Malaysian Laksa Lemak

Malaysian Laksa Lemak

Malaysian Laksa Lemak

Malaysian Laksa Lemak

SpiceBreeze
Coconut milk adds sweetness to the famous Malaysian Laksa soup and balances its sour-salty-hot flavor. In this adapted recipe shrimp paste and fish sauce are substituted with the more accessible anchovy paste and tamari or soy sauce. For a fish-free version of this delicious fragrant soup, skip the anchovy paste, substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu.
 
Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Malaysian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb fresh shrimp
  • 2 cups mung bean sprouts
  • 1/4 cup macadamia nuts
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 4 oz rice noodles
  • 1 cup shallots sliced
  • 1 inch ginger chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1-2 lime or lemon for juice
  • tamari or soy sauce
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Laksa Culinary Spice Kit

  • Lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, makrut lime, lime peel, chili

Optional

  • anchovy paste or fish sauce
  • fresh cilantro or mint leaves
  • fresh chilies sliced

Instructions
 

Spice Paste

  • In a BLENDER or small FOOD PROCESSOR, add ginger, garlic, shallots, nuts, Laksa spices, 2 tbsp tamari, and 1 tsp oil.
  • Blend until it becomes a smooth paste.
  • Add a bit of coconut milk if necessary.

Cook

  • Prepare noodles according to package instructions.
  • In a POT, heat 2 tbsp oil. Fry the spice paste for 2 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
  • Add broth, coconut milk, bean sprouts, and shrimp.
  • Bring to a boil. Cook 5 minutes.
  • Add chilies to taste (opt.) and 1/4 cup lime juice or more to taste.
  • Adjust saltiness to taste with tamari or soy sauce, and/or anchovy paste or fish sauce.

Serve

  • To serve, fill noodles in individual bowls and add the soup.
  • Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro or mint leaves.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • Substitute shrimp with small cubes of chicken, white fish, or tofu, or mix them.
  • Substitute bean sprouts with bamboo shoots or finely sliced cabbage.
  • Substitute macadamia nuts with peanuts or almonds.
  • Substitute noodles with cooked rice.
 
Marceline Reid-Jaques
Marceline Reid-Jaques
2022-12-14
Karen Jones
Karen Jones
2022-12-05
Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
ann davis
ann davis
2022-11-29
My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
Jessica Brown
Jessica Brown
2022-05-22
The best way to try new dishes!

Enter the Culinary World

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Cambodian Amok

Cambodian Amok

Amok

Cambodian Amok

Amok is a national dish of Cambodia. The most common version is Amok Trey with fish in a fresh coconut sauce seasoned with lemongrass, galangal, and makrut limes. 

Select Your Ingredients

Typical vegetables are local green Nhor leaves which are slightly bitter. You can make this dish with your favorite protein and vegetables. You can even add some fresh pineapples.

Variations
  • Substitute fish with sirloin beef, tofu, or more vegetables. 
  • For the beef: Cut the sirloin beef into 1/4-inch thin strips. Fry beef strips in oil over high heat to the desired doneness. Add the fried beef strips to the finished amok dish.
  • For the tofu:
    (1) Prepare: Drain the tofu for 30 minutes. Cut the tofu into half-inch cubes.
    (2) Optionally, bake tofu in the OVEN at 350°F for 2o minutes, turning tofu halfway. This gives the tofu an extra crunch.
    (3) Substitute tofu for fish. Add the tofu, leaves, and remaining coconut cream altogether. Bring to a boil. Cook over medium-low heat until the leaves are soft. 
  • Substitute green leaves with bok choy, mushrooms, green asparagus, bell pepper, and/or napa cabbage.
The Amok Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:

Lemongrass, galangal, lemon, turmeric, makrut lime, chili flakes, basil, bay leaves, lime peel

Cambodian Amok
Amok

Cambodian Amok

SpiceBreeze
Amok is a national dish of Cambodia. The most common version is Amok Trey with fish in a fresh coconut sauce seasoned with lemongrass, galangal, and makrut limes. Typical vegetables are local green Nhor leaves which are slightly bitter. You can make this dish with your favorite protein and vegetables. You can even add fresh pineapples.
Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cambodian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb fish filet*) or chicken thighs cut into 1/2-inch strips
  • 1 can coconut cream 13.5 oz
  • 1 bunch green leaves mustard, collard, or dandelion, roughly sliced
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic sliced
  • cooked rice
  • vegetable or coconut oil salt

Optional (to taste)

  • lime or lemon juice
  • tamari or soy sauce or fish sauce
  • fresh red chilies chopped
  • fresh pineapple bite-size chunks

Amok Culinary Spice Kit

  • Lemongrass, galangal, lemon, turmeric, makrut lime, chili flakes, basil, bay leaves, lime peel 

Instructions
 

  • In a large PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium-low heat.
  • Fry onions with a pinch of salt until they turn translucent.
  • Add garlic and fry for 1 minute.
  • Add 1/2 cup of the coconut cream and Amok spices. Mix well.
  • Add fish or chicken and salt to taste.
  • Mix well. Cook for 3 minutes.
  • Add leaves and remaining coconut cream. Cover. Bring to a boil.
  • Cook over medium-low heat until the leaves are soft and the fish or chicken is cooked.
  • Serve amok with rice.
  • Optionally, add pineapple and/ or season to taste with lime juice, tamari or fish sauce, and/ or fresh chilies.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

*) for instance: snapper, cod, or tilapia
▪ Substitute fish with sirloin beef, tofu, or more vegetables. 
▪ Substitute green leaves with bok choy, mushrooms, green asparagus, bell pepper, and/or napa cabbage.
Ghanaian Waakye

Ghanaian Waakye

Waakye

Beans & Rice from Ghana

Waakye, a Ghanaian dish with beans & rice is a meal of itself or the center of a large number of side dishes. It’s very popular all over Ghana. 

“Waakye”​

The name derives from waakye leaves that are typically used to turn the color of the dish to reddish-brown. Baking soda has the same effect. Try this basic dish with side dishes of your choice.

Grains of the Paradise

The spice kit includes grains of paradise. They are native to West Africa, mainly from Ghana, and a mild but pungent alternative to black pepper.

Variations
  • Waakye as a meal of its own  (first recipe below).
  • Chicken Waakye (second recipe below).

Add a side dish: 

  • Sour cabbage salad: see the recipe in the Currywurst recipe.
  • Fried plantain  Peel and slice a plantain. Sprinkle it with salt and fry in some oil until they are soft inside and golden brown outside. 
The Waakye Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:

[1] Smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaves

[2] Grains of paradise

Grains of Paradise
Grains of Paradise
Ghanaian Waakye

Ghanaian Waakye

SpiceBreeze
Waakye is very popular all over Ghana. The name derives from waakye leaves that are typically used to turn the color of the dish to reddish-brown. Baking soda has the same effect. Try this basic dish with sides of your choice and grains of paradise to your taste. These peppercorns are native to West Africa, mainly from Ghana, and a mild but pungent alternative to black pepper.
 
Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Ghanaian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Shopping list

  • 1 can Kidney beans rinsed
  • 1.5 cups long grain rice washed

You might have

  • 1 onion peeled and roughly cut
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled and roughly cut
  • 1 inch ginger peeled and roughly cut
  • baking soda
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Waakye Culinary Spice Kit

  • Pouch [1] Smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaves
  • Pouch [2] Grains of paradise

Instructions
 

  • In a FOOD PROCESSOR, blend onion, garlic, and ginger with 1/2 cup of water until smooth.
  • In a large POT, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat.
  • Careful of splatters, add beans, Waakye [1] spices, 1 tsp baking soda, and the liquid from the FOOD PROCESSOR.
  • Cook for 5 minutes over medium-low heat.
  • Stir in the rice and 2.5 cups of water. Add salt to taste. Mix well, cover, and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • On the plated dish, sprinkle Waakye [2] spices to taste from a grinder or the whole peppercorns.

Optional

  • Serve Waakye with fried plantains, boiled eggs, sour cabbage salad, grilled meat, and/or sausages (see notes).

Notes

▪ Substitute kidney beans with black-eyed peas.
Recipes for:
Chicken Waakye
optional side dishes
Ghanaian Waakye

Ghanaian Chicken Waakye

SpiceBreeze
Waakye is very popular all over Ghana. The name derives from waakye leaves that are typically used to turn the color of the dish to reddish-brown. Baking soda has the same effect. Try this basic dish with sides of your choice and grains of paradise to your taste. These peppercorns are native to West Africa, mainly from Ghana, and a mild but pungent alternative to black pepper.
 
Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Ghanaian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Shopping list

  • 1 lb chicken breast cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 can Kidney beans rinsed
  • 1.5 cups long grain rice washed

You might have

  • 1 onion peeled and roughly cut
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled and roughly cut
  • 1 inch ginger peeled and roughly cut
  • baking soda
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Waakye Culinary Spice Kit

  • Pouch [1] Smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaves
  • Pouch [2] Grains of paradise

Instructions
 

Waakye

  • In a large POT, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat.
  • Careful of splatters, add beans and fry for 2 minutes.
  • Add 1 tsp baking soda, rice, 3 cups of water, and salt to taste.
  • Mix well, cover, and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked.

Chicken

  • In a FOOD PROCESSOR, blend onion, garlic, and ginger with 1/2 cup of water until smooth.
  • Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
  • In a large PAN, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chicken and fry until it turns brown on all sides.
  • Careful of splatters, add the liquid from the FOOD PROCESSOR and Waakye [1] spices.
  • Cook for 10-15 minutes over medium-low heat until the chicken is cooked. Add some more water if necessary and salt to taste.
  • On the plated dish, sprinkle Waakye [2] spices to taste from a grinder or the whole peppercorns.

Optional

  • Serve Waakye with fried plantains, boiled eggs, and/ or sour cabbage salad (see notes).
  • Enjoy!

Notes

▪ Substitute kidney beans with black-eyed peas.
 
Recipes for:
▪ vegetarian Waakye
▪ optional side dishes
Couscous aux Sept Légumes

Moroccan Couscous aux Sept Légumes

Couscous aux Sept Légumes

Couscous aux Sept Légumes

‘Couscous with seven vegetables’ is a traditional dish in North African countries and much loved by its visitors. Saffron supports the rich flavor of plenty of fresh vegetables. Don’t worry about the chopping! Luckily, the vegetables are used in a larger size for this dish. Couscous is also cooked with lamb or sheep. 

Tfaya like Caramel

A typical topping is Tfaya, caramelized onions, raisins, and cinnamon. With Tfaya, arrange for a longer cooking time.

Variations
  • If you use chicken breast, cut it in three even parts.
  • Optitional vegetables: tomatoes, zucchini, green beans.
  • Without meat, substitute water with vegetable broth.
  • Substitute couscous with cooked potatoes.
  • Add caramelized onions with raisins (Tfaya).
The Couscous Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:

[1]    paprika, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, saffron

[2]    cinnamon, cardamom

Couscous
Couscous aux Sept Légumes

North African Couscous aux Sept Légumes

SpiceBreeze
'Couscous with seven vegetables' is a traditional dish in North African countries and much loved by its visitors. Saffron supports the rich flavor of plenty of fresh vegetables. Don't worry about the chopping! Luckily, the vegetables are used in a larger size for this dish. Couscous is also cooked with lamb or sheep. A typical topping is Tfaya, caramelized onions, raisins, and cinnamon. With Tfaya, arrange for a longer cooking time.
 
Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Moroccan
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Shopping list

  • 1 lb chicken pieces with skin or lamb or beef
  • 10 oz couscous
  • 1/2 small white cabbage quartered
  • 0.5 lb pumpkin cut in 2-inch thick pieces
  • 0.5 lb carrots cut in half
  • 0.5 lb turnips or daikon cut in 8 pieces
  • 1/2 bunch parsley or cilantro or mixed finely chopped

You might have

  • 1 medium onion halved and sliced
  • olive oil
  • salt

Optional vegetables as (partly) substitutes

  • 1 large zucchini halved and cut lengthwise
  • 2 tomato/es quartered
  • 1 cup green beans

Optional

  • 1 cup garbanzo or fava beans (from a can, rinsed)
  • 3/4 cup raisins

Tfaya

  • 4 medium onions halved and sliced
  • 3/4 cup raisins
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1-2 tbsp sugar

Culinary Spice Kit

  • Pouch [1] paprika, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, saffron
  • Pouch [2] cinnamon, cardamom

Instructions
 

Tfaya (optional)

  • In a POT, melt butter.
  • Add sliced onions, salt & Couscous Spices [2] to taste.
  • Cook over medium-low heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to detach the onions.
  • Add 2 tbsp of water.
  • Cover and cook for about 30 minutes until the onions are soft. Stir occasionally.
  • Add raisins and sugar.
  • Cover and cook for about 30 minutes until the onions are caramelized. Stir occasionally.

Stew

  • In a large POT, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
  • Fry meat and onions until the meat turns slightly brown on all sides.
  • Add vegetables, salt to taste, and Couscous Spices [1].
  • If you use zucchini, add them after 10 minutes.
  • If you use lamb or beef, cook meat in water and spices until it's almost tender, before you add the vegetables.
  • Add 2.5 cups of water.
  • Cover POT and bring to boil.
  • Cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
  • Add the herbs and optionally garbanzo beans and/or raisins and Couscous Spices [2] to taste. Mix well.
  • Continue to cook for about 5-10 minutes until all ingredients are soft but not mashed.

Couscous

  • Prepare couscous according to package instructions.

Serve

  • On a large plate, serve stew over couscous.
  • Optionally, top with Tfaya.
  • Enjoy!
Italian Spaghetti Napolitana

Italian Spaghetti Napolitana

Italian Spaghetti Napolitana

Spaghetti Napolitana

SpiceBreeze
Despite the name of this dish, it didn't originate in Naples. It's a variation of pasta al pomodoro (noodles with tomatoes), a basic Italian meal. This Napolitana spice blend adds the Mediterranean aroma of mixed herbs. Optionally, try a variation with vegetables or meat (Spaghetti Bolognese).
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1 lb ground meat [1] optional

Fresh Produce

  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 8 oz vegetables [2] finely cut (optional)
  • 1 cup basil or parsley leaves for garnish

Dairy

  • 1/2 cup cheese [3] finely grated (optional)

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 1 can tomatoes [4] 17-18 oz
  • 1 lb spaghetti or capellini, bucatini, or other noodles of your choice
  • olive oil
  • salt & pepper

Napolitana Culinary Spice Kit

  • Onion, garlic, oregano, basil, marjoram, sage, chili, celery

Suggested Sides

  • lettuce or cucumber salad with a mild dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and salt & pepper

Instructions
 

Sauce

  • In a POT, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  • Add onions and fry them until they are translucent.
  • Careful of splatters, add tomatoes and Napolitana spices.
  • Optionally, add ground meat and stir until it's crumbled.
  • Optionally, add finely cut vegetables. Mix well.
  • Cover and bring to a boil.
  • Turn heat to medium-low.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cover and cook for 30-90 minutes.

Noodles

  • Cook the noodles according to package instructions.

Serve

  • Pour Napolitana sauce over the noodles.
  • Optionally, sprinkle with cheese, and garnish with basil or parsley leaves.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

[1] beef, pork, lamb, poultry, or a mix of it
[2] recommended: carrots, turnip, or parsnip; eggplant
[3] recommended: parmesan
[4] The ingredients in the can should be only tomatoes and no seasoning.
Marceline Reid-Jaques
Marceline Reid-Jaques
2022-12-14
Karen Jones
Karen Jones
2022-12-05
Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
ann davis
ann davis
2022-11-29
My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
Jessica Brown
Jessica Brown
2022-05-22
The best way to try new dishes!

Enter the Culinary World

Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity