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25
Jul, 2018
Laotian Larb

Loatian Larb

larb plated

Larb Summer Salad

This simple fresh summer dish is a specialty from Laos. Larb is an exotic sour-salty salad with cooked ground meat and fresh herbs.

Larb likes it hot

Larb is originally very hot and served with unseasoned vegetables to balance the intense flavor. Our seasoning provides the basic with a mild hotness. Add as many fresh chilies as you can take.

Variations
  •  Substitute beef with any other ground meat, or vegetables (recipes below).
  • Substitute 2 green onions with 1/2 red onion.
  • If not using fish sauce, add 1-3 tbsp anchovy paste.
  • Add chopped cilantro or Thai basil.
The Larb Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:

Lemongrass, amchoor, garlic, lemon peel, chili, coriander,  ginger, star anise, cilantro, onion, basil, cumin, white peppercorn, cinnamon, lemon oil

Discover New Flavors Every Month!
Larb dipping
Larb dipping

Laotian Larb

SpiceBreeze
This simple fresh dish is a specialty from Laos and one of our summer favorites. Larb or laap is an aromatic sour-salty salad with raw or cooked ground meat. We go with the latter and an exotic blend of lemongrass, amchoor (green mango), and dried herbs. We recommend adding fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor. It's best with rice and unseasoned salad.
 
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Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Laotian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground meat beef, pork, or poultry
  • 4 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 lettuce sliced
  • 1 English cucumber sliced
  • 2-4 limes or lemons for juice
  • 4 cups rice cooked; recommended: jasmine rice
  • 1-2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

Optional

  • 1 tbsp jasmine rice uncooked
  • 1-3 tsp sugar palm or brown
  • 1-3 tbsp chopped herbs (mint, cilantro, and/or Thai basil)
  • 1-3 fresh red chilies sliced
  • 4 oz mung bean sprouts
  • 1 cup cashew or peanuts chopped

Larb Culinary Spice Kit

  • Lemongrass, amchoor, garlic, lemon peel, chili, coriander, ginger, star anise, cilantro, onion, basil, cumin, mint, white peppercorn, cinnamon, lemon oil

Instructions
 

Optional preparation

  • In a PAN, toast 1 tbsp uncooked rice over medium heat until it turns golden brown.
  • Transfer to a spice grinder and grind until fine. Set aside.

Cook meat

  • In a PAN, cook ground meat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it’s crumbled and fully cooked.
  • Turn heat off.

Season

  • Add Larb spices and onions. Mix well.
  • Add to taste: 1-3 tbsp lime juice and
  • 1-2 tbsp soy sauce. Mix well.

Optionally

  • Optionally, add chopped herbs (recommended), 1-3 tsp sugar, toasted ground rice, and/or chilies to taste. Mix well.

Serve

  • Transfer larb salad to a SERVING BOWL.
  • Serve with rice, lettuce, cucumber slices, and optional mung bean sprouts.

Optionally

  • Optionally, sprinkle with chopped nuts.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

▪ Substitute 2 green onions with 1/2 red onion.
▪ Substitute soy sauce with 1-3 tsp fish sauce or add 1-3 tbsp anchovy paste.

Vegetarian Versions

Substitute meat and the 'cook meat'-step in the instructions as follows:
1) Cauliflower Larb
  • In a FOOD PROCESSOR, chop 1 head raw cauliflower into rice-size pieces.
  • In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  • Fry cauliflower until cooked but still a bit crisp.
  • Turn heat off.
2) Mushroom Larb
  • Chop 1 lb of your favorite mushrooms into about pea-size pieces.
  • In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  • Cook mushrooms until they are cooked.
  • Turn heat off.
24
Jun, 2018
Seychellois Kari Koko

Seychellois Kari Koko

Seychellois Kari Koko

Kari Koko - Seychellois Coconut Curry

Coconut curries are preferred dinner dishes on the Seychelles Islands. Very popular are the octopus and chicken curries. This recipe for a one-pot chicken curry dish with three sides: a fresh-fruity salad, rice, and “Ladob”.
Nutmeg Creates a Coconut Heaven

Ladob is a side made from sweet potatoes cooked in coconut milk. You can substitute sweet potatoes with plantains or banana. This dish is spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon.

Ladob Dessert

Our tip: If you are too busy to make all for one dinner, save the Ladob for a dish with grilled fish. Or go for a Ladob banana dessert. Just add 1/2 cup of sugar or agave syrup and optional vanilla powder.

nutmeg cinnamon
Variations
  • Substitute chicken with veal or fish filet.
  • Eggplant is a great substitute for a vegetarian coconut curry.
  • Add a green papaya chutney (see recipe below).
Discover New Flavors Every Month
The Kari Koko Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:

Turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, onion, chili, cumin, garlic, curry leaves, fenugreek, ginger, yellow mustard, cardamom, black pepper

Papaya Chutney

Ingredients

  • 1 green papaya (unripe)
  • 1 onion
  • 1 lime for juice
  • oil, salt & pepper
  • Optional: 1 chili pepper

Directions

  1. Finely grate papaya.
  2. Halve and finely slice onion.
  3. In a BOWL, mix papaya with 1 tsp salt. Set aside for 10 minutes. Drain and squeeze all liquid out.
  4. In a PAN, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat and fry onions until they turn translucent.
  5. Optionally, add finely sliced chilies and fry for one minute.
  6. Add papaya and continue to fry for about 5 minutes, until the papaya is tender.
  7. Season to taste with lime juice, salt & pepper.
Green Papaya
Seychellois Kari Koko

Seychellois Kari Koko

SpiceBreeze
The Seychelles Islands extend over 115 isles in the Indian Ocean. This Creole dish from the smallest African country is served with a fresh-fruity salad and rice. Optionally, add "Ladob", sweet potatoes cooked in spiced coconut milk.
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Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Seychellois
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Shopping list

  • 1.25 lb chicken breast or thighs cut into 1-inch pieces 
  • 1 can coconut milk 13.5 - 15 oz
  • 2 cup rice
  • 2 sour apple grated
  • 1 cup grated carrots or turnips
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 inch ginger grated
  • 1-2 lemons for juice
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Culinary Spice Kit

  • turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, onion, chili, cumin, garlic, curry leaves, fenugreek, ginger, yellow mustard, cardamom, black pepper

Instructions
 

Rice

  • Cook rice according to package instructions.

Salad

  • Mix apples, carrots, and/or turnips.
  • Add to taste: lemon juice, salt & pepper.
  • Add 1 tbsp oil. Mix well.
  • Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.

Kari Koko

  • In a POT, heat 1 tbsp oil. Fry onions until translucent.
  • Add garlic, ginger, and Kari Koko Spices. Stir-fry 1 minute.
  • Add chicken and salt to taste. Stir-fry 3 minutes.
  • Mix in coconut milk. Cook about 20-30 minutes over medium-low heat, until the chicken is cooked and the sauce thickened. Stir occasionally.

Serve

  • Serve Kari Koko over rice with the salad or green papaya chutney (see notes).
  • Optionally, add the ladob side dish (see notes).
  • Enjoy!

Notes

▪ Substitute chicken with veal, fish fillet, or eggplant.
 See also the following recipes:
▪ ladob side dish or dessert
▪ green papaya chutney
 
20
Jun, 2018
Cuban Vaca Frita

Cuban Vaca Frita

Cuban Vaca Frita

Viva Vaca Frita

This popular Cuban dish is fresh and juicy. Vaca Frita is very easy to cook. Though it takes some patience.

The Secret is Cooking

The key to Vaca Frita or “fried beef” is slow cooked beef the Cuban way. Quick frying is the second and last step in the preparation.

Good for Two Different Dishes

Our tip: After cooking the meat, keep the cooking water. It’s a delicious broth that you can use to make another dinner. Peel and cut potatoes and root vegetables into the same size: either 1/4 inch for fast cooking or 1 inch for fast cutting. Cook them in the broth to create a Cuban style soup.

Variations
  • Substitute beef with chicken breast.
  • Vaca Frita with Mojo Sauce (see recipe below).
  • Add traditional black beans and fried plantains to the dish (see recipe below).
The Vaca Frita Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:

Cumin, orange peel, ancho chili, oregano

Discover New Flavors Every Month
Cuban Vaca Frita
Vaca Frita Pizza
Cuban Vaca Frita

Cuban Vaca Frita

SpiceBreeze
This popular Cuban dish is fresh and juicy. It is very easy to cook, though it takes some patience. The key to vaca frita or "fried beef" is slow-cooked beef the Cuban way. You can prepare this step in advance. Quick frying is the second and last step in the preparation.
 
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Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cuban
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1.25 lb brisket or skirt steak [1]

Fresh Produce - For Soup

  • 1 green bell pepper quartered
  • 1 large onion quartered
  • 2 cloves garlic halved

Fresh Produce - For Frying

  • 1 green bell pepper halved & sliced
  • 1 large onion halved & sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 2 limes or lemons for juice

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • olive oil
  • salt & pepper

Vaca Frita Culinary Spice Kit

  • Cumin, orange peel, ancho chili, oregano

Suggested Sides

  • cooked rice
  • a fresh salad
  • black beans see notes [4] for recipe
  • fried plantains see notes [5] for recipe

Instructions
 

Soup - Cook Meat

  • In a POT, add meat, the quartered bell pepper, onion, garlic, and salt to taste.
  • Cover with water. Close and bring to a boil.
  • Turn heat to low. Cook at least for 2 hours until the meat starts to fall apart.

Prepare - Shred Meat

  • Take the meat out.
  • Tip: Keep the broth in the fridge and use within a week.
  • Shred the meat into 1/2-inch thick chunks. Set aside.

Fry - Fry Vegetables

  • If cooking variation [3]: Fry onions and bell peppers separately. 
  • In a PAN, heat 1/2 cup of oil over medium heat.
  • Fry sliced bell pepper and onion with a pinch of salt until the onions are translucent.
  • Scoop the vegetables out. Set aside.
  • Keep the remaining oil in the PAN.

Fry - Fry Meat

  • In the same PAN, add meat chunks, chopped garlic, and Vaca Frita spices.
  • Fry over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes until the meat is golden brown but not crisp.

Finish - For Variations [4]

  • If cooking variation [3]: Return only the bell peppers to the PAN and don't use lime juice. 
  • Return the fried vegetables to the PAN to reheat. [2]
  • Turn off. Add 2-3 tbsp lime juice and salt & pepper to taste.

If Cooking Variation [3]: Mix the Mojo Sauce

  • In a BOWL, add fried onions and season with lime juice and (optionally) chili or chipotle to taste.

Serve

  • If cooking variation [3]: Top plated meat with Mojo sauce. 
  • Serve with your preferred sides.
  • Optionally, add more lime juice.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

[1] Substitute beef with chicken thighs. 
[2] Optionally, add up to 1 cup of the broth.

[3] Recipe changes for variation with Mojo Sauce (spiced fried onions):

  • [3.1] Fry onions and bell peppers separately.
  • [3.2] Return only the bell peppers to the PAN and don't use lime juice.
  • [3.3] Mix the Mojo Sauce: In a BOWL, add fried onions and season with lime juice and (optionally) chili or chipotle to taste.
  • [3.4] Top with Mojo sauce.

[4] Black Beans side

  • In a POT, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  • Add 1 can black beans (rinsed).
  • Season to taste with salt, cumin, and black pepper.
  • Fry beans for a couple of minutes.
  • Add 1/2 cup of the broth.
  • Cover the POT and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes.

[5] Fried Plantains side

  • Peel 2-3 plantains and cut them into 1/2 inch slices.
  • In a PAN, heat 1/4 cup of oil over medium heat.
  • Fry plantain slices until they turn golden on both sides.
  • Season with salt to taste.
10
May, 2018
Greek Moussaka

Greek Moussaka

Greek
Moussaka

Eggplant Potato Casserole

Moussaka may not have originated in Greece, but it has undoubtedly become the most iconic Greek dish.

This authentic Moussaka is a rich, flavorful casserole featuring layers of tender eggplant and seasoned ground lamb, all topped with a velvety béchamel sauce.

Spice Blend

Black pepper, thyme, cinnamon, bay leaves

Casseroles: Greek Moussaka

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Quick Moussaka a la Kleftiko

For a delightful twist, try pairing it with Kleftiko, a succulent lamb dish slow-cooked in parchment paper. It’s easy to prepare, fun to eat, and brings a robust Moussaka flavor to the table.

Vegetarian Moussaka

Substitute lentils for lamb to enjoy a hearty, plant-based version of this classic dish.

How to cook 34 authentic global recipes without tedious planning.

What You Need for Moussaka

.

Main Ingredients

eggplants
potato
ground meat

Alternative Ingredients

zucchini and yellow squash
sweet potatoes
lasagna pasta sheets
lentil trio

Sauce Ingredients

butter in pot
flour
milk
one egg
Greek Moussaka

Greek Moussaka

SpiceBreeze
Moussaka may not have originated in Greece, but it has undoubtedly become the most iconic Greek dish.
This authentic Moussaka is a rich, flavorful casserole featuring layers of tender eggplant and seasoned ground lamb, all topped with a velvety béchamel sauce.
For a delightful twist, try pairing it with Kleftiko, a succulent lamb dish slow-cooked in parchment paper. It’s easy to prepare, fun to eat, and brings a robust Moussaka flavor to the table.
Vegetarian option: Substitute lentils for lamb to enjoy a hearty, plant-based version of this classic dish.
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Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1 lb ground meat [1] lamb or beef recommended

Fresh Produce/Dairy

  • 1/2 large eggplant cut lengthwise into thin 1/4 slices
  • 1/2 lb large potatoes cut into thin 1/4 slices
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes fresh or from can
  • 1 lettuce of your choice; for salad (optional)

Packaged Goods

  • 2 tbsp red wine [2] for the protein (optional)

Cherry-Picked Staples [Fat, Liquid, Dairy]

  • olive oil for frying
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1-2 tbsp grated cheese of your choice [3]
  • 1 egg or substitute
  • 1 cup milk dairy or nut milk

Cherry-Picked Staples [Salty, Sour, Sweet]

  • salt & pepper
  • 1 orange for salad dressing (optional)

Cherry-Picked Staples [Coating, Aroma]

  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped

Moussaka Culinary Spice Kit

  • 1 pouch Black pepper, thyme, cinnamon, bay leaves

Instructions
 

1. Prepare the Eggplants

  • You need: eggplants, salt
  • In a BOWL, add eggplant and a pinch of salt. Cover with cold water. Let rest for 15 minutes. Drain and dry the eggplants with kitchen paper.

2. Fry the Vegetables [4]

  • You need: olive oil, potatoes, eggplants
  • In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
  • Fry potatoes in several batches until all potatoes are almost cooked.
  • Note: For an authentic taste, try not to brown the potatoes!
  • Fry eggplants in several batches until they turn slightly brown.

3. Fry the Protein

  • You need: chopped onion, chopped garlic, Moussaka Spices, meat, salt
  • In the meantime, in another PAN, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until they are fragrant.
  • Add meat or lentils, Moussaka Spices, and salt to taste.
  • Stir-fry until meat is crumbled.
  • Optionally, add wine and cook over medium heat until all liquid is absorbed.
  • Add tomatoes and 1/4 cup of water.
  • Cook over medium heat until all liquid is absorbed.

4. Prepare the Sauce (shortly before baking)

  • You need: 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, 1-2 cups of cold milk, 1 egg, 1-2 tbsp cheese (opt.), salt, nutmeg (opt.).
  • In a POT, melt 2 tbsp of butter over low heat.
  • Note: Pay attention not to burn the butter.
  • Gradually add 2 tbsp of flour, stirring constantly until smooth.
  • Add 1 cup of cold milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  • Note: For a thicker topping, add another cup of milk.
  • Continue to cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pot.
  • Quickly stir in 1 egg until fully incorporated.
  • Optionally, add 1-2 tbsp of grated cheese.
  • Season with salt to taste. Optionally, add a pinch of nutmeg.
  • Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the oven is heated and your Moussaka is assembled for baking.

5. Assemble & Bake

  • Preheat the OVEN to 350°F.
  • In a BAKING DISH, place single layers in this order:
  • - potatoes, sprinkle with salt & pepper to taste
  • - eggplants, sprinkle with salt & pepper to taste
  • - cooked meat or lentils
  • If you use a small BAKING DISH, you can repeat the layers.
  • Pour the sauce over the Moussaka layers.
  • Bake in oven for 30-60 minutes until the sauce has set and the top turned slightly brown.

6. Salad (Optional)

  • Mix 3 tbsp orange juice, 1 tbsp oil, salt & pepper to taste. Toss over lettuce.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

[1] Substitute meat with a can of black lentils or sautéed mushrooms or sautéed onions and rice.
[2] Substitute wine with grape juice or other fruit juice.
[3] Recommended cheese: Swiss, gruyere, or parmesan.
[4] Tip to reduce the amount of oil: cook or bake one or more of the vegetables.
SpiceBreeze
SpiceBreeze
4 Google reviews
Write a review
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

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Explore

Enter the Culinary World

Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity

Join Now
Explore
10
May, 2018
Moussaka a la Kleftiko

Greek Moussaka a la Kleftiko

How to cook 34 authentic global recipes without tedious planning.
Greek Moussaka a la Kleftiko

Greek Moussaka a la Kleftiko

SpiceBreeze
Though Moussaka doesn’t origin in Greece, it became the best known of all Greek dishes. Authentic Moussaka is a casserole made with ground lamb and eggplant covered with a thick layer of béchamel sauce. The latter is quite tricky to master. This recipe is a combination with Kleftiko, a lamb dish baked in parchment paper. It’s easy to prepare, fun to eat, and has a rich Moussaka flavor.
 
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Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Shopping list

  • 1.5 lb lamb chops or beef sirloin steaks
  • 1/2 inch large eggplant cut lengthwise into thin 1/4 slices
  • 1/2 lb potatoes cut into thin 1/4 slices
  • 2 tbsp red wine
  • 2 tomato/es cut into 1/4 inch slices
  • 1 cup grated cheese of your choice
  • 1 lettuce of your choice

You might have

  • 1 onion sliced
  • 2-3 cloves garlic sliced
  • 1 orange for juice
  • olive oil
  • salt & pepper

Culinary Spice Kit

  • Black pepper thyme, cinnamon, bay leaves

Instructions
 

Prepare

  • In a large BOWL, add eggplant and a pinch of salt. Cover with cold water. Let rest for 15 minutes. Drain.
  • Season lamb with salt to taste.
  • In a BOWL, mix 7 tbsp oil, wine, and about half of the Moussaka Spices.
  • Preheat OVEN to 400°F.

Create 3 packets, each as follows:

  • On an 8-inch PLATE, place (1) ALUMINUM FOIL and (2) BAKING PAPER, each a sheet of about 20 inches long.
  • Staple: eggplant, lamb, tomato, garlic.
  • Place potatoes and onions around.
  • Drizzle with 3 tbsp of the oil mixture.
  • Season with salt and sprinkle with cheese.
  • Close BAKING PAPER, then FOIL
  • Place the packets on a baking rack.

Bake

  • Bake about 60 minutes until cooked.

Salad

  • Mix 3 tbsp orange juice, 1 tbsp oil, salt & pepper to taste. Toss over lettuce.

Serve

  • Serve salad with packets.
  • Enjoy!
SpiceBreeze
SpiceBreeze
4 Google reviews
Write a review
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

Join Now
Explore
27
Apr, 2018
Black Tahini

Tahini

 

Black Tahini

Tahini

SpiceBreeze
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Ingredients
  

Shopping list for Tahini Paste (optional)

  • 1 cup sesame seeds
  • 1/4-1/2 cup olive oil

Shopping list for Tahini Sauce

  • 1 cup tahini paste store-bought or see additional recipe below
  • 2-5 cloves garlic peeled and grated
  • 1/4-1/2 cup lime or lemon juice

Instructions
 

Tahini paste (Optional)

  • In a PAN, over medium heat, roast sesame seeds until they turn golden brown. Stir frequently and be careful, not to burn the seeds!
  • In a FOOD PROCESSOR, mix sesame seeds and 1/4 cup of oil into a paste.
  • Add slowly more oil if necessary, 1/2 tbsp at a time.
  • The ideal paste should be just liquidy enough that it doesn't stick to a spoon. Though, it doesn't have to be perfect.

Tahini sauce

  • In a BOWL, mix tahini paste with 1/4 cup of water.
  • Add garlic, salt and lime juice to taste.
  • Depending on how liquid your tahini paste is, you might need to add more water. The sauce should be liquid enough to pour it over the falafel, but not watery.

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