Ecuadorian Fanesca Soup

Ecuadorian Fanesca

Ecuadorian Fanesca Soup

Ecuadorian Fanesca

SpiceBreeze
Fanesca is a distinctly Ecuadorian dish that is not eaten in any other country. The concept of beans cooked in herbs and spices can be traced back to the Incan Empire, and is popular during indigenous New Year. Fanesca is traditionally consumed on Good Friday, served with fried plantains, pickled onions, cheese, and hard-boiled eggs. Although, salted cod is a typical ingredient, we adapted the stew for fresh cod or chicken.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Ecuadorian
Servings 3 servings

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 4 oz cod* or chicken breast optional
  • 1 cup great northern beans**

Fresh Produce

  • 1 small zucchini about 4 oz
  • 4 oz pumpkin/squash
  • 2 oz green cabbage
  • 1 cup corn kernels cooked
  • 1 cup green peas cooked
  • 1 plantain sliced (optional)

Staples Group 1: Liquid, Dairy, Fat

  • 1 cup broth vegetable or chicken
  • 1 cup milk any type
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp peanut butter****
  • 2 oz heavy cream/cream cheese/feta***

Staples Group 3: Breading, Onion & Co

  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 bunch cilantro or parsley finely chopped

Culinary Spice Kit

  • 1 pouch Fanesca spice blend Annatto, garlic, cumin, oregano, basil

Optional Toppings

  • 1 large avocado sliced
  • 1 medium onion sliced and pickled in lime juice*****
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs sliced

Instructions
 

Puree

  • In a small POT, add zucchini, pumpkin, cabbage, broth, and salt to taste.
  • Cook over medium heat until soft. Let it cool.
  • Blend it into a smooth puree.

Soup

  • In a medium POT, add butter, chopped onions, and Fanesca spices.
  • Fry over low-med. heat 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add puree, milk, peanut butter, corn, peas, beans, and salt & pepper to taste.
  • Cook over low-medium heat 30 minutes. Stir frequently.

Optional Soup Ingredients

  • Cut cod or chicken into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
  • Add all or 1/3 of it to the soup. Cook until tender.
  • Add heavy cream, cream cheese, queso fresco, or feta to taste. Mix well.

Optional Toppings

  • In a PAN, heat oil or butter and fry until tender and brown:
  • (a) any remaining cod or chicken;
  • (b) plantain slices, sprinkle with salt to taste.

Serve

  • Top fanesca with plantain, avocado, herbs, eggs, pickled onions, pumpkin seeds, and fried cod or chicken.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

* This recipe is for fresh cod. For most authenticity, we recommend salted cod. The latter needs to be drained in water overnight to remove the salt.
** Use any type of beans or lentils that you prefer, one type or several types mixed.
*** Authentic is queso fresco.
**** Any other nut butter is fine too.
***** In a small CONTAINER, cover onion slices with lime or lemon juice. Close. Let it rest in the fridge for 24-48 hours.
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!

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Middle Eastern Za'atar Tabbouleh

Middle Eastern Za’atar with Tabbouleh

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!
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.
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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Indian Samosas

Indian Samosas

Indian Samosas

Indian Samosas

September 5th is World Samosa Day but we revel in its universality no matter what time of year it is.

Pockets full of Goodness

Crispy, savory, and an incredibly simple snack to prepare, samosas are found in nearly every roadside food vendor, movie theater, or restaurant around the Indian subcontinent; going by many names and enveloping any combination of area-specific ingredients available. 

There are a surprising number of regional varieties one may try when visiting this fascinatingly diverse part of the world! Small or large; baked or fried; vegetarian, sweet, or savory – there is a samosa out there just waiting to satisfy whatever craving you have.

Simplicity in Diversity

While the triangular shape and overall flaky texture are a constant, with only subtle changes to the pastry, what’s inside is what begins to tell the complex story of that particular area. Around India, samosas are often filled with mashed or diced, cooked potato with vegetables and spices, then deep-fried in ghee or oil to achieve a golden brown, crunchy crust. 

Served hot with a side of fresh chutney and cup of steamy chai tea, these delectable pastries can be vegetarian or meaty; a sweet version with fruits and mawa (also called khoya, a sweet milk-cheese) is dipped in a sugar-syrup before serving. Visit Ahmedabad for spicy minced meat samosa, called lukhmi; Bihar for a ginger-seasoned potato version; or around eastern Indian regions for smaller potato, nut, and raisin-filled shigaras.

Historical Chronicles

What we know of as the samosa today – a staple Indian snack or appetizer – is not actually of Indian origin, but Middle Eastern or Central Asian! 

A medieval Persian poem mentions the earliest form of the samosa – sanbusaj – as far back as the 10th century but it truly gained its cultural significance following a 13th century reference to its recipe in an Arabic cookbook. 

Traveling Central Asian merchants, and their saddle bags of these mince-filled pastries, are credited to have carried the dish along the silk route or Indian coast through its influenced regions to its claimed home of India. 

Samsa officially debuted on Indian soil in the 1300s, so named after its shape resembling the pyramids of Central Asia, and featured ingredients like ghee, onion, and meat.

A Polyonymies Dish

In Bangladesh, shingaras can incorporate beef liver as a popular addition in some parts of the country with the usual ingredients. Pakistani versions can include minced meat and vegetables as a prevalent iftaar food for families celebrating Ramadan. It is a dish well associated with regional holy meals spent with loved ones. Around the Middle East, crescent-shaped versions of sambousek are stuffed with meat, onion, cheese, or pine nuts. 

Portuguese-majority speaking countries such as Brazil, Portugal, and Goa, India also have a similar meat-filled pastry to samosa, called chamuças or pastéis, respectively. Chickpeas replaced potatoes in the Israeli version, and Moroccans added peas to their filling. 

In regions like North America, the UK, and Australia, frozen samosas are becoming more available in grocery stores with some variations to the dough.

Variations
  • For a faster dinner: Cut tortillas into bite size pieces and fry them in oil until slightly brown. Serve them with the filling.

  • For a most authentic dinner: Substitute tortillas with authentic samosas dough (see below).

  • For a change: Use the filling with a pie crust.

The Samosas Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:
Coriander (toasted), cumin (toasted), turmeric, cardamom, chili (mild), cinnamon, cloves, white peppercorn.
Indian Samosa Pie
Indian Samosa Pie
samosas with mango chutney
Mango Chutney
Ingredients

1 small onion, chopped
1/2 inch ginger, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 large ripe mango, diced
2 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp raisins (optional)

Spices, one or all:

cumin, coriander (1/2 tsp or to taste)
cayenne, turmeric (1/4 tsp or to taste)

Instructions

In a small POT, add 1 tbsp oil and fry onions over medium heat until they turn translucent, stirring occasionally.
Add ginger and garlic and continue for 1 minute.

Add mango, vinegar, honey, and raisins (optional). Season with salt and spices to taste.

Cook over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Indian Samosas

Indian Samosas

SpiceBreeze
Crispy, savory, and an incredibly simple snack to prepare, samosas are found in nearly every roadside food vendor, movie theater, or restaurant around the Indian subcontinent; going by many names and encompassing any combination of specific ingredients available in the area. Our recipe offers shorter and longer variations for any skill level.
hands-on time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1 lb ground* meat**

Fresh Produce

  • 3 large potatoes boiled skin on
  • 1 cup peas frozen
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 12 medium tortillas**** cut in half
  • vegetable oil or ghee
  • salt

Samosas Culinary Spice Kit

  • Coriander (toasted), cumin (toasted), turmeric, cardamom, chili (mild), cinnamon, cloves, white peppercorn.

Optionally, add to taste to the filling:

  • 2-3 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 inch ginger grated
  • 0.25 cup cashew or macadamia nuts chopped
  • 1-2 fresh chilis chopped
  • 2 tbsp cilantro chopped
  • 0.25 cup raisins

For the Dough (optional)

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/4 cup oil

Mint Raita (optional)

  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp cumin optional
  • 1 dash ajwain seeds optional
  • fresh or dried chili to taste optional

Suggested Sides

  • basmati rice

Instructions
 

Prepare potatoes

  • Peel and roughly chop the potatoes.

Prepare filling

  • In a large PAN, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat.
  • Stir-fry Samosas spices about 30 seconds.
  • Add meat and salt to taste.
  • Stir-fry until the meat is crumbled and cooked through.
  • Add potatoes and salt to taste. Mix well.
  • Let it cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of water if necessary.
  • Add peas and salt to taste. Mix well.
  • Continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Prepare samosas*** (video link in the notes)

  • Brush the straight edge with a bit of water.
    street samosas
  • Form a cone by overlapping half of the straight edge with the other half.
  • Fill the cone.
  • Brush the top inner edges with a bit of water.
  • Press the edges together to close.
  • Repeat.

**** Prepare dough (if not using tortillas)

  • In a BOWL, mix flour with salt.
  • Optionally, add 1/4 tsp ajwain seeds.
  • Add 1/4 cup of oil. Knead until crumbled.
  • Gradually, add 1/4 cup of water.
  • Knead into a firm dough.
  • Cover and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Divide dough into 6 equal pieces. Form 6 balls.
  • Roll each ball out into about 6 to 8 diameter.

Fry samosas made with tortillas***

  • In a POT, heat oil to medium-high.
    street samosas
  • Fry 3-4 samosas until they turn slightly brown.
  • Repeat.

Fry samosas made with authentic dough

  • In a POT, heat oil to medium.
  • Fry 3-4 samosas for 5 minutes.
  • Turn the heat up and fry samosas until they turn slightly brown.
  • Repeat.

Mint Raita

  • Optionally, pour the yogurt into a strainer lined with a paper towel and a bowl underneath. Keep it in the fridge for a few hours. The drained yogurt will be wonderfully creamy.
  • In a BOWL, mix yogurt with Dal [2] spices and salt to taste.

Serve

  • Serve samosas with basmati rice and mint raita.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Video instructions for folding samosas
* Substitute ground with cooked and shredded meat.
** Lamb, pork, beef, or poultry; or substitute with 2 cups cooked garbanzo beans, slightly mashed.
*** Alternatively for a faster dinner:
Cut tortillas into bite size pieces and fry them in oil until slightly brown. Serve them with the filling.
**** Substitute tortillas with authentic samosas dough (see the recipe above).
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.
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

Chilaquiles

Mexican Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles

Mexican Chilaquiles

SpiceBreeze
Chilaquiles is a beloved Mexican dish with roots tracing back to the Aztecs. Popular in various forms across Mexico, this flavorful meal features crispy, deep-fried tortilla chips smothered in a delicious tomato sauce. With your spice kit, you'll enjoy the subtle heat of fruity, mild ancho peppers for an extra layer of flavor. Indulge in this rich, crunchy delight!
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast shredded*
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels optional
  • 12 tortillas cut into strips or triangles
  • 2 cups tomato puree not seasoned
  • 1/2 cup broth vegetable or chicken
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Suggested Toppings

  • 1 onion sliced
  • 1 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1 cup shredded cheese or Mexican queso fresco
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • 4 lettuce leaves thinly sliced

Chilaquiles Culinary Spice Kit

  • Ancho chili, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, cloves

Instructions
 

Chilaquiles Sauce

  • In a POT, add 2 tbsp oil, tomato puree, broth, Chilaquiles spices, and salt & pepper to taste.
  • Cover. Bring to a boil. Turn heat to low.
  • Cook over low heat for 30 minutes.
  • Add chicken and optionally corn.
  • Cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Turn off and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Tortilla Chips

  • In a PAN, fry tortillas in plenty of oil over medium-low heat until they turn slightly brown.
  • Pay close attention. They can burn easily.
  • Transfer each batch of tortilla chips to a PLATE lined with a paper towel.

Finish

  • In a large PAN, reheat the sauce over medium heat.
  • Carefully, stir in the tortilla chips. Cook for about 3 minutes.

Serve

  • Serve chilaquiles with your preferred toppings.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

* Cook the chicken the day before in salted water for about 20 minutes. Shred it with two forks.
  • Substitute chicken with beef or pinto beans.
  • Omit chicken and place sunny-side-up eggs on top.
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

American Espresso BBQ

American Espresso BBQ

American Espresso BBQ

American Espresso BBQ

SpiceBreeze
Coffee blends are widely popular. The trend for the dark beans didn't stop at the coffee shop. Creamy espresso beans mixed with mild ancho chilies add unexpected flavor dimensions to grilled meat. Or give it a try on grilled vegetables. Our blend is made with high-quality Italian espresso for an aromatic flavor without bitterness.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1 lb ribeye or sirloin beef steak, about 1 inch thick

Vegetables

  • 1 lb frozen (sweet) potato fries
  • 1 lb vegetable mix, roughly cut onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes

Seasoning

  • 1-2 tbsp (balsamic) vinegar
  • oil
  • salt & pepper
  • 1 tsp (brown) sugar optional

Culinary Spice Kit

  • 1 pouch Espresso BBQ spices ancho chili pepper, onions, espresso beans, black mustard, cinnamon, cumin, chipotle pepper 

Instructions
 

Steaks

  • Preheat OVEN to 400°F.
  • On a PLATE, let steaks rest 30 minutes at room temperature. Dry them with a paper towel. Brush each side with oil. Season with (smoked) salt to taste. Optionally, mix the Espresso spices with sugar. Rub the spices into both sides.
  • Heat a PAN over high heat. Fry the steaks one minute on each side.
  • Transfer the steaks to a RACK on a BAKING SHEET. Cook them in the oven to your desired doneness, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Transfer the steaks to a PLATE, cover with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.

Vegetables

  • Prepare fries per package instructions.
  • For the fresh vegetables, in a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  • Fry onions until translucent, zucchini until soft, and tomatoes until the peel starts to separate.
  • In a BOWL, mix vegetables with vinegar and (smoked) salt to taste.

Serve

  • Serve steak with fries and vegetables.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • Substitute steak with your preferred chicken pieces.
  • Substitute meat with 1 lb evenly cut grill vegetables. Season with 2 tbsp oil, and salt and 1 tbsp Espresso spices. Grill or roast 15 to 30 minutes in the OVEN at 400°F.
  • Optionally, cut meat in strips before seasoning.  Stir-fry quickly to your desired doneness.
*A cast-iron or steel skillet is recommended.
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