Burmese Version of Larb, without Shrimp Sauce
You Do Need Sambal Oelek
Sambal Oelek
This recipe, which uses no Shrimp Paste, is a Burmese-Chinese version of Larb, the hearty Thai minced Meat dish. You do need Sambal Oelek, which is an Indonesian condiment, so this dish is really a confluence of Southeast Asian influences.
But theta’s not too surprising, as Burma borders on five countries and has borrowed from all of their cuisines while Continue reading
Galangal is Key
Notes of Cantonese plus Influences from Fukien
Galangal
Duck is one of the meats raised without antibiotics or growth hormones, so it is a good choice for cooks who want to Continue reading
An Elegant Chicken and Noodle Preparation
Ginger Plus Sesame Plus Layu
Sesame Oil
This elegant Chinese recipe for Chicken and Egg Noodles is unusual in using an oven, which seems to show modern or Western influence. The Chicken could alternatively be steamed, as was probably done in earlier times. Continue reading
Once Again French Influence
Lemongrass, Star Anise, Cayenne are Key Elements
Lemongrass
The Vietnamese were not great Beef eaters before the arrival of the French colonists. Later they developed a number of distinctive ways of using Beef, including Continue reading
A Ground Meat and Vegetable Classic
Tomatoes, Peas Complete the Dish
Tomatoes
“Keema” (Hindi:कीमा) refers to ground or minced Meat, and several kinds may appear in this dish, along with Continue reading
Different Approach to he Sweet Potato
Sweet Potatoes are often baked,sometimes steamed and usually on the heavy side. This Chinese approach to the tuber, stir-fried, is light Continue reading
A Defining Flavor
Texture of Sugar Crystals
Garlic
Lemongrass is a defining flavor of Vietnamese cuisine.. It’s used to flavor many dishes, including tho signature Chicken dish where, incidentally Continue reading
A Home Cooking Staple
Annatto and Sichuan Pepper Are Key
Sichuan Pepper, Hua Jiao
This spicy version of Chili Paste is a staple of Vietnamese cooking. It is very intense, so a little goes a long way. Annatto Seeds and Sichuan Peppers are key to the flavor balance here. Continue reading
Everyone’s Favorite Cookie
Baking Powder
Or at any rate, everyone’s favorite Chinese cookie, or so it seems. These are popular desserts at Chinese restaurants and sell well at Chinese bakeries. They are also Continue reading
A True Fusion Bevereage
Perfect on a Hot Day
“I’m Thai, but my husband is Vietnamese, so he has to have his Vietnamese, or French-style Coffee.”–Overheard at an Asian Supermarket in Chicago
Vietnamese-style Iced Coffee has to be a true Fusion dish, incorporating as it does, both Milk and Coffee, neither of which were native to Indo-China before the arrival of the French. Continue reading