Hello Foodies!...
Ok, here's the second - more savoury - half of my favourite recipes that I've tested and tasted over the last 6 months.
In particular, and for once, I actually have knuckled down and made a ton of recipes from the several cookbooks I have brought back from my trip last Dec/Jan to Vietnam. It is a fantastic place and I hope to inspire you with some of my favourite unique dishes from this region.
Very Vietnamese :
Kohlrabi & Carrot Salad - Crunchy, tasty and yet still super healthy! Very filling too - Love a salad that's substantial.
Glass Noodle Soup with Prawns & Pork - Marinating the meat in asian sauces makes all the difference to this delicious soup. Plus, try not to substitute the glass noodles as they absorb and carry a lot of the umami flavour as well.
Spicy Lemongrass Prawns - Zingy with a kick, and ready in minutes (after a short marinating session).
Lemongrass Tamarind Chicken - Two intensely Vietnamese flavours that work beautifully together.
Stuffed Tomatoes with Minced Pork - Aesthetically awesome on a plate... and a great taste to match.
Stirfried Beef with Pineapple - Tired of the same old beef? Try serving it with pineapple! Guaranteed to bring a smile.
Steamed Radish Rolls - The most unique Vietnamese dish I have found. Did not see it anywhere in Vietnam but can't recommend it enough. The way the pork flavours mix with the steamed radish slices is just amazing.
Not Your Everyday Soups :
Celeriac & White Bean Soup with Crispy Chorizo & Glazed Apple - Probably a little more work than your standard soup, as the length of the name suggests, but definitely worth every minute of time. It's a fantastic taste combination, so definitely don't pass on the glazed apples.
Thai-Style Pumpkin & Chilli Soup - For anyone who has tried and loved my
thai-style tomato soup, this is the next one on the line for you tastebudd-trigger addicts as the coconut milk and fish sauce gives it a great twist.
Green Pea & Ham Soup - Take the classic split pea and ham soup, and bump it up a notch or two. This will feel and tasty very hipster as the fresher taste from the peas (versus the old stodgy taste of the split pea) really hits the palate. It's effervescent cheery green certainly also makes one sit up and pay attention to this lovely starter.
A Few More Recent Savoury Favourites :
Cantonese Sticky Rice Parcels with Pork - This was one of my favourite Yum Cha / Dim Sum dishes growing up. They looked ever so complicated to make - Well alright, it's not for absolute beginners in the kitchen. But well worth the effort (authentic flavours) and, of course, the presentation.
Chinese Braised Beef - Richly flavoured. Such a perfect meat treat to warm you up - We had to have seconds !
Spiced Chicken Meatballs with Chilli & Mint Sauce - Love having meatballs that are moist and tasty. You almost don't need the sauce... but certainly don't miss it. It's the piece de resistance of the dish !
Green Beans with Crunchy Peanut Chili Lemon Coating - If you're bored of the same old veggie side dish, try this on for size. It will be sure to shake up your palate !
Vietnamese & Classic Desserts:
Banana Chocolate Brownies - How can you pass up such a killer taste combo as bananas and chocolate? And just for good measure, I threw in some walnuts to complete the ultimate funky monkey dessert.
Classic Chocolate & Coconut Rum Balls - My first go at Rum Balls. And, wow, was it ever easy... and tasty! Definitely every baker or aspiring baker should have a go at these at least once in their lives !
Rhubarb, Apple & Raspberry Pie - Great zesty mix of flavours encased in a tasty ginger and vanilla pastry shell. As with all pies, will take a while, but well worth the time.
Vietnamese Pandan Sticky Rice Dessert - Fabulously unique treat. This warm sticky rice dessert is rather dry (in a great way) than most. The lovely floral essence of the pandan essence will definitely leave you with a smile.
Vietnamese Coconut Creme Caramel - For the creme coconut fans out there, I highly recommend this one with a simple coconut twist !
Vietnamese Faux-Pomegranate and Coconut Milk Sweet Cold Soup - I remember having this in a restaurant and wondering how the heck they made it. This is a really fun and simple recipe. Might be especially fun to try with kids (big kids as well) as it is very colourful and playful to eat.
Well I hope that provides some great inspiration for you... if not, there's certainly much more to peruse on the
www.AboutNatia.com website.
And please don't hold back if you have lovely recipes you'd like to share, feel free to send them over for me to try (thank you to those who have already!).
I'm also open to recipe challenges where we could try out a new recipe together (eg. "I've always wanted to make XYZ recipe but not really sure how or maybe I just need a cooking buddy!"). I'll be happy to be your co-chef !
Happy food adventures ahead !
Cheers,
Natia
