Contemporary cuisine is enriched with extraordinary aromas and flavors through the use of fresh aromatic herbs, easy to grow directly on your balcony. It is also the result of countless cross-cultural influences, encounters between scents and culinary techniques that have shaped the art of food over the centuries. Each ingredient, each spice, and every aromatic herb has a story to tell and represents a valuable testament to the food traditions and habits of an entire community.
In this article, we will explore 3 recipes inspired by Asian cuisine to help you experiment and create unique pairings with oriental aromas using the aromatic herbs you cultivate at home. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will engage all your senses and turn you into a true foodie.
Sweet and sour Vietnamese fish soup
Cahn Chua Ca, a traditional Vietnamese soup, is a perfect example of cross-cultural culinary fusion. Its origins date back to the Nguyễn Dynasty when the Vietnamese people embraced French colonists' culture, creating a unique and delicious fusion of culinary traditions. The soup features a balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors that make it incredibly appetizing. Its unique taste is achieved through aromatic herbs like mint and coriander, giving the soup a fresh and spicy aroma.
Ingredients:
1 liter of water
500 g cod fillets
75 g fresh pineapple
1 red chili pepper
2 okra (gumbo)
75 g taro stems or celery ribs
125 ml tamarind juice
10 g soybean sprouts
1 ripe tomato
3 tablespoons fish sauce
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 tablespoon of fried shallots
2 tablespoons of chopped mint leaves
Coriander leaves for garnish
Fish sauce (Nuoc mam cham):
60 ml of water or coconut juice
1 teaspoon of wine vinegar
3 teaspoons of sugar
1 red chili pepper
2 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon of lime juice
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
Read the procedure here.
Credits: https://www.cookingwithmarica.net/
Spring rolls with sweet and sour sauce
Spring rolls are a dish that represents one of the most successful cross-cultural fusions in Asian cuisine, particularly Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines. These rolls, made from rice paper filled with vegetables and/or meat, have spread worldwide and become a typical fusion cuisine dish. Their taste is fresh and light, thanks to the vegetables and aromatic herbs like mint, coriander, and basil, which provide a unique and unmistakable aroma.
Ingredients:
16 frozen spring roll pastry squares
Dried Chinese mushrooms
150 g pork loin
100 g canned bamboo shoots
1 tablespoon of flour
2 carrots
3 sprigs of fresh basil
2 sprigs of fresh mint
3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
3 tablespoons of soy sauce
5 tablespoons of chicken broth
1 teaspoon of cornstarch
chives
salt
2 tomatoes
2 garlic cloves
1.5 dl of meat broth
4 tablespoons of sugar
2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon of light soy sauce
salt
pepper
Read the procedure here.
Credits: https://www.corriere.it/cook/
Indian rice with vegetable curry and stewed chickpeas
Indian rice is a dish that represents a perfect fusion of cultures and flavors. Its origin is Indian, but the recipe has been modified and adapted based on the tastes and needs of the various countries it has spread to. Indian rice is usually made with basmati rice, spices like turmeric, ginger, and cumin, and ingredients such as onions, peas, and carrots. The typical aromatic herbs for this dish are coriander and mint, which provide a fresh and aromatic flavor. The mixture of spicy flavors and the contrast between the sweet taste of carrots and peas and the spiciness of the spices make this dish unique and extremely delicious.
Ingredients:
For the vegetable curry:
200 g broccoli florets
250 g cardoons
1⁄2 lemon
70 g leeks
180 g carrots
1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
1 tablespoon of coriander powder
1 tablespoon of coconut butter
3 tablespoons of rice oil
500 g oat milk
black pepper
Integral salt
Fresh coriander
For the Indian rice:
200 g basmati rice
2 teaspoons of integral salt
1 tablespoon of coconut butter
For coconut vegetable butter:
50 g coconut butter
100 g rice oil
30 g sesame oil
For fragrant chickpeas:
150 g chickpeas
150 g Swiss chard
50 g leeks
1 shallot
30 g carrot
4 cm kombu seaweed
1 sprig of rosemary
1 sprig of sage
100 g tomato puree
1 tablespoon of parsley
extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
Read the procedure here.
Credits: https://www.ioscelgoveg.it/
Incorporating homegrown aromatic herbs into recipes inspired by cultures and traditions from around the world not only allows us to enjoy unique and delicious dishes but also helps improve our personal well-being. Home cultivation is an excellent opportunity to invite friends and acquaintances to share valuable culinary experiences, strengthening bonds and creating unforgettable moments.
Start growing your aromatic herbs on your balcony now and be inspired by these three recipes with an oriental twist to create unique pairings in your kitchen, explore new flavors, and enrich your dishes with global influences. If you're curious about how to start growing with little time, space, and without necessarily having a green thumb, read the article "7 Reasons Why Gardening Is Easy with Poty."
Transform your balcony into a lush garden and experiment with fresh herbs to create tasty dishes that will delight the palate of every foodie.
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