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3
Sep, 2024
Brazilian Peixe no Leite de Castanha-do-Pará

Brazilian Peixe no Leite de Castanha-do-Pará

South American Fish - Alternative with Chicken

Baked in Creamy Nut Milk and with Fall Vegetables

Brazil nuts in hand
sweet potatoes
acorn squash
green beans
Brazilian Peixe no Leite de Castanha-do-Pará

Brazilian Peixe no Leite de Castanha-do-Pará

SpiceBreeze
Brazilian Pirarucu or Peixe no Leite de Castanha-do-Pará is a flavorful and elegant dish that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Brazil. Traditionally made with pirarucu, a meaty and slightly sweet fish from the Amazon, it features a creamy nut milk made from Castanha-do-Pará (Brazil nuts) and a medley of tender vegetables. While pirarucu is the star of this dish, we've adapted the recipe to use other firm white fish like cod or halibut, which are more readily available in North America. You can even use chicken for a different twist. This versatile dish brings together a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, perfect for a special occasion or a refined weeknight dinner.
See the notes for a recipe version with less hands-on time.
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hands-on time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Brazilian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1-1.5 lb fish fillet [1] cod, halibut, or tilapia
  • 300 g Brazil nuts [2] raw, unsalted

Vegetables

  • 3 slices sweet potato [3] 1/2 inch each
  • 3 slices acorn squash [3] 1/4 inch each
  • 3 oz green beans [4]
  • 1 small zucchini or yellow squash [4] halved and cut lengthwise into quarters
  • 1 medium (red) onion (optional) [5] cut into 8 wedges
  • 1 medium tomato (optional) [5] cut into 8 wedges

Culinary Spice Blend

  • 1 pouch Annatto, cumin, garlic, paprika, black pepper, chili, thyme

Additional Ingredients

  • salt
  • olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley (optional) chopped

Instructions
 

Nut Milk Preparation

  • In a BLENDER or nut milk maker, combine the nuts with 400 ml of water. Blend for 5 minutes, or in three 2-minute intervals, until smooth.
  • Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Fish Preparation

  • On a PLATE, Season the fish fillets with salt to taste and with a thin layer of Peixe no Leite de Castanha spices.
  • Let the fish rest for 30 minutes to absorb the seasoning.

Vegetables Preparation

  • In a POT, bring 2 quarts of lightly salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the acorn squash and sweet potato, each separately, for about 10 minutes, until almost tender.
  • Scoop the vegetables out with a slotted spoon and set them aside.

Assembly and Baking

  • Preheat the OVEN to 420°F.
  • Grease a BAKING PAN with olive oil and arrange the seasoned fish fillets in the pan.
  • Pour the prepared nut milk evenly over the fish fillets.
  • Sprinkle with salt to taste and a thin layer of Peixe no Leite de Castanha spices.
  • Distribute the vegetables evenly around and on top of the fish.
  • Sprinkle with salt to taste and another thin layer of Peixe no Leite de Castanha spices.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
  • Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

For a faster preparation option, check out this recipe.
[1] Alternative: Chicken breast, tenders, or thighs, cut thinly lengthwise.
[2] Please avoid using store-bought nut milk, as it tends to be too thin for this recipe.
[3] Alternatives: You can use any pumpkin or squash of your choice, or potato, daikon, or rutabaga. It’s best to include two different types, each about 4 oz.
[4] Alternatives: okra or endives or carrots
[5] It is recommended to include at least one of the following: onion or tomato. 
Brazilian Peixe no Leite de Castanha-do-Pará

Brazilian Peixe no Leite de Castanha-do-Pará - Quick Version

SpiceBreeze
Brazilian Pirarucu or Peixe no Leite de Castanha-do-Pará is a flavorful and elegant dish that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Brazil. Traditionally made with pirarucu, a meaty and slightly sweet fish from the Amazon, it features a creamy nut milk made from Castanha-do-Pará (Brazil nuts) and a medley of tender vegetables. While pirarucu is the star of this dish, we've adapted the recipe to use other firm white fish like cod or halibut, which are more readily available in North America. You can even use chicken for a different twist. This versatile dish brings together a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, perfect for a special occasion or a refined weeknight dinner.
See the notes for the authentic recipe.
Share Print
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Brazilian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1-1.5 lb fish fillet [1] cod, halibut, or tilapia
  • 300 g Brazil nuts [2] raw, unsalted

Vegetables

  • 3 slices sweet potato [3] 1/2 inch each
  • 3 slices acorn squash [3] 1/4 inch each
  • 3 oz green beans [4]
  • 1 small zucchini or yellow squash [4] halved and cut lengthwise into quarters

Culinary Spice Blend

  • 1 pouch Annatto, cumin, garlic, paprika, black pepper, chili, thyme

Additional Ingredients

  • salt
  • olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley (optional) chopped

Instructions
 

Season the Fish

  • On a PLATE, season the fish fillets with salt to taste and with a thin layer of Peixe no Leite de Castanha spices.
  • Let the fish rest for 30 minutes to absorb the seasoning.

Prepare the Nut Milk

  • In a BLENDER or nut milk maker, combine the nuts with 400 ml of water. Blend for 5 minutes, or in three 2-minute intervals, until smooth.
  • Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Bake the Vegetables

  • Preheat the OVEN to 400°F.
  • Place the acorn squash and potato evenly onto a greased BAKING SHEET. Drizzle with olive oil.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the vegetables.
  • Add the green beans and zucchini to the baking sheet, layering them over the other vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil.
  • Sprinkle with salt to taste and thin layer of Peixe no Leite de Castanha spices.
  • Bake for another 10 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
  • Remove the vegetables from the oven and keep them warm.

Bake the Fish

  • Grease a BAKING PAN with olive oil and arrange the seasoned fish fillets in the pan.
  • Pour the prepared nut milk evenly over the fish fillets.
  • Sprinkle with salt to taste and a thin layer of Peixe no Leite de Castanha spices.
  • Cover and bake at 425°F for 10 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked.

Serve

  • Arrange the fish and baked vegetables on plates.
  • Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

For an authentic experience check out this recipe.
[1] Alternative: Chicken breast, tenders, or thighs, cut thinly lengthwise.
[2] Please avoid using store-bought nut milk, as it tends to be too thin for this recipe.
[3] Alternatives: You can use any pumpkin or squash of your choice, potatoes, daikon, or rutabaga. It’s best to include two different types, each about 4 oz.
[4] Alternatives: okra or endives or carrots.

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3
Sep, 2024
Lebanese Malfouf Mahshi

Lebanese Malfouf Mahshi

How to cook 34 authentic global recipes without tedious planning.
Lebanese Malfouf Mahshi

Lebanese Malfouf Mahshi

SpiceBreeze
Malfouf Mahshi is a traditional Middle Eastern dish, particularly popular in countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. The name translates to "stuffed cabbage" in Arabic. The dish consists of cabbage leaves that are filled with an aromatic mixture of rice and ground meat, usually lamb or beef. For a vegetarian version, lentils can be used in place of meat, and bulgur is a great alternative to rice.
See the notes for a recipe version with less hands-on time.
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hands-on time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Lebanese
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Pot Basics

  • 1 head green cabbage (2 to 2.5 lb)
  • 1 large tomato sliced
  • 1 head garlic

Filling

  • 1 cup short grain rice [1] rinsed
  • 1 lb ground meat [2] lamb or beef
  • 1 medium tomato diced
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil (optional)

Cooking Liquid

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

Yogurt Sauce

  • 2 cups plain yogurt
  • 1-2 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 lemon for juice
  • 1-3 tsp fresh dill chopped

Malfouf Mahshi Culinary Spice Blend

  • 1 pouch Allspice, garlic, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, fenugreek, ginger

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cabbage

  • Remove the stem and core of the cabbage.
  • Peel off 4 large outer leaves, rinse them, and set them aside.
  • Cut off 1 inch from the bottom of the cabbage and save this piece for another recipe.
  • Separate the remaining leaves.
  • Cook them in lightly salted boiling water for approximately 5 minutes, until just softened.
  • Scoop them out and let them cool.

Prepare the Filling

  • In a large bowl, combine the rice, meat, tomatoes, Malfouf Mahshi spices, and salt to taste. If using lean meat or lentils, add 1 to 2 tbsp of oil. Mix well.

Make the Rolls

  • Flatten and staple the cabbage leaves.
  • Place 2 tbsp of filling in the center of each leaf, spreading it into a line, leaving about 1/4 inch from the edges.
  • Roll the leaves tightly into cigar-shaped rolls, pressing firmly. Leave the sides open. Place the rolls on a large plate seam-side down.

Mix the Broth

  • In a bowl, mix 5 cups of water or broth with 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 tbsp tomato paste, and salt and pepper to taste.

Pot Assembly

  • In a large pot, cover the bottom with 2 of the reserved outer cabbage leaves.
  • Add one layer of tomato slices on top.
  • Arrange the cabbage rolls in several layers, scattering garlic cloves between the layers.
  • Finish with a layer of the remaining reserved outer cabbage leaves to cover the rolls.
  • Place a large plate upside down on top of the rolls to prevent them from floating.
  • Pour in the broth and add additional hot water until everything is submerged.
  • Cover the pot with a lid.

Cook

  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 90 minutes, or until the cabbage leaves are tender. Taste one roll to check doneness.

Prepare the Yogurt Sauce

  • In a small bowl, mix 2 cups of yogurt with grated garlic and lemon juice to taste.
  • Optionally, add 1 to 3 teaspoons of fresh dill.

Serve

  • Serve the Malfouf Mahshi cabbage rolls with the yogurt sauce.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

For a faster preparation option, check out this recipe.
Adjust the cabbage-to-rice-and-meat ratio to suit your preference.
[1] Alternative: bulgur 
[2] For a vegetarian twist, substitute 1 can of lentils for the meat.
Lebanese Malfouf Mahshi

Lebanese Malfouf Mahshi - Quick Version

SpiceBreeze
Malfouf Mahshi is a traditional Middle Eastern dish, particularly popular in countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. The name translates to "stuffed cabbage" in Arabic. The dish consists of cabbage leaves that are filled with an aromatic mixture of rice and ground meat, usually lamb or beef. For a vegetarian version, lentils can be used in place of meat, and bulgur is a great alternative to rice.
See the notes for the authentic recipe.
Share Print
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Lebanese
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Sauce

  • 2 cups plain yogurt
  • 1-2 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 lemon for juice
  • 1-3 tsp fresh dill (optional) chopped

Meat

  • 1 lb ground meat [1] lamb or beef
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

Cabbage

  • 1 head green cabbage
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

Malfouf Mahshi Culinary Spice Blend

  • 1 pouch Allspice, garlic, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, fenugreek, ginger

Additional Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked rice [2]
  • salt
  • butter

Instructions
 

Sauce

  • In a BOWL, combine yogurt with garlic and lemon juice to taste.
  • For added flavor, mix in 1 to 3 tsp of fresh dill, if desired.
  • Set aside.

Meat

  • In a large BOWL, combine the meat, 1 tbsp tomato paste, Malfouf Mahshi spices, and salt to taste.
  • Mix until well combined.
  • Shape the mixture into thin rolls about 2 inches long.
  • In a PAN, cook the meat rolls in butter over medium-low heat, turning to slightly brown all sides evenly.

Cabbage

  • Remove and discard the thick outer leaves of the cabbage.
  • Cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the core, then cut into small wedges.
  • In a large POT, mix 1 quart of lightly salted water with 1/4 cup of lemon juice and 2 tbsp tomato paste.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium.
  • Cook the cabbage leaves for 10 minutes, or until they soften.

Serve

  • Arrange the meat rolls on a bed of cabbage leaves and rice, then drizzle with the yogurt sauce.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

[1] For an authentic experience and a vegetarian twist, check out this recipe.
[2] Alternative: bulgur 

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2
Apr, 2022
Middle Eastern Za'atar Tabbouleh

Middle Eastern Za’atar with Tabbouleh

How to cook 34 authentic global recipes without tedious planning.
Middle Eastern Za'atar Tabbouleh

Middle Eastern Za'atar with Tabbouleh

SpiceBreeze
Za'atar is a beloved Middle Eastern spice blend, often served in restaurants as a tabletop condiment or mixed with olive oil for dipping. While recipes vary, the essential ingredients—sesame seeds, sumac, and thyme (or a similar herb)—create a deliciously nutty, tangy, and savory flavor profile. Its versatility makes it irresistible: try it with roasted chicken, vegetables, on pizza, in hummus, or as a flavorful dip!
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hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 3 Servings

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken thighs or breast* cut in half

Fresh Produce

  • 3 cloves garlic grated
  • 2 medium tomatoes finely chopped or halved cherry tomatoes
  • 2 bunch flat-leaf parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp mint leaves chopped (opt.)
  • 3 spring onions thinly sliced
  • 1 Persian cucumber diced (opt.)
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper finely diced (opt.)
  • 2-3 limes or lemons for juice

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 1 oz fine bulgur couscous, or quinoa (cooked)
  • olive oil
  • salt & pepper

Za'atar Culinary Spice Kit Ingredients:

  • White sesame seeds, sumac, coriander, thyme, cumin, black peppercorn, salt

Alternative Recipe: Za'atar Fritters

  • 1 lb potatoes or carrots, grated
  • 1 lb zucchini, grated
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 cup yogurt, plain 

Instructions
 

Marinade

  • In a CONTAINER, mix Za'atar spices, garlic, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp oil.
  • Add chicken. Mix well. Cover.
  • Let it marinate in the fridge overnight.

Tabbouleh

  • Mix bulgur with tomatoes, parsley, onions, and 1 tbsp lime juice, and salt & pepper to taste.
  • Optionally add mint, cucumber and/or bell pepper.
  • Let it rest in the fridge for 2 to 24 hours.

Fry

  • In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil and fry the chicken on both sides until tender inside and crisp on the outside.
  • Let it rest 5 minutes.

Serve

  • Cut chicken in small slices and serve it with tabbouleh.
  • Enjoy!

Alternative Recipe: Za'atar Fritters - Option 1

  • Mix all ingredients, except the yogurt, well and season with Za'atar & pepper to taste.
  • In a PAN, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  • For each fritter, place 1/4 cup of the mixture into the PAN, and flatten it slightly.
  • Fry the fritters until they turn golden brown on both sides.
  • Serve the fritters with the yogurt.

Alternative Recipe: Za'atar Fritters - Option 2

  • Season the mixture only with salt & pepper to taste.
  • Season the yogurt with Za'atar spices to taste.
  • Serve the fritters with the yogurt.

Alternative: Za'atar Meatballs

  • Spice up your favorite meatball recipe by adding za'atar to the meat mixture. 

Notes

  • Substitute chicken with salmon or other fish filet.
  • If using chicken breast, pound it for even thickness.

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3
Feb, 2021
German Currywurst

German Currywurst

Berlin Currywurst
German Currywurst with extra curry powder

A Dish With Its Own Museum

The Currywurst might be the only street food worldwide that is honored with a dedicated museum, the Currywurst Museum in Berlin.

The original dish from the Fifties is a short sausage, sliced and served with a secret curry sauce and bread.

From Street Food to a Complete Meal

Northern Germany serves a complete meal with a long sausage, French fries, and sour cabbage salad.

  • Substitute cabbage salad with a quick sour sliced cucumber salad or with your favorite potato salad.
  • Substitute French fries with baked potato wedges and/or baked root vegetables.
Variations
  • Add mayonnaise as an additional sauce.
  • Use any kind of sausage that you prefer, e.g. hot dog or vegan.
The Currywurst Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:

Ginger, chili, yellow mustard, paprika, turmeric, asafoetida, cardamom, fenugreek, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, white pepper and coriander

Discover New Flavors Every Month
Currywurst
German Currywurst with cabbage salad
5
Nov, 2017
Bavarian Oabatzda

German Bavarian Obatzda

How to cook 34 authentic global recipes without tedious planning.
Bavarian Oabatzda

German Bavarian Obatzda

SpiceBreeze
200 years ago, the beer garden started as an extension of a brewery, where the brewery could sell beer directly to the consumer instead of delivering it to pubs. Last century, a Bavarian brewery owner created Obatzda to make use of overripe Camembert cheese. Today, Obatzda is a popular Bavarian beer garden dish that is served with pretzels and beer. You can also shake up your mac and cheese with this new taste.
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hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine German
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz ripe Brie or Camembert cheese
  • 4 oz whipped cream cheese with chives
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp soft butter
  • 1 beer blonde or your favorite
  • salt & pepper

Obatzda Culinary Spice Kit

  • Pouch [1] Caraway, paprika
  • Pouch [2] Cayenne pepper

Suggested Sides

  • 1 jar German pickles or sauerkraut
  • 3-6 pretzels or slices of rye bread

Optional

  • 1/4 cup chives for garnish

For Obatzda ‘Mac & Cheese’

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni cooked
  • 1/2 cup cream

For Obatzda Stuffed Chicken

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • tooth picks
  • oil

Instructions
 

Obatzda cream

  • Mash Brie or Camembert cheese with a fork.
  • Mix with butter, cream cheese, and chopped onions.
  • Season to taste with Obatzda [1] and [2] spices, salt, and pepper.
  • Add 4 tbsp beer and mix until it becomes a smooth cream.
  • Let rest for 30-60 minutes.

Serve

  • Serve with pickles or sauerkraut and pretzels or German style rye bread.

Variation: Obatzda ‘Mac & Cheese’

  • In a PAN, heat cream and stir in Obatzda cream.
  • Mix until it becomes a smooth sauce.
  • Add macaroni and mix well.

Variation: Obatzda Stuffed Chicken

  • Cut a horizontal slit into the chicken breast to form a pocket.
  • Fill with Obatzda cream. Close with tooth picks.
  • In a PAN, heat oil and fry chicken on medium until cooked through and browned.
    Chicken stuffed with obatzda cream
  • Alternative: Grill or bake the stuffed chicken.
  • Enjoy!

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