These thin pancakes are also called duck pancakes and are used for wrapping Peking duck and several other northern dishes, such as crispy skin duck, mu shu pork and mongolian lamb. Ingredients: (Makes 24-30) 450 g (1 lb) plain (all-purpose) flour 310 ml (10 fl oz/1¼ cups) boiling water 1 teaspoon oil Roasted sesame oil […]

Japanese sauces are typically light, and are applied with a light hand too. Sauces never overwhelm the natural flavors and textures of the foods themselves, but serve as an accent to them. Ponzu (Makes about 250 ml/9 fl oz/1 cup)   1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 60 ml […]

Ingredients: (Makes 1 batch) 310 ml (10¾ fl oz/1¼ cups) iced water 45 g/1½ oz/¼ cup) potato starch, sifted 140 g/5 oz/1 heaped cup plain all-purpose flour, sifted ¼ teaspoon baking powder Method: To make one batch of the tempura batter, pour the iced water into a bowl. Add the sifted potato starch, flour, baking powder […]

Ingredients: (makes 125 ml/4 fl oz/½ cup) 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 3 bird’s eye chillies, mixed red and green, stems removed, lightly crushed 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 teaspoon sugar Method: Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. The sauce can be stored in a jar in the refrigerator […]

Ingredients: (Makes 185 g/6 oz/¾ cup) 90 ml/3 fl oz oil 2 Asian shallots, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 40 g/1½ oz dried chilli flakes ¼ teaspoon palm sugar (jaggery) Method: Heat the oil in a small saucepan and fry the shallots and garlic until brown. Add the chilli flakes and palm sugar […]

Ingredients: (Makes 250 g/8 oz/1 cup) Oil, for frying 20 Asian shallots, sliced 10 garlic cloves, sliced 3 tablespoons dried shrimp 7 dried long red chillies, chopped 3 tablespoons tamarind purée or 3 tablespoons lime juice 6 tablespoons palm sugar (jaggery) 1 teaspoon shrimp paste Method: Heat up the oil in a saucepan or wok […]

The ubiquitous table condiment of Vietnam, this sauce is present at virtually every meal. It features lime juice, fish sauce and sugar, spiced with garlic and chilies. The level of spiciness depends on how these two latter ingredients are prepared. Ingredients: (Makes about 500 ml/18 fl oz) 175 g/6 fl oz fish sauce 100 ml/3½ […]

Although spices play an integral role in every Indian meal, housewives in India insist on buying whole spices in small quantities because they easily lose their distinctive aromas, especially when exposed to air and kept in hot, humid conditions. Spices may be used raw, but are frequently toasted or fried before further use. When toasting […]

Griddle-Roasted Flat Bread Recipe (Chapatti Recipe) In Indian homes, chapattis are made fresh every day, using a special flour known as atta. Asian stores sell atta, but you can also substitute a fne, wholemeal bread flour combined with plain flour, at a ratio of two-thirds whilemeal to one-third plain flour. Ingredients: (Makes 16) 400 g/14 […]

Recipe for mint and cilantro (coriander) rice The slender grains of fragrant basmati rice complement the delicately flavored pine kernels, both prized ingredients from northern India in this sumptuous pilau. Saffron adds an exotic touch, with its age-old reputation for beinsg rare and costly. Ingredients: (Serves 4) Good pinch of saffron threads, pounded 2 tablespoons […]