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2
Dec, 2024
Filipino Lumpia

Filipino Lumpia Shanghai

Filipino Lumpia

Filipino Lumpia Shanghai

SpiceBreeze
Filipino Lumpia, inspired by Chinese spring rolls, are delicate, crispy eggrolls made with ultra-thin wrappers and served with a flavorful dipping sauce. This dish, introduced to the Philippines through centuries of trade and cultural exchange, has become a beloved staple. Traditionally filled with pork and a mix of classic ingredients, our recipe offers plenty of substitutions to make it your own!
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hands-on time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Filling

  • 1 lb ground pork [2]
  • 1 cup finely chopped carrots [3]
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped green cabbage [3]
  • 1/2 cup finely sliced green onions [3]
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp soy sauce [4] or more to taste

Optional Filling Additions

  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley or cilantro optional
  • 1 to 2 cloves garlic finely chopped, optional
  • 1 fresh red chilies, finely sliced optional or more to taste

Assembling & Frying

  • 1 to 2 pkg lumpia wrappers [4] 6 to 8 inches per side
  • vegetable oil not olive oil

Sour Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

  • 1/2 cup vinegar rice or white
  • 1/2 cup sugar or agave syrup
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

Culinary Spice Kit

  • 1 pouch amchur, basil, chili, coriander, garlic, lemongrass, lemon peel, ginger, star anise, cilantro, onion, cumin, white pepper, cinnamon, lemon oil, lime peel

Others

  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Instructions
 

Filling

  • In a large BOWL, combine ground meat, chopped carrots, cabbage, green onions, garlic, optional chili, soy sauce, egg, and salt & pepper to taste. Mix until well incorporated.
  • Cover and keep in the fridge for 1 hour. [5]

Assembling - Option 1 [6]

  • Lay a lumpia wrapper flat on a clean surface, diagonal oriented.
  • Place 1 tbsp of the filling near one corner of the wrapper. Shape the filling into a log.
  • Fold the corner over the filling, then fold the sides in, and roll tightly to form a cylinder.
  • Seal the edge with a dab of water. Repeat for all wrappers.

Assembling - Option 2 [6]

  • Lay a lumpia wrapper flat on a clean surface, oriented like a square or rectangle (not diagonal).
  • Place 1 to 2 tbsp of the filling near the edge of one side of the wrapper. Spread the filling evenly along that entire edge, shaping it into a thin, uniform log.
  • Starting with the side that holds the filling, tightly roll the wrapper over the filling to enclose it.
  • Continue rolling tightly all the way to the opposite edge, keeping the log shape intact.
  • When you reach the other edge, dab a little water or beaten egg on the edge of the wrapper to seal it securely. Repeat for all wrappers.

Frying

  • Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
  • Fry the lumpia in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp (about 3-5 minutes per batch).
  • Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Sour Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

  • In a small POT, mix vinegar, sugar, and 1 tsp [7] Lumpia spices with 1/2 cup of water.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
  • In a CUP, dissolve the cornstarch in 2 tbsp of water.
  • Slowly add this slurry to the simmering sauce while stirring continuously.
  • Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
  • Remove the POT from the heat and allow the sauce to cool.

Serve

  • Enjoy warm with a dipping sauce like sweet chili, vinegar with garlic, or banana ketchup.

Notes

[1] Alternatively, use ground poultry or beef. 
[2] Good substitutes are:
  • for carrots: parsnip, rutabaga, daikon, or beetroot.
  • for green cabbage: kale, red cabbage, or bell pepper.
Alternatively, replace one of the vegetables with a larger portion of the others.
For a meatier version, either omit one of the vegetables or use smaller amounts of each.
[3] Find substitutes on our blog. 
[4] Alternatively, use eggroll sheets or spring roll wrappers.
[5] Skip, if you are in a rush.
[6] Assembling Option 1 produces crispier lumpia and resembles the familiar shape of classic Chinese egg rolls. However, since each roll uses only 1 tablespoon of filling, you’ll need to make more rolls.
Assembling Option 2 is the traditional method for Filipino lumpia. Each roll uses 2 tablespoons of filling, making it easier to assemble and resulting in lumpia with a heartier filling but less crispiness.
[7] Start with 1 tsp of the Lumpia spice blend and adjust to taste.
2
Dec, 2023
Ethiopian Fasolia

Ethiopian Fasolia

How to cook 34 authentic global recipes without tedious planning.
Ethiopian Fasolia

Ethiopian Fasolia

SpiceBreeze
Discover the enchanting flavors of Ethiopia through the aromatic wonder that is Fasolia. Picture a culinary mosaic where green beans and carrots unite, bathed in a fragrant blend of spices that beckons to the heart of East African tradition. As you indulge in the tender embrace of these stewed vegetables, allow the rich tapestry of Ethiopian cuisine to unfold on your palate. Fasolia is not just a dish; it's a sensory voyage, inviting you to savor the essence of vibrant markets and diverse landscapes, and relish in the cultural symphony that defines Ethiopian gastronomy.
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hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Ethiopian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Fresh Produce

  • 1 large (red) onion halved and thinly sliced
  • 1 lb carrots cut into sticks [1] [2]
  • 1 lb green beans trimmed and sliced [1]
  • 1-2 fresh green chilies (optional)

Packaged Good/Staples

  • oil

Culinary Spice Kit

  • Turmeric, garlic, ginger, onions, basil, ajwain, cardamom, fenugreek

Suggested Proteins

  • 1 can garbanzo beans rinsed [3]
  • fried or grilled chicken thighs or breast small strips or bite-size pieces
  • grilled steak
  • beef or chicken stew

Suggested Sides

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large POT to medium-high heat.
  • Add onions and 1/2 tsp salt.
  • Cook over medium heat for 5-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions have softened and turned slightly golden.
  • Add 1/4 cup of oil and fry onions for 5 minutes.
  • Add the carrots and Fasolia spices, cooking for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add the green beans and garbanzo beans (optional). Cover the pot.
  • Continue cooking over low-medium heat for approximately 15-20 minutes until the beans and carrots are very tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Add salt to taste and optionally fresh green chilies.
  • Serve fasolia with your preferred protein and sides.

Notes

[1] Cut all vegetables into approximately 1.5-inch long sticks.
Alternative vegetables - Mix your own combination or go with one of these:
  • one of: green beans or green cabbage or collard greens
  • and one of: potatoes or carrots or beetroots
  • or two of: potatoes or carrots or beetroots
[2] Cut the thin part of the carrots into quarters and the thicker parts into pieces of similar thickness.
[3] Optionally, add garbanzo beans together with the green beans.
[4] From an Ethiopian store, if available, or try our shortcut recipe below.
 
Ethiopian Injera

Ethiopian Injera - Shortcut Version

Injera is best made with teff flour. This gluten-free grain is increasingly available in grocery stores with a wide product selection. Of course, Amazon has it too.

Authentic Ethiopian injera requires a long preparation time and many steps spread over several days. The baking requires a special pan dedicated only for injera and years of experience. Our shortcut recipe skips the long preparation and can be made on a regular pan. Though the spongy texture can't be reached, the use of teff flour creates an authentic flavor and is fun to eat.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup teff flour
  • salt
  • baking soda
  • 2 tbsp yogurt, plain

Instructions

Batter

In a BOWL, mix teff with a dash of salt and baking soda.

Add 3/4 cup of water and the yogurt.

Bake

Heat a dry PAN over medium heat.

Add 1/4 cup of the batter in the center of the PAN.

Tilt the PAN with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.

Cover and cook until the batter is dried, about 2 to 5 minutes. Don't turn it.

© Recipe: SpiceBreeze
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Ethiopian Fasolia
 

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30
Nov, 2023
Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

How to cook 34 authentic global recipes without tedious planning.

Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Discover the Mystique of Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Step into the vibrant streets of Taiwan, where the enticing aroma of sizzling spices and crispy delights fills the air. In this culinary journey, we present a tantalizing treasure: Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken. Imagine bite-sized, golden nuggets of succulent chicken, seasoned to perfection and encased in a flavorful, crispy exterior. This iconic street food sensation promises a symphony of tastes and textures that will transport your taste buds to the bustling night markets of Taiwan. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that combines bold flavors and irresistible crunch, bringing the essence of Taiwanese street food right to your plate.

Visual Ingredient List

Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken elevates the classic concept of chicken nuggets to new heights with its exceptionally crisp texture. Each bite offers a delightful crunch that sets it apart from conventional nuggets. The secret lies in the meticulous preparation, where bite-sized chicken pieces are expertly seasoned, coated, and fried to golden perfection. This culinary marvel brings a symphony of flavors and textures, making it a tantalizing experience that goes beyond the ordinary chicken nugget. Immerse yourself in the world of Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, where crispiness meets culinary excellence.

Protein Options

chicken thighs
chicken thighs
tofu cubes
tofu cubes
pork tenderloin
pork tenderloin
halibut
halibut

Marinade Ingredients

tamari soy sauce
Soy sauce or alternative
egg white
1 egg white
potato starch
Potato or corn starch
Cooking With Sichuan Peppercorns sq
SpiceBreeze spice blend

Other Ingredients

garlic chopping
Optionally, add garlic to the marinade.
bread crumbs
Breadcrumbs *
basil
Italian or Thai (recommended) basil.

* Breadcrumbs: grate dry or toasted bread slices, or use panko, coarse ground almonds, or coarse sweet potato starch.

Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

SpiceBreeze
Embark on a sensory voyage through the bustling streets of Taiwan with Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken. Picture this: bite-sized gems of succulent chicken, enveloped in a golden, crunchy armor that crackles with every bite. Immerse yourself in the juicy tenderness of the seasoned meat, harmonized with the exotic notes of Chinese five-spice. This iconic street food revelation encapsulates the essence of Taiwan's vibrant night markets, offering a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Brace yourself for an extraordinary culinary adventure that elevates crispy indulgence to an art form, all from the comfort of your own plate.
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hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Taiwanese
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1.5 lb chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-size pieces [1]
  • 1 egg white

Fresh Produce

  • 1-2 cloves garlic, grated optional
  • 1 bunch fresh basil (not washed!) [2]

Packaged Good/Staples

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari [3]
  • 2 tbsp potato or corn starch
  • 1-2 cups breadcrumbs [4]

Culinary Spice Kit - In our shop here

  • 1 pouch Cinnamon, fennel, ginger, orange peel, black pepper, cloves, Sichuan pepper, star anise

Suggested Sides

  • salad with lemon dressing cucumber, cabbage, or lettuce
  • steamed vegetables bok choy, asparagus, kale, or leek

Instructions
 

Marinade

  • In a CONTAINER, mix soy sauce, egg white, 2 tbsp starch, Popcorn Chicken spices, and garlic (optional).
  • Add chicken. Mix well. Cover.
  • Let it marinate in the fridge for 1 to 24 hours.

Breading

  • Coat chicken in breadcrumbs. Shake off excess breadcrumbs.
  • Spread them out in one layer on a large plate.
  • Let them sit for 15 minutes.

Frying

  • In a PAN, heat oil for deep frying until sizzling.
  • Fry chicken in several batches (don't crowd the pan) for a few minutes until they turn golden.
  • Scoop the chicken pieces out and transfer them to a plate with paper towels.

Fry Basil Leaves

  • Prepare: Have a lid and strainer ladle close by.
  • Add a handful of basil leaves to the hot oil. Cover immediately.
  • After 5-10 seconds, before the leaves start to burn, use the strainer ladle to quickly scoop out the leaves.
  • Transfer them to a plate with the chicken.

Serve

  • Serve chicken with your preferred sides.
  • Optional, sprinkle them with salt and black pepper or chilies. 
  • Enjoy!

Notes

[1] Alternatives: pork tenderloin, tofu, fish filet (cod or halibut).
[2] Italian or Thai (recommended) basil.
[3] See our blog for alternatives.
[4] Alternatives: panko, coarse ground almonds, coarse sweet potato starch.
 

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2
Oct, 2022
Malaysian Char Kway Teow

Malaysian Char Kway Teow

How to cook 34 authentic global recipes without tedious planning.
Malaysian Char Kway Teow

Malaysian Char Kway Teow

SpiceBreeze
Char Kway Teow is a beloved stir-fried street food from Malaysia, enjoyed across many Asian countries. Traditionally made with wide noodles, it’s just as delicious with other types—or even served over rice. With our spice blend, there’s no need for oyster sauce, and you can customize it by adding your favorite protein. We’ve also included extra vegetables with plenty of options to suit your taste. Adjust the saltiness and heat to create your perfect dish!
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hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Malaysian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 8 oz medium fresh shrimp (*1) or thinly cut chicken breast or sirloin beef
  • 2 eggs whisked

Fresh Produce

  • 1 large leek (*2) (halved lengthwise), cut into 2 inch long pieces
  • 3 green onions cut into 1/2 inch long slices

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 8 oz long noodles (*3)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2-3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (*4)
  • 2 tsp (brown) sugar or syrup
  • (vegetable) oil

Culinary Spice Kit

  • Shiitake mushrooms, garlic, onions, arrowroot, white pepper

Optional

  • 1-2 slices bacon cut into 1/2 inch thin strips
  • 4 oz mung bean sprouts
  • fish sauce or anchovy paste to taste
  • fresh chili finely sliced, to taste
  • 1 lemon for juice

Instructions
 

Prepare

  • Prepare the noodles according to package instructions. Keep them warm.
  • In a CUP, mix 1/4 cup broth, 2 tbsp soy sauce (*4), 2 tsp sugar, and the Char Kway Teow spices.

Fry Vegetables

  • In a LARGE PAN (*5), heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  • Add the leek. Fry until just soft.

Stir-Fry All Ingredients

  • Turn heat to high.
  • Add fresh shrimp (*1), chicken, or beef, and bacon (opt.).
  • Stir-fry for 1 minute.
  • Push the ingredients to the side.
  • Add the eggs to emptied PAN surface.
  • Gently push cooked parts from edges so that uncooked eggs can reach the hot PAN surface.
  • Add the noodles, green onions, and sprouts (opt.).
  • Toss gently until all ingredients are well mixed.

Add Sauce

  • Give the prepared sauce a quick stir and add it to the PAN.
  • Toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.
  • Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce soaks in.
  • If the dish appears dry, add 1 tbsp of water or soy sauce to taste, depending on your desired salt level.

Serve immediately.

  • Optionally, sprinkle to taste with fish sauce, fresh chilies, and/or lemon juice.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

(1) Shelled and deveined.
Optionally, substitute half of the shrimp with 4 oz fish cake, sliced.
If using cooked shrimp, add them before the noodles and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
Alternatively, add warm baked tofu cubes on the plated dish.
QUICK TOFU CUBES RECIPE:
Drain 1 lb firm tofu and cut it into 1/2 cubes.
Season with 1.5 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oil, and 1 tsp starch.
Bake at 350° F for 30 minutes on greased parchment paper, flipping halfway.
 
(2) Substitute the leek with 6 oz green asparagus or (precooked) baby broccoli or zucchini, cut into 2 inches long thin pieces.
(3) Recommended: flat rice noodles or other wide noodles, about 0.25-0.5 inch width.
Alternatively, skip the noodles and serve the sauce over cooked rice.
(4) Optionally, add up to 1 tbsp more and/or substitute 1/2-1 tbsp with dark soy sauce.
For soy sauce substitutes click here.
(5) Alternatively, divide the ingredients in half and cook in two batches.
If you like, use a large wok instead of the pan.

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27
Nov, 2021
Aruban Keshi Yena

Aruban Keshi Yena

How to cook 34 authentic global recipes without tedious planning.
Aruban Keshi Yena

Aruban Keshi Yena

SpiceBreeze
Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao—known as the ABC islands—are Dutch jewels nestled in the Caribbean Sea. A culinary highlight from Aruba and Curaçao is Keshi Yena, a dish with a rich history. Legend has it that slaves created this dish by stuffing the hollowed-out rind of Edam or Gouda cheese with assorted leftovers, turning scraps into a hearty meal.
Not a cheese lover? No problem! You can reduce or omit the cheese altogether. The flavorful filling also works beautifully as a sauce—with or without tomatoes—for pasta or pizza.
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Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Caribbean
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground meat*)
  • 2 cups diced tomatoes from a can
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 18-24 oz cheese**) sliced
  • 4-6 cups cooked rice
  • 2 onions chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • oil butter, salt

Keshi Yena Culinary Spice Kit

  • Black peppercorn, garlic, onion, chili pepper, oregano, sage

Recommended

  • 1 tsp capers
  • 1/4 cup green olives sliced
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • (1) In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat.
  • Add onions, garlic, bell pepper, meat, Keshi Yena spices, and salt to taste.
  • Stir-fry until the meat is crumbled and cooked.
  • (2) Add tomatoes and your choice of the recommended ingredients.
  • Add salt to taste. Mix well.
  • Cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
  • Stir occasionally. Set aside.
  • (3) Preheat the OVEN to 350°F.
  • (4) Grease a non-sticking BAKING DISH or 3-4 BAKING BOWLS with butter.
  • Line the bottom and sides of the BAKING DISH completely with overlapping cheese slices.
  • (5) In a BOWL, whisk the eggs.
  • Stir them into the sauce and pour all into the BAKING DISH.
  • Cover completely with cheese slices.
  • (6) Bake in the OVEN until the cheese is soft and golden brown.
  • Serve keshi yena with rice.
  • Optionally, add a fresh salad.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Substitute ground meat with shredded or chopped cooked meat, or (partly) with vegetables, for instance, mushrooms, green beans, or eggplants.
*) Chicken and beef are popular. Veal or pork work as well.
**) Edam, Gouda, Cheddar, or your preferred cheese.

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25
Nov, 2021
European Holiday Feast

European Holiday Feast

How to cook 34 authentic global recipes without tedious planning.
Holiday Feast

European Holiday Feast

SpiceBreeze
Roasted goose with potato dumplings and holiday spiced red cabbage is one of the traditional holiday feasts in Northern Europe. The preparation is faster and easier with gnocchi and chicken or turkey. You can save even more time without gravy. The juicy sauce out of the oven is scrumptious by itself. The key ingredient is the herb mugwort. It's also beneficial for the digestion.
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Cuisine Austrian, German, Polish
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 4 lbs chicken legs and breast with bones and skin
  • 1 lb red cabbage finely sliced
  • 1 orange peeled and quartered
  • 1 sour apple quartered
  • 1 sour apple chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 lb gnocchi
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 2 tbsp vinegar
  • 0.5 cup red wine
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Culinary Spice Kit

  • [1] Mugwort Do not use during pregnancy
  • [2] Juniper berries, cloves, bay leaf

Instructions
 

Chicken

  • Preheat OVEN to 350°F.
  • Rub chicken on all sides with salt & pepper.
  • In a large OVEN DISH, spread 2 tbsp oil and add chicken pieces skin-side down.
  • Distribute Holiday Feast [1] spices, orange, apple quarters, onions, and 1 cup of water around the chicken.
  • Cover*) and bake in the OVEN for 45-60 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Every 15 minutes, stir the liquid and spoon it over the chicken.
  • After 30 minutes take off the cover and turn the chicken.

Gnocchi

  • Prepare gnocchi according to package instructions.

Gravy

  • In a POT, strain liquid from the OVEN DISH.
  • In a small CUP, dissolve flour in 1/8 cup water.
  • Add flour-water to the POT. Bring to a boil, reduce to medium.
  • Simmer for 2-5 minutes until it thickens. Add salt & pepper to taste.

Cabbage

  • In a POT, melt butter.
  • Add cabbage and vinegar. Sauté for 5 minutes.
  • Add chopped apple, wine, Holiday Feast [2] spices, salt to taste, and a dash of sugar.
  • Mix well, cover, and cook over low heat for 45-60 minutes until the cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally. Enjoy!

Notes

Notes & Variations
â–ª Substitute chicken with turkey, goose, duck, or pork tenderloin. Adjust cooking time.
â–ª Substitute gnocchi with mash potatoes.
â–ª Substitute orange with 1 cup of cranberries.
*) Use aluminum foil to cover the chicken.

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