French Boeuf aux Quatre Épices

French Bœuf aux Quatre Épices

Boeuf aux Quatre Épices

Hearty Winter Stew

European cuisine has an interesting range of hearty stews to survive the cold season. Enjoy the deep flavor in French Bœuf aux Quatre Épices. Choose the main recipe for a beef stew  or one of its variations.

Quatre Épices

Quatre Épices or “four spices” is a French staple blend with white pepper in a prominent role. Quatre Épices is used to season hearty stews and soups, or braised root vegetables. 

The Star: White Pepper

Black and white pepper derive from the same plant but have different flavors and heat profiles. They are harvested at different stages. In the next step, to receive the white pepper, the skin is removed from the pepper berry.

White and black pepper
Variations
  • Substitute beef with lamb or rabbit.
  • Substitute 1-2 cups of broth with red wine.
  • In  the end, stir 1/2 to 1 cup of heavy cream into the sauce, and bring it to a boil. Adjust salt.
  • Instead of the heavy cream, top your plated meal with a dollop of crème fraîche.
Crème Fraîche
Recent find of Crème Fraîche at Trader Joe's. Any other brand works too.
Vegetarian Version

For a vegetarian version, make the following changes to the recipe:

Step (1) – Add 1 lb mushrooms.

Step (2) – Skip this step.

Step (4) – 1 tbsp flour is enough for this version.

Step (5) – Use not more than 2 cups of broth.

Step (7) – Cooks fast in only 30 minutes.

The Bœuf aux Quatre Épices Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:

White pepper, cloves, ginger, nutmeg

fresh carrots and boiling onions for winter stew

Fresh carrots and small onions cook for three hours in this stew. Use shallots or beautiful boiling onions.

Boeuf aux Quatre Épices

French Bœuf aux Quatre Épices

SpiceBreeze
Quatre Épices or "four spices" is a French staple blend with white pepper in a prominent role. Black and white pepper derive from the same plant but have different flavors and heat profiles. They are harvested at different stages. In the next step, to receive the white pepper, the skin is removed from the pepper berry. Quatre Épices is used to season hearty stews and soups, or braised root vegetables. This recipe is for a French-style beef stew or one of its variations.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1.25 lb beef stew
  • 7 oz bacon

Produce

  • 5 carrots cut into 1-inch slices
  • 10 small shallots peeled
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled, crushed

Dairy

  • 4 tbsp butter

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 5 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • salt

Bœuf aux Quatre Épices Culinary Spice Kit

  • white pepper, cloves, ginger, nutmeg

Suggested sides

  • potato croquettes or dumplings, boiled or mashed potatoes, gnocchi, or thick noodles of your choice
  • lettuce or cucumber salad with a light lemon dressing

Instructions
 

  • In a large POT, melt the butter.
  • Add the onions whole and the bacon.
  • Cook over medium-low heat until golden, stirring constantly.
    Scoop them out and set aside.
  • In the same POT, cook the meat over high heat until it turns brown, stirring frequently.
  • Add the carrots and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Sprinkle the meat with flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
  • Add the broth, mix, and scrape the bottom. Return the bacon and onions.
  • Add the tomato paste, garlic, and Quatre Épices spices. Season with salt to taste. Mix well.
  • Bring to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat for 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
  • Enjoy!

Vegetarian (optional)

  • Add 1 lb mushrooms with the onions.
  • 1 tbsp flour is enough for this version.
  • Use not more than 2 cups of broth.
  • Cooks fast in only 30 minutes

Notes

Optional/ Variations
â–ª Substitute beef with lamb or rabbit.
▪ Substitute 1-2 cups of broth with red wine. 
▪ In the end, stir 1/2 to 1 cup of heavy cream into the sauce, and bring it to a boil. Adjust salt.
▪ Instead of the heavy cream, top your plated meal with a dollop crème fraîche.
Indonesian Rendang

Indonesian Rendang

Indonesian Rendang

Indonesian Rendang

SpiceBreeze
Indonesian Rendang is one of the most delicious meals of the world as voted by CNN readers and everybody who tasted it. It's typically made with beef cooked in coconut milk for many hours until the meat is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the exotic spices. Substitute beef with chicken for a faster version.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indonesian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1.25 lb beef stew

Fresh Produce

  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 inch ginger grated
  • 3 cloves garlic grated
  • 1-3 red chili sliced (optional)

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 1 can coconut milk 13.5 oz
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Rendang Culinary Spice Kit

  • Lemongrass, galangal, coriander, makrut lime leaves, turmeric, mild chili

Suggested Sides

  • basmati rice recommended
  • rice noodles
  • cucumber, carrots, bell pepper sliced
  • lettuce leaves
  • pickled vegetables

Instructions
 

  • In a POT, heat 2 tbsp oil over high heat.
  • Season beef with salt and pepper to taste and quickly brown it on all sides.
  • Transfer beef to a PLATE.
  • In the same POT, add onions, ginger, garlic, and optional chili to taste.
  • Fry over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent.
  • Return beef to the POT. Add Rendang spices. Mix well.
  • Add coconut milk and salt to taste. Mix well. Cover. Bring to a boil.
  • Turn heat to low.
  • Cook for 2 to 4 hours until the beef is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir occasionally.
  • Remove LID, turn heat to high, and fry the sauce to concentrate the flavors. Stir frequently to not burn the beef.
  • The Rendang is done when almost no sauce is left and the beef is dark brown.
  • Serve Rendang over rice or noodles with fresh vegetables.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Notes/ Variations
▪ Substitute beef with chicken thighs or eggplants and zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces, or lamb stew. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
 

Enter the Culinary World

Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity

Taiwanese Ló͘-bah-pn̄g

Taiwanese Ló͘-bah-png

Taiwanese Ló͘-bah-pn̄g

Taiwanese Ló͘-bah-png

SpiceBreeze
Ló͘-bah-png or in Chinese "lǔ ròu fàn" translates to braised minced pork on rice. The signature Taiwanese comfort food is traditionally made with minced pork belly. In other parts of the country, ground meat is preferred. The key to the deep flavor experience is cooking the meat in two steps: first, fry the meat in oil, then slow-cook it in a savory sauce. The dish is supposed to be a bit on the salty side.
Cuisine Taiwanese
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1 lb ground meat (see notes *)

Fresh Produce

  • 2 medium shallots halved and sliced
  • 1 inch ginger grated

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (see notes **)
  • 1/8 cup cooking or white wine
  • 2 tsp sugar brown recommended
  • oil

Optional

  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms shiitake mushroom, portabello, or button mushrooms
  • 3-4 hard-boiled eggs peeled

Suggested Sides

  • cooked rice or noodles of your choice
  • 8 oz bok choy or Savoy cabbage sliced and steamed

Culinary Spice Kit:

  • Fennel, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, Sichuan pepper (not recommended during pregnancy) or 1-2 tsp of a high quality blend of Chinese Five Spice

Instructions
 

Step 1

  • In a POT, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  • Add shallots and fry until they turn brown.

Step 2

  • Add ginger and meat.
  • Stir-fry until the meat is cooked and broken apart.

Step 3 (optional)

  • Optionally, add mushrooms. Fry for 5 minutes.

Step 4

  • Add Ló͘-bah-pnÌ„g spices, soy sauce, wine, sugar, and 2 cups of water.

Step 5 (optional)

  • Optionally, place the eggs in the sauce.

Step 6

  • Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  • Note: The sauce is supposed to have the consistency of a soup, not thick.

Serve Ló͘-bah-pn̄g in bowls

  • Add a large amount of rice or noodles.
  • Scoop the meat on top.
  • Note: It’s supposed to be less meat than rice or noodles.
  • Add sauce to taste.
  • Top with eggs (opt.), and bok choy or cabbage.

Notes

Notes/ Variations
*) Pork is the most authentic. Beef or poultry works well too.
**) Click here for recommendations on substitutes.
â–ª Substitute shallots with 1 cup of fried onions and add them in step 4.
â–ª Add garlic, or substitute ginger with 2 cloves garlic.

Enter the Culinary World

Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity

 

Taiwanese Ló͘-bah-png

Taiwanese Ló͘-bah-png

Ló͘-bah-png or in Chinese “lÇ” ròu fàn” translates to braised minced pork on rice. The signature Taiwanese comfort food is traditionally made with minced pork belly. In other parts of the country, ground meat is preferred. The key to the deep flavor experience is cooking the meat in two steps: first, fry the meat in oil, then slow-cook it in a savory sauce. The dish is supposed to be a bit on the salty side.

Protein

  • 1 lb ground meat ((see notes *))

Fresh Produce

  • 2 medium shallots (halved and sliced)
  • 1 inch ginger (grated)

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce ((see notes **))
  • 1/8 cup cooking or white wine
  • 2 tsp sugar (brown recommended)
  • oil

Optional

  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake mushroom, portabello, or button mushrooms)
  • 3-4 hard-boiled eggs (peeled)

Suggested Sides

  • cooked rice or noodles of your choice
  • 8 oz bok choy or Savoy cabbage (sliced and steamed)

Culinary Spice Kit:

  • Fennel, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, Sichuan pepper (not recommended during pregnancy) (or 1-2 tsp of a high quality blend of Chinese Five Spice)

Step 1

  1. In a POT, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  2. Add shallots and fry until they turn brown.

Step 2

  1. Add ginger and meat.
  2. Stir-fry until the meat is cooked and broken apart.

Step 3 (optional)

  1. Optionally, add mushrooms. Fry for 5 minutes.

Step 4

  1. Add Ló͘-bah-pn̄g spices, soy sauce, wine, sugar, and 2 cups of water.

Step 5 (optional)

  1. Optionally, place the eggs in the sauce.

Step 6

  1. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  2. Note: The sauce is supposed to have the consistency of a soup, not thick.

Serve Ló͘-bah-pn̄g in bowls

  1. Add a large amount of rice or noodles.
  2. Scoop the meat on top.
  3. Note: It’s supposed to be less meat than rice or noodles.

  4. Add sauce to individual taste.
  5. Top with eggs (opt.), and bok choy or cabbage.

Notes/ Variations

*) Pork is the most authentic. Beef or poultry works well too.

**) Click here for recommendations on substitutes.

â–ª Substitute shallots with 1 cup of fried onions and add them in step 4.

â–ª Add garlic, or substitute ginger with 2 cloves garlic.

Taiwanese
fennel, Sichuan pepper, star anise
Moroccan B'stilla

Moroccan B’stilla

Moroccan B'stilla

Moroccan B'stilla

B’stilla, also called pastilla, is a savory-sweet pie with precious saffron in a crisp phyllo-style wrapping. It’s an indispensable menu item on festive occasions like weddings. 

Formerly made with pigeons, today one of the most popular versions is filled with chicken and almonds. Alternatively, go for the simple stew version or the Chicken Olives Tagine recipe.

The B'stilla Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:

Ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, saffron

Variations

â–ª Substitute sugar with 1/3 cup soft dried prunes or apricots, finely sliced.
▪ Alternative simple stew version: 

Follow only the step under Fillings #2 until the chicken is cooked. Mix 1-2 tbsp almond butter into the sauce and serve over couscous or potatoes.

▪ Alternatively, use the B’stilla spices for the Chicken Olives Tagine recipe here.

Moroccan B'stilla
Moroccan B'stilla

B’stilla

SpiceBreeze
B'stilla, also known as pastilla, is a savory-sweet pie filled with a delicious mixture of chicken and almonds, delicately seasoned with saffron and wrapped in crisp, flaky phyllo dough. Traditionally made with pigeon, this dish has become a festive favorite, often served at celebrations like weddings. For a simpler take, try the stew version or explore another flavorful tagine recipe (see notes).
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Moroccan
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 eggs whisked

Fresh Produce

  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Dairy

  • 2-4 tbsp butter

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 1/2 cup ground roasted almonds
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar[1]
  • 8 oz phyllo filo dough (18 sheets)

B'stilla Culinary Spice Kit

  • ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, saffron

Optional Garnish

  • powdered sugar & cinnamon
  • whole almonds

Instructions
 

Filling #1 Almond Sugar

  • Mix almonds with sugar[1]. Set aside.

Filling #2 Sauce

  • In a POT, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
  • Add onions and fry until translucent.
  • Add chicken, parsley, B’stilla spices, and salt to taste. Stir-fry for 3 minutes.
  • Add 1 cup of water. Cook for about 20 minutes until the chicken is tender.
  • Take the chicken out. > Next see Filling #3.
  • Continue to cook the sauce uncovered over medium-low heat until no liquid is left.
  • Stir in eggs and cook for about 2 minutes.
  • Adjust salt & pepper to taste. Turn the heat off.

Filling #3 Meat

  • Use the chicken cooked in the step for Filling #2.
  • Let the chicken cool, then shred it.

Assembly

  • Cover a 9-inch PIE DISH with overlapping phyllo sheets and about 5 inches hanging over the edges of the dish.
  • Add layers of the fillings in this order: #2 (sauce), #3 (meat), #1 (almond-sugar).
  • Cover with the overlapping phyllo sheets.
  • Spread a thin layer of butter on top.

Bake

  • Preheat OVEN to 350°F.
  • Bake B’stilla for 30-40 minutes.
  • Let it cool a bit.

Serve

  • Optionally, add garnish.

Enjoy!

    Notes

    [1] Recommended: Substitute sugar with 1/3 cup soft dried prunes or apricots, finely chopped.
    Alternative simple stew version
    Follow only the step under Fillings #2 until the chicken is tender.
    Mix 1-2 tbsp almond butter into the sauce and serve over couscous or potatoes.
    Alternatively
    Use the B’stilla spices for a different tagine recipe:
    Tagine with prunes
    Tagine with olives
    Martinican Colombo de Poulet

    Martinican Colombo de Poulet

    Martinican Colombo de Poulet

    Martinican Colombo de Poulet

    SpiceBreeze
    Colombo de Poulet is a popular dish in the eastern Caribbean Sea. The key ingredient is the spice bend Colombo powder (Poudre de Colombo) with brown mustard and white rice. You can find the seasoning at any market on the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. It's named after the capital of its origin, Sri Lanka.
    hands-on time 30 minutes
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Martinican
    Servings 3

    Ingredients
      

    Protein

    • 1.5 lbs chicken legs

    Fresh Produce

    • 1 acorn squash
    • 1 sweet potato
    • 1 lemon for juice
    • 1 onion finely chopped
    • 1 inch ginger grated

    Packaged Goods/Staples

    • salt & pepper
    • oil
    • 3 cups chicken broth
    • 1 tbsp starch corn or potato

    Colombo Culinary Spice Kit

    • Pouch [1] Anise seeds, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, brown mustard seeds
    • Pouch [2] Turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, brown mustard, black pepper, cloves, white rice

    Optional

    • chili peppers sliced

    Suggested Sides

    • cooked rice
    • plantain sliced, fried
    • cooked kidney beans
    • Caribbean rice & beans recipe

    Instructions
     

    Prepare

    • Cut vegetables into bite-size pieces.

    Marinate

    • Season the chicken legs with salt & pepper to taste, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp oil.
    • Let them rest for 30 minutes.

    Fry

    • In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over low-medium heat.
    • Fry Colombo [1] spices about 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Scoop the spices out. Set them aside.
    • Fry the onions until they turn translucent.
    • Add the ginger and chicken legs. Reserve the remaining marinade for later.
    • Fry the chicken legs on all sides until they turn light brown, turning frequently.

    Cook

    • Add the chicken broth, the remaining marinade, Colombo [2] spices, and salt to taste.
    • Return the fried spices.
    • Optionally, add chili peppers.
    • Cover, bring to a boil, and let cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes.
    • Add the vegetables and continue to cook for approximately 10 minutes until all ingredients are cooked.
    • In a CUP, dissolve 1 tbsp starch in 2 tbsp cold water.
    • Stir the slurry into the sauce until the sauce thickens.

    Serve

    • Serve the chicken with sauce and rice.
    • Optionally, add beans and fried plantain.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Substitute the chicken with fish fillets (e.g. cod, halibut, haddock, pollack, bass) or shrimp and adjust the cooking time.
    • Substitute the vegetables with zucchini, potatoes, eggplant, or any pumpkin. Make sure to have two different kinds.
    • Add Caribbean Rice and Beans as a side.

    Enter the Culinary World

    Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity

    Javanese Sate Ponorogo

    Indonesian Sate Ponorogo

    Sate Ponorogo

    Javanese Sate Ponorogo

    SpiceBreeze
    Believed to have originated on the island of Java, within the archipelago of Indonesia, sate is recognized as Indonesia’s national delicacy consisting of seasoned, skewered, and grilled meat served with a side of sweet and salty peanut sauce. An abundantly popular street food option, it comes with any type of meat from chicken to crocodile or tofu. Authenticity requires the meat grilled over a charcoal heat for its distinct flavor, making this dish perfect for grilling on a warm summer day.
    Hands-on time 30 minutes
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine East Javanese, Indonesian
    Servings 3

    Ingredients
      

    • 1.5 lb chicken breast, thighs, or tenders
    • 1 small onion quartered
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 0.5 cup peanut or cashew butter
    • 24 skewers *)
    • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari **)
    • 1-3 tsp brown sugar
    • oil salt

    Optional

    • 1 fresh chili
    • 1 tbsp dried shrimp or anchovy paste

    Sate Culinary Spice Kit

    • Lemongrass, ginger, galangal, chili, coriander, garlic, lemon peel, star anise, cilantro, onion, basil, cumin, white pepper, cinnamon, lemon crystals, lemon oil

    Suggested Sides

    • Cooked or steamed Jasmine rice
    • English cucumber or daikon sliced
    • Any fresh salad of your choice.

    Instructions
     

    Sate Sauce

    • In a BLENDER, blend onions, garlic, and 1.25 cup of water until smooth.
    • Optionally, add shrimp and chilies.
    • In a POT, heat 0.25 cup of oil over medium heat.
    • Careful of splatters, stir in peanut butter.
    • Add the onion-garlic water and soy sauce.
    • Season to taste with Sate spices (start with 1 tsp), sugar, and salt.
    • Mix well. Cover. Bring to a boil.
    • Turn heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes until the sauce thickens and the oil separates on the surface. Stir frequently.

    Marinade

    • Cut chicken into 1/4-inch thin strips.
    • In a BOWL, mix 2 tbsp oil with 2 tbsp sate sauce and 4 tbsp soy sauce.
    • Add chicken, mix well, and let marinate for 30 minutes.

    Grill

    • Thread chicken onto skewers and grill them until they are browned on all sides.
    • Serve sate skewers with rice, sate sauce, cucumber, and optionally daikon.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    â–ª Substitute chicken with sirloin beef or your preferred steak or lamb or with cubed firm tofu.
    *) If using wooden skewers, soak them first for 0 minutes in water.
    **) Or Indonesian kecap manis sauce, if available.

    Enter the Culinary World

    Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity