the tough pieces as soft as butter.

Inspired by Asian cuisine, this recipe for pork with peanuts and vegetables will delight you. The recipe is brought to us by the portal Kuvar from its collection of recipes for every taste.

Although Eastern dishes often include ingredients that are hard to find, this recipe uses ingredients that are easily accessible to everyone.

Recipe for Pork with Peanuts and Vegetables

Ingredients and quantity:

Pork meat 250 g
Fresh cucumber 1 piece
Raw peanuts 100 g
Egg white 1
Salt 1 teaspoon
Cornstarch 2 tablespoons
Oil 50 ml
Soy sauce 1 tablespoon
Chili sauce to taste
Leek 1 stalk
Carrot 1 piece
Cabbage, small 1/4 head
Bouillon cube 1 piece

Preparation:

Cut the pork and vegetables into cubes. In one bowl, mix the pork, salt, egg white, and half of the cornstarch dissolved in a little water, and stir well with a spoon. In another bowl, mix a ladle of soup, the remaining cornstarch, soy sauce, half of the leek, and salt.

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Heat the oil in a deep pan, add the pork, and stir-fry until golden brown. Remove the meat from the pan, then fry the peanuts in the same oil. Remove the peanuts and fry the vegetables in the same pan.

Then return the pork and peanuts, and stir gently. Add the contents from the second bowl and stir quickly. Before serving, sprinkle the dish with chili sauce and serve with cooked rice.

Warm weather brings the gardening and planting season. But did you know that every vegetable has its "good" and "bad" neighbors? "Good" neighbors promote better growth and yield, while "bad neighbors" slow growth and can ruin the crop.

Here are 7 plants that are bad neighbors for tomatoes:

1. Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, etc.

Cabbage is considered the worst neighbor for tomatoes because it consumes large amounts of minerals from the soil for its growth. Tomatoes also need a lot of minerals, so they often lose the “battle” with cabbage.

2. Corn

Corn attracts specific pests known as "corn earworms," which also like to attack tomatoes, seriously threatening the yield.

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3. Fennel

Fennel releases substances into the soil that slow the growth of almost all nearby plants, making it a bad neighbor. If you love fennel, it's better to grow it in pots.

4. Dill

Dill initially gets along well with tomatoes because it can repel some pests. But in the long run, it acidifies the soil, which doesn't suit tomatoes.

5. Eggplant

Although many gardeners plant these two plants side by side, it's a big mistake. Both eggplant and tomato are susceptible to brown spots that attack the leaves and fruits, so the disease easily spreads from one to the other and can destroy the entire crop.

6. Potatoes

Potatoes and tomatoes are susceptible to the same diseases transmitted through the soil. Planting these plants close to each other increases the risk of infections and problems.

7. Walnut

Although it's unlikely you'll plant it next to tomatoes, it's important to know that walnut is a bad neighbor for all plants. It releases substances into the soil that inhibit the growth of other plants. Some even claim that not even weeds thrive near a walnut tree.

Which Plants Are “Good Neighbors” for Tomatoes?

Here are some plants recommended to grow near tomatoes:

Basil
Garlic
Nasturtium
Asparagus
Borage
Carrot
Marigold
Lettuce

(Stil)

This sauce pairs wonderfully with stronger, roasted meats such as all types of game, pork ribs, steaks, as well as duck and other red meats. It is quick to prepare, and you can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste by either decreasing or increasing it.

Recipe for Prune and Red Wine Sauce

Ingredients:

500 ml red wine
150 g sugar
20 dried prunes
20 g butter
a pinch of salt

Preparation:

For this sauce, pour the red wine into a suitable saucepan, add the sugar, and the dried prunes, which you should cut in half and remove the pits if present. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for another 30 to 45 minutes until the prunes swell and absorb the wine.

Next, remove the sauce from the heat, add the butter and salt, and blend using an immersion blender or a food processor, but only briefly so that small pieces of prune remain in the sauce – according to the portal Kuvar.in.rs.

This drink from Northern Europe is called the elixir of longevity and beauty, and the good news is that you can easily prepare it at home. The recipe is very simple.

Milk made from potatoes is increasingly chosen by those who prefer a natural, plant-based, and sustainable diet. It is rich in vitamin B12, iron, folate, and fiber.

It contains no gluten, lactose, or nuts, making it an excellent option for anyone with allergies or sensitivities.

Its mild, creamy texture is ideal for coffee, smoothies, or cereals – with less sugar and fat than many other plant-based drinks.

A Sustainable Solution for Modern Diets

Growing potatoes requires less water and land than growing soybeans or almonds, so potato milk has a significantly lower environmental impact.

If you want to reduce your environmental footprint without compromising on taste – this is the drink for you.

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How to Make Potato Milk at Home?

Preparation is simple, and the result is very tasty.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized peeled potato (150–200 g)
• 1 cup of boiling water (for cooking)
• 3 cups of cold water (750 ml) – for blending
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (canola, sunflower, etc.)
• half a teaspoon of sea salt
• 1 teaspoon of natural sweetener (maple syrup – optional)
• half a teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of sunflower seeds or plant proteins (optional – for a fuller texture)

Preparation:
Peel the potato, cut it into slices, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until tender.

Drain and let it cool briefly.

Place the cooked potato, 3 cups of cold water, oil, salt, and any other desired ingredients into a blender. Blend for one to two minutes until smooth and homogeneous.

If necessary, strain through cheesecloth or a fine sieve.

Store in a glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to five days. Shake before use.

A Delicious Addition to Everyday Diet

Thanks to its neutral taste and creamy texture, potato milk is great for smoothies, breakfast cereals, and even for making cakes or sauces, according to 24sata.hr.

Potato milk is not just a passing trend. It is a combination of innovation, health, and sustainability.

Rump steak is a cut of beef. It is usually 2 cm thick and weighs between 160-200 g.

Rump steak is actually a long muscle of the cow that extends to the last vertebra of the tail and has a white membrane on the surface. Rump steak can be prepared in various ways, but it is most commonly consumed grilled or fried.

WHAT IS RUMP STEAK?

The term "steak" as a generally accepted name is not an accurate translation if we use it to describe "biftek" (tenderloin). "Biftek" as a steak differs from the "biftek" we previously mentioned. There are three levels of steak doneness. To determine which level it is, touch your thumb and index finger together and with your other hand press the base of your thumb. That’s how you check the softness of a rare steak. The terms used to describe the degree of doneness are rare, medium, and well done. Many agree that the medium version is the best. Such a piece of meat is juicy and sufficiently cooked. It remains red on the inside while perfectly grilled on the surface. When grilled, it gets a pattern resembling a mesh, which is the visual symbol of steak – according to the portal Kuvar.in.rs.

THE MOST FAMOUS STEAKS

Among the most popular steaks, we definitely want to mention the Rib Eye. This is a piece of meat from the back. It usually contains a rib bone. That cut is called bone-in rib eye. Another popular name for a steak with a bone is the tomahawk steak. It visually resembles a chop. This cut is known in our region as rump steak. The English call it strip. The meat usually comes from a part called the loin.

Big fans of beef, especially steaks, consider the porterhouse to be the highest-quality steak. It is named after the porter beer that was once sold. It looks like the popular T-bone steak, with a T-shaped bone in the center. The difference between them is the amount of meat. The porterhouse is a significantly larger cut of meat.

It’s also worth mentioning the flank and tri-tip steaks. The tri-tip comes from the rump, while flank is actually the belly section, translated from the English term "flank steak."

GRILLING RUMP STEAK

To grill the perfect steak, it is important that the cut of meat is of high quality. The piece should be at least 2 cm thick. When preparing, take the steak out of the refrigerator and leave it at room temperature for at least one hour. It’s not good to salt the steak after it has rested and just before grilling. Season the steak after grilling or immediately after removing it from the fridge. One option is to marinate the meat in oil, salt, and spices 24 hours before grilling. A true steak lover will not use too many spices, as this can diminish the meat's natural flavor. Grill the meat on a pan or grate. Preheat it until it's almost smoking. When you place the meat on such a hot pan, it won’t lose its juiciness, and you’ll create a magical steak that even professional chefs would envy.

What’s very important in this process? When you place the meat on the grill, don’t keep turning or poking it constantly. It only needs to be flipped once after a certain amount of time so the other side cooks as well. You can grill the steak briefly or longer, depending on how you prefer it. We mentioned three levels of doneness. Rare means grilling for 4 minutes on one side and 2 minutes on the other. Medium is 4 minutes on one side and 3 minutes on the other. Well done means 7 minutes on one side and 5 minutes on the other.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TENDERLOIN AND RUMP STEAK

Tenderloin is a cut of meat that is most often served rare. It is a piece of meat with very little fat and a lot of muscle. It is less commonly known that this is actually loin or sirloin.

The difference between tenderloin and rump steak is that rump steak is a cut from any part and is mainly grilled, while tenderloin is a specific cut of meat – a muscle that can also be called a filet.

CONSUMING TENDERLOIN

As mentioned, tenderloin is most often consumed rare, but other levels of doneness are also acceptable. Tenderloin can be well-done. It all depends on your taste and how you like it. You can even eat raw tenderloin. That version is called steak tartare. Tenderloin is considered an expensive cut of meat, but it is very beneficial for the body and is extremely popular in menus around the world. This dish is highly sought-after and valued. It allows for a lot of creativity, as chefs can add various spices and prepare it in many ways. Tenderloin is made from beef and is considered the juiciest part. It contains little fat, which makes it an exceptionally high-quality cut. Tenderloin is rich in proteins and minerals. It is very popular among active athletes who burn a lot of energy and need regular protein intake. From a medical perspective, tenderloin is a healthy meat.

BEEF CARPACCIO

The origin of tenderloin is from England. It became popular in France, where the French dedicated much time to presenting it as a fine dish worthy of attention. Although there are many ways to prepare the perfect tenderloin, the most sought-after method is – beef carpaccio. The meat is sliced thin, seasoned with pepper and salt, and topped with a mixture of capers, lemon, and olive oil. The prepared meat is arranged on a plate, with arugula placed in the center. Parmesan is grated over the meat.

If you love simple, quick, and healthy desserts, these vegan chocolate balls will become your new favorite! All you need are three basic ingredients and a few minutes of preparation.

Recipe for Chocolate Balls

Black garlic is simply regular garlic that has been fermented to develop its characteristic black color and flavor.

The Maillard reaction and caramelization that occur during fermentation cause changes in the composition and taste of garlic – reports the portal Kuvar.

While some people might prefer the milder and sweeter taste of black garlic compared to fresh garlic, it's important to note that there is little scientific evidence supporting claims of amazing or miraculous health benefits, according to timesofindia.com.

Despite that, black garlic still holds some nutritional value, and certain molecules formed during the fermentation process could be beneficial to health.

Here are some commonly mentioned characteristics of black garlic:

1) Boosts Immunity

Among the compounds found in black garlic with antioxidant properties is S-allyl cysteine (SAC). By helping the body combat free radicals, antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress. It's well known that garlic—especially black garlic—has immune-supporting properties. Fresh garlic contains a chemical called allicin, which may help modulate the immune system.

2) Anti-inflammatory Properties

Black garlic contains certain chemicals that may have anti-inflammatory effects. Reducing inflammation is crucial for maintaining overall health as it is linked to numerous medical conditions.

3) Supports Heart Health

Compounds in black garlic may benefit cardiovascular health, according to certain studies. In particular, SAC has been studied for its potential to promote heart health by supporting healthy cholesterol levels.

4) Contains Anti-cancer Compounds

Preclinical studies suggest that black garlic extracts might have anti-cancer properties. More research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms and how they might be used in humans.

How to Use Black Garlic in Your Diet?

Black garlic has a tangy and sweet flavor. Among other things, it can be used to enhance the taste of marinades, dressings, and sauces. Add black garlic to recipes that call for fresh garlic to give them a unique flavor. It complements both savory and sweet dishes. Black garlic is soft and chewy and spreads or mashes easily. Spread it on toast or crackers, or mix it into sauces and dips.