Polish Barszcz Wigilijny

Polish Barszcz Wigilijny

Polish Barszcz Wigilijny

Polish Barszcz Wigilijny

SpiceBreeze
This Christmas Eve, you are invited to the first course of a traditional Polish supper with this clear borscht soup. The soup is made from beetroots and mushrooms. Traditionally, it is poured over homemade mushroom dumplings, but you can choose your favorite tortellini instead. If you prefer a complete dinner meal, keep the vegetables in the soup. To make the flavor experience complete, serve the soup with fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, and a slice of dark rye bread.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Polish
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 9 oz tortellini mushroom or meat

Fresh Produce

  • 1 lemon
  • fresh chives dill, or sprouts (optional for garnish)

Dairy

  • sour cream optional

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 1 jar pickled beetroots 16 oz, sliced
  • 32 oz vegetable broth
  • 0.5 oz dried mushrooms sliced
  • 0.25 cup vinegar apple cider or wine
  • salt

Barszcz Culinary Spice Kit

  • Allspice, garlic, black pepper, marjoram, cinnamon, star anise, cloves

Suggested Sides

  • dark rye bread or baguette

Instructions
 

Prepare

  • In a BOWL, strain the liquid from the beetroot jar. Set aside for later.

Soup

  • In a large POT, bring broth to a boil.
  • Turn heat off. Stir in mushrooms.
  • Let mushrooms rest for 30 minutes.
  • Bring broth to a boil again.
  • Add the beetroots, Barszcz spices, and salt to taste. Cook for 10 minutes.
  • Add the reserved beetroot liquid.
  • Add up to 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1/8 cup vinegar to taste.
  • Cook for 5 minutes.
  • Drain soup through a fine-mesh SIEVE.

Tortellini

  • Cook tortellini according to package instructions.

Serve

  • Place tortellini on soup plates and then fill plates with the soup.
  • Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream. Serve with bread and garnish with fresh herbs or sprouts.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • Substitute dried mushrooms with 3 oz fresh mushrooms. Skip steps 2-4 and add fresh mushrooms with the beetroots in step 5.
Variant 1
Skip step 9 and leave the vegetables in the soup.
Variant 2
Skip step 9 and puree the vegetables in the soup with a hand blender.

Enter the Culinary World

Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity

 

Polish Barszcz Wigilijny

Polish Barszcz Wigilijny

This Christmas Eve, you are invited to the first course of a traditional Polish supper with this clear borscht soup. The soup is made from beetroots and mushrooms. Traditionally, it is poured over homemade mushroom dumplings, but you can choose your favorite tortellini instead. If you prefer a complete dinner meal, keep the vegetables in the soup. To make the flavor experience complete, serve the soup with fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, and a slice of dark rye bread.

Protein

  • 9 oz tortellini (mushroom or meat)

Fresh Produce

  • 1 lemon
  • fresh chives (dill, or sprouts (optional for garnish))

Dairy

  • sour cream (optional)

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 1 jar pickled beetroots (16 oz, sliced)
  • 32 oz vegetable broth
  • 0.5 oz dried mushrooms (sliced)
  • 0.25 cup vinegar (apple cider or wine)
  • salt

Barszcz Culinary Spice Kit

  • Allspice (garlic, black pepper, marjoram, cinnamon, star anise, cloves)

Suggested Sides

  • dark rye bread or baguette

Prepare

  1. In a BOWL, strain the liquid from the beetroot jar. Set aside for later.

Soup

  1. In a large POT, bring broth to a boil.
  2. Turn heat off. Stir in mushrooms.
  3. Let mushrooms rest for 30 minutes.
  4. Bring broth to a boil again.
  5. Add the beetroots, Barszcz spices, and salt to taste. Cook for 10 minutes.
  6. Add the reserved beetroot liquid.
  7. Add up to 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1/8 cup vinegar to taste.
  8. Cook for 5 minutes.
  9. Drain soup through a fine-mesh SIEVE.

Tortellini

  1. Cook tortellini according to package instructions.

Serve

  1. Place tortellini on soup plates and then fill plates with the soup.
  2. Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream. Serve with bread and garnish with fresh herbs or sprouts.
  3. Enjoy!
  • Substitute dried mushrooms with 3 oz fresh mushrooms. Skip steps 2-4 and add fresh mushrooms with the beetroots in step 5.

Variant 1

Skip step 9 and leave the vegetables in the soup.

Variant 2

Skip step 9 and puree the vegetables in the soup with a hand blender.

Main Course
Polish
allspice, cinnamon, cloves, marjoram, star anise
Aruban Keshi Yena

Aruban Keshi Yena

Aruban Keshi Yena

Aruban Keshi Yena

SpiceBreeze
Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, also known as the ABC islands, are Dutch isles in in the Caribbean Sea. Keshi Yena is very popular in Aruba and Curaçao. It is said that slaves invented this dish. They filled the shell of a large Edam or Gouda cheese with whatever leftovers they could find.
If you are not a fan of cheese, you can use less or no cheese. The filling is also delicious as a sauce with or without tomatoes for pasta or pizza.
 
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.

Enter the Culinary World

Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity

European Holiday Feast

European Holiday Feast

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.
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.

Enter the Culinary World

Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity

Egyptian Dukkah

Egyptian Dukkah – Variations

Egyptian Dukkah

Egyptian Dukkah - Variation

SpiceBreeze
Dukkah is a traditional Egyptian blend of spices and nuts, typically featuring sesame and hazelnuts. Our modern take incorporates fennel and hemp seeds for a unique flavor profile. Optionally, consider including rosemary or oregano.
"Delicious brilliant idea
What can say? What a creative idea for 1, and a delicious meal each time for 2. I recieved 2 Meal spice kits (these include the spices for the entire meal & a recipe card with what to get or add to your shopping list).
1st meal: Dukkah Lamb - This was fantastic. Definitely follow cooking instructions from Spice breeze cards -- I finished slightly faster in oven for a more rare chop- to die for! (...)" Serena Ricker (Trustpilot Review)
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Egyptian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 9 small lamb chops [1] trimmed

Fresh Produce

  • 1 lb sweet potatoes [2] cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1/2 lb Brussels sprouts [2] trimmed and halved lengthwise
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 1/4 cup ground hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios optional
  • 1 tbsp white sesame seeds optional
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Culinary Spice Blend Options

  • 1 pouch Dukkah spices - Original Coriander and cumin, toasted
  • 1 pouch Dukkah spices - Variation Coriander and cumin, toasted, hemp seeds, fennel, orange peel, mild chili flakes 

Instructions
 

Preheat the OVEN to 400°F.

  • In a BOWL, mix sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts with 2 tbsp oil, and salt & pepper to taste.
  • Place all in one layer on a non-sticking BAKING SHEET.
  • Cook vegetables in the OVEN for 30-40 minutes, turning midway.

Shortly before vegetables are done:

  • Season chops with salt & pepper to taste, and Dukkah spices.
  • In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil and fry garlic for 30 seconds over medium-low heat.
  • Add chops and fry them over medium heat until your desired doneness.

Serving Options

  • Sprinkle nuts and/or sesame seeds over plated dish.
  • Drizzle dish with pomegranate molasses.
  • Add a side of hummus sprinkled with lemon or sumac.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

[1] Substitute lamb with 1.25 lb chicken breast strips, filet mignon, pork chops, fish (salmon, halibut, cod), eggplant slices (1/2 inch), or seitan.
[2] Substitute vegetables with potatoes and/or carrots (in different colors).
Alternative - Quick Recipe:
  • Mix Dukkah spices with 2-4 tbsp olive oil, and salt to taste.
  • Optionally, add 1 tbsp sesame and/or nuts.
  • Enjoy as a dip with fresh baguette, mix it with cooked pasta, or drizzle it over baked vegetables.

Enter the Culinary World

Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity

Sichuan Beef

Chinese Sichuan Beef

Sichuan Beef

Chinese Sichuan Beef

SpiceBreeze
Sichuan, also known as Szechuan, is a province in China. It's the origin of Panda bears and Sichuan pepper. This spice is very common in Asian cuisine. It is not related to pepper and has a very special taste with a citrus note. Notably, Sichuan pepper creates a numbing sensation in your mouth. Try it sprinkled over your dish or use the remainder in a dish with beans or mushrooms.
 
Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb sirloin beef cut into thin strips
  • 12 oz vegetables see below, cut into thin slices
  • 6-8 oz noodles see below, cooked
  • 2 tbsp cooking sherry or wine
  • soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tsp corn starch or arrowroot
  • vegetable oil or sesame oil
  • salt

Sichuan Culinary Spice Kit

  • [1] Ginger, star anise, cinnamon, fennel, cloves
  • [2] Sichuan pepper

Suggested Vegetables

  • Broccoli, carrots, mushrooms

Suggested Noodles

  • Lo mein or any long thick noodles

Instructions
 

Marinade

  • In a BOWL, mix beef with 1/4 cup soy sauce, Sichuan [1] spices, and up to half of the Sichuan [2] spices.
  • Let marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Cook

  • In a large PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over high heat.
  • Stir-fry beef (keep the marinade for later) for about 1 minute until it changes color.
  • Take the beef out and set aside.
  • In the same PAN, add 2 tbsp oil. Stir-fry vegetables over medium heat for 5 minutes.
  • Add 1 tbsp soy sauce and sherry halfway.
  • Add 1 cup of water, the marinade, and salt to taste.
  • Cook over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are just cooked.
  • Dissolve starch in 1 tbsp water. Add the slurry to the PAN. Mix well. 
  • Stir in the noodles. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes.
  • Return the beef and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until it's just cooked.
  • Sprinkle some Sichuan [2] spices on the plated meal (optional).
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • Substitute beef with chicken breast.
  • Substitute beef with tofu (see below).
Sichuan Tofu
  • Cut tofu into 1/2-inch cubes.
  • Mix the marinade without the tofu.
  • Drain the tofu for 30 minutes in a large strainer.
  • In cooking step 1), bake the tofu in the OVEN at 350°F until it turns brown. Set aside.
  • Continue with steps 2) to 4) without changes.
  • In step 5) substitute beef for tofu.

Enter the Culinary World

Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity

Persian Khoresh Gheimeh

Persian Khoresh Gheimeh

Persian Khoresh Gheimeh

Persian Khoresh Gheimeh

SpiceBreeze
Khoresh Gheimeh is a traditional Persian dish, a unique combination of fries over a lentil stew. The key flavor ingredient is dried Omani, or black lime, with its distinct flavor paired with holiday spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. Omani limes are usually added in whole and cooked for hours. This spice blend includes ground Omani limes for a delicious weeknight dinner.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Persian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1/2 lb lamb or beef stew
  • 1 cup red lentils

Fresh Produce

  • 1 lb potatoes cut into fries
  • 2 onions chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic grated

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 5 cups broth
  • 1 cup tomato puree not flavored
  • 3 cups boiled or steamed rice
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Gheimeh Culinary Spice Kit

  • Omani limes, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, cardamom, white pepper, nutmeg

Instructions
 

Fries

  • Preheat OVEN to 400°F.
  • In a BOWL, mix potatoes with 2 tbsp oil and salt to taste.
  • Place potatoes in one layer on a non-stick BAKING SHEET.
  • Bake in OVEN for 20-30 minutes until they become crisp and golden. Turn midway.

Lentils

  • In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil.
  • Fry onions over medium heat until they turn golden. Add garlic. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
  • Add meat. Season with salt & pepper to taste. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add broth, tomato puree, Gheimeh spices, and salt & pepper to taste. Cover.
  • Bring to a boil. Cook over low heat until the meat is almost tender.
  • Add lentils and adjust salt.
  • Cook for about 20 minutes until all ingredients are tender.

Serve

  • Serve lentils over rice and top with fries.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • Omit the meat and cook the broth for 15 minutes before adding the lentils.
  • Substitute lentils with yellow split peas. Soak them in water overnight and add about 10 minutes to the cooking time.
  • Substitute potatoes with frozen fries. 

Enter the Culinary World

Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity