Binge Time: Delicious and Easy Recipes to Enjoy While Watching Your Favorite Series

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January 2022 – The long-awaited moment of the day has arrived – yes, it’s time to binge your favorite series and relax with stories that entertain, move, and even add a touch of suspense. And to go along with the occasion, nothing beats tasty snacks, right?

Chef and nutritionist from the Umami Committee, Lisiane Miura, selected some delicious and practical options that go perfectly with your series time and can be enjoyed anytime.

“When the day ends or the weekend arrives, watching your favorite series can be one of the most anticipated activities, as it’s the moment we relax and dive into stories that transport us to different realities. To make this relaxing moment even more delightful, I chose three easy-to-prepare recipes: whole-grain bruschetta, bread with tomato, and potato blinis,” says the chef.

These recipes bring umami, the fifth basic taste of the human palate, making the experience even more enjoyable. Check them out:

WHOLE-GRAIN BRUSCHETTA

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (45 ml)
• ½ teaspoon salt (2.5 g)
• 6 slices whole-grain sandwich bread (150 g)
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella (120 g)
• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, quartered (200 g)
• 1 cup roughly chopped arugula (30 g)

PREPARATION METHOD

1. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and salt. Brush the bread slices with half of the seasoned oil and place them on a medium baking sheet.
2. Divide the mozzarella over the slices and top with the tomatoes mixed with the remaining oil.
3. Bake in a preheated medium oven (180°C / 350°F) for about 10 minutes or until the cheese melts.
4. Remove from the oven, top with arugula, and serve immediately.

Tips:

1. Before serving, drizzle the arugula with a bit of olive oil.
2. Whenever possible, consume whole-grain products: bread, pasta, rice, cookies, wheat flour, and cereals. They are richer in fiber, minerals, and vitamins, keep you fuller for longer, and can help in the weight-loss process.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Serves: 6 portions

BREAD WITH TOMATO

INGREDIENTS

• 1 medium tomato, peeled and coarsely grated (150 g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 pinch salt (0.4 g)
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, chopped (5 g)
• 6 slices toasted Italian bread (baguette style)

PREPARATION METHOD

1. In a bowl, combine the tomato, olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic, and mix well.
2. Spread over the bread slices and serve immediately.

Tip: “Pan con Tomate” is a very popular snack in Spain.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Serves: 6 units

POTATO BLINIS

INGREDIENTS

• 2 small asterix potatoes, cubed (300 g)
• 8 tablespoons wheat flour (80 g)
• 5 tablespoons heavy cream (75 ml)
• 2 eggs (100 g)
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch black pepper

PREPARATION METHOD

1. In a medium saucepan, place the potatoes, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook for 20 minutes or until tender.
2. Remove from heat, drain, and transfer to a bowl. Mash with a fork and add the flour and cream, mixing until it becomes a purée consistency.
3. Add the eggs, salt, and pepper, and mix again until smooth.
4. Lightly oil a small nonstick skillet and heat over medium heat. Spread a small portion of the batter, shaping it like a mini pancake.
5. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, turning halfway through, until firm and golden on both sides. Repeat with the remaining batter.
6. Serve with spreads or use as a base for canapés.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Serves: 5 portions

UMAMI

It is the fifth basic taste of the human palate, discovered in 1908 by Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda. It was scientifically recognized in 2000, when researchers at the University of Miami confirmed the existence of specific receptors for this taste in the taste buds. The amino acid glutamic acid and the nucleotides inosinate and guanylate are the main umami substances. The two key characteristics of umami are increased salivation and the lingering taste that lasts for several minutes after eating. To learn more, visit www.portalumami.com.br.