Traditional Greek rizogalo

Rizogalo Rice Pudding

Traditional Greek rizogalo

Rizogalo Rice Pudding

SpiceBreeze
Cuisine Greek
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Shopping list

  • 1/2 cup rice rinsed with cold water
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar use less or more to taste
  • 1/2-1 tsp small mastic tears ground

Optional

  • 1 stick stick cinnamon or cinnamon powder
  • 3 pods cardamom

Instructions
 

  • 1/2 cup rice, rinsed with cold water
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar (use less or more to taste)
  • 1/2-1 tsp mastic (ground)
  • Optional:
  • 1 stick cinnamon or cinnamon powder
  • 3 pods cardamom
  • In a POT, add rice and 1 cup cold water with a pinch of salt.
  • Optional: Add cinnamon and/ or cardamom.
  • Cover. Bring to boil.
  • Turn heat to low and cook for 15-30 minutes until the rice is cooked. The time depends on the type of rice.
  • Add milk and sugar. Mix well.
  • Stir in ground mastic. Start with 1/2 tsp. Add more to your taste.
  • Cover. Bring to boil.
  • Turn heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, until the rice thickens.
  • Fill rice pudding in 3-4 dessert dishes.
  • Let cool for 30 minutes.
  • Let cool in the fridge for 1 hour.
  • Enjoy!
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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Rizogalo Rice Pudding

Rizogalo Rice Pudding

Shopping list

  • 1/2 cup rice (rinsed with cold water)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar (use less or more to taste)
  • 1/2-1 tsp small mastic tears (ground)

Optional

  • 1 stick stick cinnamon or cinnamon powder
  • 3 pods cardamom
  1. 1/2 cup rice, rinsed with cold water
  2. 1/2 cup milk
  3. 1/4 cup sugar (use less or more to taste)
  4. 1/2-1 tsp mastic (ground)
  5. Optional:
  6. 1 stick cinnamon or cinnamon powder
  7. 3 pods cardamom
  8. In a POT, add rice and 1 cup cold water with a pinch of salt.
  9. Optional: Add cinnamon and/ or cardamom.
  10. Cover. Bring to boil.
  11. Turn heat to low and cook for 15-30 minutes until the rice is cooked. The time depends on the type of rice.
  12. Add milk and sugar. Mix well.
  13. Stir in ground mastic. Start with 1/2 tsp. Add more to your taste.
  14. Cover. Bring to boil.
  15. Turn heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, until the rice thickens.
  16. Fill rice pudding in 3-4 dessert dishes.
  17. Let cool for 30 minutes.
  18. Let cool in the fridge for 1 hour.
  19. Enjoy!
Olive Oil

Mastic Olive Oil

Olive Oil

Mastic Infused Olive Oil

SpiceBreeze
Cuisine Greek

Ingredients
  

  • 5 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp small mastic tears

Instructions
 

  • In a small POT, heat olive oil over low heat.
  • Add all mastic tears and stir over low heat until they are dissolved.
  • Pour oil into a glass container and let cool.
  • It keeps fresh in a cool, dark place.
  • Always stir or shake oil before using it.
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

Hortobágyi Palacsinta

Hungarian Hortobágyi Palacsinta

Hortobágyi Palacsinta

Hungarian Hortobágyi Palacsinta

SpiceBreeze
Cuisine Hungarian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Shopping list

  • 1 lb ground meat beef recommended
  • 1-2 red and/or green bell pepper cut in 1 inch pieces
  • 2 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

You might have

  • 2 onions chopped
  • 8 oz sour cream
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1.5 cup milk
  • 0.5 cup mineral water
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Culinary Spice Kit

  • [Gulyás] Hungarian paprika marjoram, black pepper, bay leaves

Instructions
 

Pancakes

  • In a BOWL, beat eggs. Add milk and mineral water. Slowly beat in flour.
  • Cover and set aside in the fridge for 15 minutes.
  • In a medium-size PAN, heat oil over medium heat. Pour one laddle pancake batter onthe PAN and spread the batter out until it covers the whole PAN.
  • Cook on medium-low heat until done. Flip the pancake halfway (when the top is not anymore liquid).
  • Repeat this until all batter is used.

Gulyás

  • In a large POT, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add ground meat, Gulyás Spices, onion, and bell pepper.
  • Stir-fry until meat is crumbled.
  • Add broth, tomato paste, and salt & pepper to taste. Mix well.
  • Cover. Bring to boil. Turn heat to medium.
  • Cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes until the bell peppers are almost cooked.
  • Stir in sour cream and bring to boil.
  • Turn heat off. Set aside.

Option 1: Assembly & Serve

  • On a PLATE, place one pancake. Add Gulyás meat in the center.
  • Close the pancake first from left and right, next from the other two sides. It should look like a little square package.
  • Pour Gulyás sauce over pancakes.
  • Serve immediately.

Option 2: Assembly & Bake

  • Preheat OVEN to 300°F.
  • On a PLATE, place one pancake. Add Gulyás meat in the center.
  • Close the pancake first from left and right, next from the other two sides. It should look like a little square package.
  • In a BAKING DISH, place filled pancakes next to each other in one single layer.
  • Pour Gulyás sauce over pancakes.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes, until it's baked through but not crisp.
  • Enjoy!
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

Hungarian Gulyás sausage soup

Hungarian Gulyás Sausage Soup

Hungarian Gulyás sausage soup

Hungarian Gulyás Sausage Soup

SpiceBreeze
Dig in this hearty soup and savor the taste of freshly ground Hungarian paprika. Gulyás or Goulash is Hungary's national dish. It was invented by Hungarian cattlemen and became their favorite dish. Originally, it was a soup, not a stew. We kept this intention along with the typical ingredients. Though, to save you some cooking time, we substituted stew beef for sausages. (*)
Cuisine Hungarian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Shopping list

  • 1 lb beef sausages cut in 1/2 inch slices (*)
  • 1 lb potatoes cut in bite size pieces
  • 1-2 red or green bell pepper cut in 1 inch pieces
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 32 oz beef or vegetable broth

Optional for serving

  • 3-4 small round bread

You might have

  • 2 onions chopped
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Culinary Spice Kit

  • Hungarian paprika, marjoram, black pepper, bay leaves

Instructions
 

Gulyás

  • In a large POT, heat 2 tbsp oil.
  • Fry onions, bell pepper, and sausages over medium heat until the onions turn translucent and the bell peppers turn slightly brown.
  • Stir in Gulyás Spices and fry some seconds without burning the spices.
  • Stir in broth, potatoes, and salt & pepper to taste. Cover. Bring to boil.
  • Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are almost cooked.
  • Stir in tomato paste. Cook 5 minutes.

Optional serving

  • Cut off the top of each bread.
  • Scoop most of the inside out.
  • Fill with Gulyás. Serve immediately.
  • Enjoy!
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

Mexican Enmoladas

Mexican Enmoladas

Enmoladas

Mexican Enmoladas

SpiceBreeze
The dark mole sauce is made with several chilies, nuts, and chocolate. It is such a fabulous combination. Think of a chocolate bar with nuts and chili flavor. Preparing the mole sauce is usually labor-intensive and time-consuming. This recipe is a delicious shortcut with all the three important chilies: ancho, guajillo, and pasilla. It is even easier if you skip the tortillas and just pour the sauce over roasted meat.
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Shopping list

  • 1 lbs chicken breast cut each 2 times
  • 1 bell pepper finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup almond butter
  • 2 oz dark chocolate bar min. 70% cacao
  • 2-4 avocado sliced
  • 8-12 tortillas

Optional Toppings

  • tomato/es
  • lettuce
  • crumbled cheese
  • sour cream

You might have

  • 2 cups rice
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 lime or lemon for juice
  • sugar or honey or agave syrup
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Culinary Spice Kit (see notes for homemade enmolada spices)

  • Pouch [1] Ancho chili powder, pasilla chili powder, cinnamon, oregano
  • Pouch [2] Guajillo chili powder

Instructions
 

Rice

  • Cook rice according to package instructions.

Stew

  • In a large PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil.
  • Add garlic and onions. Stir-fry 3 minutes over medium-low heat.
  • Add chicken, bell pepper, Enmoladas Spices [1].
  • Add to taste: salt, pepper, Enmoladas Spices [2].
  • Stir-fry 5 minutes over medium heat.
  • Stir in broth and tomato puree.
  • Add salt & pepper to taste.
  • Cover. Bring to boil.
  • Cook 15 minutes over medium-low heat.
  • Stir in almond butter and chocolate. '
  • Add sugar to taste.
  • Cook 10 minutes over low heat.
  • Take chicken out and shred it with two forks.

Tortillas

  • In a separate PAN, heat some oil and fry each tortilla 15 seconds on each side.

Assembly

  • Fill each tortilla with some chicken, sauce, optional tomato slices and lettuce. Roll it up.

Serve

  • Place roll on plate, top with sauce.
  • Serve with rice and avocado with lime juice.
  • Optional sprinkle with cheese and/ or sour cream.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • Substitute the SpiceBreeze spice pouches with fresh chilies. Toast and grind them with a little water. Add chili paste, cinnamon, and oregano to taste, one 1/4 tsp at a time.
  • Substitute almond butter with hazelnut butter or any other nut butter.
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

Banh Mi Thit

Vietnamese Banh Mi Thit

Vietnamese
Bánh Mì

Asian Crispy Meat Sandwich
with Tangy Pickled Vegetables

Bánh mì refers to the iconic Vietnamese baguette, a lasting culinary influence from the French colonial period. The word “thịt” means meat, a common filling in this beloved sandwich. 

Our spice blend features authentic Vietnamese cinnamon, known for its unique balance of sweetness and a hint of spice, adding an extra layer of warmth and complexity to the flavors.

Bánh Mì Spice Blend

Annatto, black pepper, Sichuan pepper (not recommended during pregnancy), fennel, Vietnamese cinnamon, star anise, and cloves.

Banh Mi Thit

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Alternative Ingredients
  • Substitute pork with chicken, turkey, or tofu.
  • Substitute daikon with radish or turnip.
  • Substitute daikon and carrots with coleslaw.
Bánh Mì Xíu Mại
Bánh Mì Thịt Xíu Mại

Variations

Explore the recipes for the following dish variations as you scroll down:

  • Bánh mì thit xá xíu with BBQ meat
  • Bánh mì thit xíu mai with meatbals
  • Bánh mì thit – tofu 
baguette

Crispy Baguette

The sandwich is made with a crispy, airy French-style baguette introduced during colonial times. Unlike traditional French baguettes, bánh mì bread is often lighter and less dense, incorporating rice flour for a delicate crunch.

Click to Discover Daikon

Balancing all the Flavors

Bánh mì combines a mix of savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. It typically includes

  • Pickled vegetables (carrots, daikon radish)
  • Fresh herbs like cilantro
  • Cucumber slices
  • Chili peppers for heat
  • Mayonnaise or butter for creaminess

 

Vietnamese Bánh Mì Thịt - Tofu

Vietnamese Bánh Mì - Tofu

SpiceBreeze
Bánh Mì Thịt, a delicious Vietnamese sandwich, traditionally features a combination of succulent meat, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a crusty baguette. In this vegan version, the meat is substituted with tofu to create a plant-based delight. The dish offers a fantastic blend of textures and flavors.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Pickled Topping

  • 1/2 lb daikon or cucumber and carrots mix 70:30, grated
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp tamari [1] or fish sauce to taste

Spread

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise [2]
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • chili sauce (optional) to taste

Tofu

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu 14-16 oz
  • 2 cloves garlic grated or pressed
  • 2 tbsp tamari [1]
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or (cooking) wine
  • 1 tbsp (agave) syrup or honey or (brown) sugar
  • 1 tbsp starch corn starch or arrowroot
  • 1 tsp fish sauce (optional)
  • oil

Choose One

  • 1-2 baguette authentic
  • any type of bun or bread
  • cooked rice or quinoa

Optional Toppings

  • some sprigs cilantro
  • jalapenos

Culinary Spice Kit

  • Annatto, black pepper, Sichuan pepper (not recommended during pregnancy), fennel, Vietnamese cinnamon, star anise, and cloves

Instructions
 

Pickle the Vegetables

  • In a BOWL, mix lime juice and tamari.
  • Add vegetables. Mix well.
  • Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Spread

  • In a BOWL, mix mayonnaise with lemon juice and (optional) chili sauce.

Press the Tofu

  • Place the tofu in a press [3] and keep it in the fridge for 1-2 hours. Drain.
  • Cut the tofu into 8-10 slices about 1/2-inch thick.
    sliced tofu

Marinate the Tofu

  • In a BOWL, mix garlic, tamari, vinegar, syrup, and starch.
  • Optionally, add fish sauce to taste
  • Stir in Banh Mi Spices.
  • Place tofu slices on a large PLATE. Pour marinade over it.
  • Let sit for 10 minutes, turning halfway.

Fry the Tofu

  • In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over high heat.
  • Fry tofu slices in one layer until brown on both sides.
  • Repeat with any remaining slices.

Assemble your Banh mi thit

  • Spread mayonnaise on one half of the baguette.
  • Place fried tofu in the baguette.
  • Top the baguette with the pickles, and, optionally, cilantro leaves and/or sliced jalapenos.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

[1] Substitute with soy sauce or see more substitutes in our blog.
[2] Substitute mayonnaise with yogurt.
[3] We recommend tofu press on Amazon. This is not an affiliate link, which means that we don't get paid if you buy it. We just use it for years now and it works perfectly.
Alternatively, place the tofu in a strainer that sits in a container. Cover with a plate and put some weight on top.
 
Banh Mi Thit

Vietnamese Banh Mi Thit Xá Xíu

SpiceBreeze
Bold, vibrant flavors come together in this Vietnamese street food classic, offering a satisfying mix of textures. The rich char siu pork pairs beautifully with the light crunch of cucumber and the zing of pickled daikon and carrots.
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pork boneless (cutlet or belly)
  • 1 lb daikon and carrots mix 70:30
  • 2-4 Persian cucumber
  • 1-2 baguette
  • 4 cloves garlic grated
  • 4 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp cooking wine e.g. Marsala/ dry sherry/ white wine
  • 4-6 tbsp agave syrup or honey or sugar
  • 2-8 tbsp rice wine vinegar or white vinegar
  • oil

Optional

  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp fish sauce or 1 tbsp anchovy paste
  • mayonnaise
  • some sprigs cilantro
  • jalapenos

Culinary Spice Kit

  • Annatto, black pepper, Sichuan pepper (not recommended during pregnancy), fennel, Vietnamese cinnamon, star anise, and cloves

Instructions
 

Marinade

  • Cut meat in 1-inch cubes.
  • In a CONTAINER, mix garlic, tamari, cooking wine, 2 tbsp syrup, 1 tbsp oil.
  • Optional use sesame oil and fish sauce.
  • Stir in Banh Mi Spices.
  • Add meat. Mix well.
  • Let rest in the fridge for 2-24 hours. Stir halfway.

Pickles

  • Cut daikon and carrots into thin match-like strips or grate them.
  • In a BOWL, add 1 cup water.
  • Add to taste: 2-4 tbsp syrup, vinegar, 1-2 tbsp salt.
  • Let rest in fridge 2-24 hours.

Grill

  • Preheat OVEN to 390°F.
  • Place meat on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Bake 30 minutes.
  • Turn halfway and brush meat with the marinade.

Cut

  • Cut cucumber in strips.
  • Cut meat thinly.

Assemble your Banh mi thit

  • Place meat in your baguette.
  • Add cucumber and pickles.

Optional

  • Spread mayonnaise on one half of the baguette. Top with cilantro leaves and/or sliced jalapenos.
  • Enjoy!
Bánh Mì Xíu Mại

Vietnamese Bánh Mì Xíu Mại

SpiceBreeze
Bánh Mì refers to Vietnamese baguette. It’s a heritage from the French colonial period. This recipe is a simplified version for Bánh mì Xíu Mại with meatballs. The spice blend includes rare Vietnamese cinnamon. It’s not only sweet but a bit spicy as well.
 
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

For the meatballs

  • 1 lb ground meat (pork veal, or poultry)
  • 1/2 lb jicama grated
  • 3 tomato/es chopped
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp tapioca starch

For the sauce

  • 1 large onion chopped
  • tomato paste
  • coconut or palm oil

For the pickles

  • 1 lb daikon and carrots mix 70:30
  • agave syrup or honey or sugar
  • rice wine vinegar or white vinegar

For serving

  • 2-4 Persian cucumber cut in thin strips
  • 1-2 baguette

Optional

  • tamari or soy sauce
  • fish sauce
  • mayonnaise
  • some sprigs cilantro
  • jalapenos sliced

Culinary Spice Kit

  • Annatto, black pepper, Sichuan pepper (not recommended during pregnancy), fennel, Vietnamese cinnamon, star anise, and cloves

Instructions
 

Cook jicama

  • In a small POT, bring water to boil and cook jicama for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.

Pickles

  • Cut daikon and carrots into thin match-like strips or grate them.
  • Keep 2 tbsp cooked jicama aside and add remaining jicama to the daikon and carrots.
  • In a BOWL, add 1 cup water.
  • Add to taste: 2-4 tbsp syrup, vinegar, 1-2 tbsp salt.
  • Let rest in fridge 1-24 hours.

Fry garlic and onions

  • In a PAN, heat 1 tbsp sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onions. Fry over medium-low heat until the onions turn brown. Take them out and set aside to cool.

Prepare meatballs

  • In a BOWL, mix ground meat, 2 tbsp jicama, fried garlic and onions, tapioca starch, and salt to taste. Mix well.
  • Form meatballs. Use about 1 tbsp of the meat mixture for each meatball.

Steam meatballs

  • In a large POT, place a deep soup plate. Fill water around the plate up to half of the height of the plate. Place meatballs in the plate. Cover POT. Heat water and steam meatballs for 15 minutes.

Sauce

  • In a PAN, heat 1 tbsp coconut oil. Add onions and Banh Mi Spices. Mix well.
  • Fry onions until they turn translucent.
  • Add tomatoes and salt to taste. Cook over slow heat for 10 minutes.
  • Add 1 cup of water and stir in 1-2 tbsp tomato paste.
  • Season with tamari and fish sauce to taste.
  • Add steamed meatballs and the liquid from its plate.
  • Mix well and let cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring in between.

Assemble your Banh mi thit

  • Place meat in your baguette.
  • Add cucumber and pickles.
  • Spread mayonnaise on one half of the baguette (optional).
  • Top with cilantro leaves and/or sliced jalapenos (optional).
  • Enjoy!