Welcome Back or if it's your first time Welcome! Welcome one and all!
A little late but definitely enjoyed good health on saturday and brought a new pet home on Sunday. š„³š¤øāāļøš§āāļø
When starting the Recipe edition, there was a full introduction given to Traditional Chinese Medicine Food Therapy as well as Ayurvedic intro, so do please explore previous posts. However, here's a skinnymini of it.
The Chinese Medicine diet is based on energetic principles such as damp natured, cold natured, and hot natured foods. By knowing the energetic nature of a food, you have the power to create good digestion, more balance, and healthy function.
For an even Deeper a dive on Food therapy
Pause and read this section or come back to itš“šš«
Food as Medicine: Cultural Wisdom and the Challenges of the Modern World
Throughout history, food has not just been a source of sustenance but also a powerful tool for healing and maintaining health. Different cultures around the world have developed intricate systems of using food as medicine, with deeply rooted traditions that emphasize the connection between diet, well-being, and longevity. However, as we progress into the modern age, the wisdom of these ancient practices is increasingly at odds with the toxicity introduced by contemporary lifestyles, particularly through the pervasive use of plastics and other harmful substances.
The Ancient Art of Food as Medicine
The concept of food as medicine is an ancient one, with many cultures believing in the healing power of what we consume. This idea has been central to traditional medical systems such as Ayurveda in India, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and the indigenous practices of various cultures around the world. These traditions recognize that food is not merely fuel but also a means to prevent illness, balance the body, and promote longevity.
1. Ayurveda: The Science of Life
Ayurveda, one of the worldās oldest holistic healing systems, originated in India over 3,000 years ago. In Ayurveda, food is considered a primary means of healing. It is believed that the right foods can balance the bodyās three doshasāVata, Pitta, and Kaphaāwhich are elemental forces that govern bodily functions. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend foods based on an individual's constitution (Prakriti) and current state of health.
For example, someone with a Pitta constitution, which is associated with heat, metabolism, and transformation, might be prone to inflammation and should therefore consume cooling foods like cucumbers, melons, and leafy greens. Spices such as turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, are also commonly used in Ayurvedic cooking to prevent and treat a variety of ailments.
2. Traditional Chinese Medicine: Harmony and Balance
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), food is also considered a form of medicine. The philosophy of TCM is rooted in the balance of Yin and Yang, and the concept of the Five Elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water), which correspond to different organs and functions in the body. Foods are classified according to their propertiesācooling, warming, bitter, sweet, etc.āand their effects on the body.
For instance, ginger, a warming food, is used to dispel cold and dampness from the body and is particularly effective in treating colds and digestive issues. Similarly, TCM recommends consuming foods that align with the seasons; in the winter, warming foods like soups and stews are favored, while in the summer, cooling foods like watermelon and cucumber are encouraged to balance the bodyās internal temperature.
3. Indigenous Practices: Connection to the Land
Indigenous cultures around the world have long understood the medicinal value of food, often relying on a deep connection to the land and its offerings. For example, the Native American diet traditionally included a variety of wild plants, seeds, and herbs that were used for both nourishment and healing. The Three Sistersācorn, beans, and squashāare staple crops that provide balanced nutrition and are also revered for their medicinal properties. Corn, rich in fiber and antioxidants, was used to support digestion, while beans provided essential proteins and squash offered vitamins and minerals crucial for maintaining health.
In many African cultures, traditional diets include nutrient-dense foods like millet, sorghum, and baobab, which are not only staples but also valued for their health benefits. Baobab, for example, is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants and is used to boost the immune system and support digestion.
The Modern World: A Toxic Dilemma
While traditional cultures have long recognized the healing power of food, the modern world presents a stark contrast. The industrialization of food production, the widespread use of plastics, and the proliferation of processed foods have introduced a host of toxins into our environment and bodies, undermining the wisdom of using food as medicine.
1. The Pervasive Use of Plastics**
One of the most significant challenges of modern living is the ubiquitous presence of plastics. From food packaging to water bottles, plastics have become an integral part of daily life. However, the chemicals used in plastics, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, are known to leach into food and beverages, especially when heated. These chemicals are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with hormone function and have been linked to a range of health issues, including infertility, obesity, and cancer.
The impact of plastics on health is compounded by the fact that they are almost impossible to avoid. Microplastics, tiny particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items, have been found in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Studies have even detected microplastics in human blood and tissues, raising concerns about their long-term effects on health.
2. Processed Foods and Nutrient Deficiency
In addition to the issue of plastics, the modern diet is dominated by processed foods that are high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, yet low in essential nutrients. This shift away from whole, natural foods to highly processed options has been linked to the rise of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Processed foods are often stripped of their nutritional value and loaded with preservatives, flavor enhancers, and colorings, all of which can have detrimental effects on health. Moreover, the excessive consumption of sugar and unhealthy fats found in many processed foods has been shown to contribute to inflammation, insulin resistance, and other metabolic disorders.
3. The Loss of Traditional Wisdom
As the modern world becomes more reliant on convenience foods and industrialized agriculture, the traditional wisdom of using food as medicine is increasingly being lost. This loss is not just about the disappearance of specific foods or recipes but also about a broader disconnection from the knowledge of how to nourish the body in a way that promotes health and prevents disease.
For example, the traditional practice of fermentation, which was once widespread in cultures around the world, has largely fallen by the wayside in favor of pasteurized and processed foods. Fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi are rich in probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support gut health and boost the immune system. The decline in the consumption of these foods has been linked to a rise in digestive disorders and other health issues.
Bridging the Gap: Reviving Ancient Wisdom in a Modern World
Despite the challenges posed by the modern world, there is a growing movement to revive the ancient wisdom of using food as medicine. This movement emphasizes the importance of returning to whole, natural foods, minimizing exposure to toxins, and reconnecting with traditional practices that have sustained health for generations.
1. The Rise of Functional Foods
One positive trend is the increasing popularity of functional foodsāfoods that have a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition. Examples include turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger for its digestive benefits, and green tea for its antioxidant content. These foods, often rooted in traditional practices, are now being embraced by the modern wellness community for their medicinal properties.
2. Reducing Plastic Use
Another important step is reducing the use of plastics, particularly in food packaging and storage. Many people are now turning to alternatives such as glass, stainless steel, and silicone to store food safely without the risk of chemical leaching. Additionally, there is a growing awareness of the need to minimize plastic waste and its impact on the environment, with initiatives like zero-waste movements and bans on single-use plastics gaining traction worldwide.
3. Embracing Traditional Diets
Finally, there is a resurgence of interest in traditional diets and the benefits they offer. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil, is one example that has gained widespread recognition for its ability to promote heart health and longevity. Similarly, the traditional Japanese diet, which emphasizes fish, rice, and fermented foods like miso and natto, is known for its role in supporting long life and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
The wisdom of using food as medicine is a powerful testament to the knowledge that traditional cultures have accumulated over millennia. As we navigate the challenges of the modern world, with its toxic exposures and processed foods, it is more important than ever to reconnect with this wisdom. By embracing the principles of whole, natural foods and minimizing our exposure to harmful substances, we can take a significant step toward reclaiming our health and well-being in an increasingly toxic world. The path forward lies in finding a balance between the ancient and the modern, where the best of both worlds can be harnessed for the benefit of future generations.
And another one with its own perspective I recommend this article from Science Direct
Food therapy and medical diet therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine š
Now on with the Feast!
Dumplings with Poria (čÆčę°“é„ŗ)
Ingredients:
1. Jiao zi pi (é„ŗåē®) dumpling wrapper 2 Ib
2. Shou zhu rou (ē¦ēŖč) lean pork 1 Ib
3. Jiu cai (éč) chive 1Ib
4. Xiang gu (é¦č) Shiitake mushroom 10 pc
5. Sheng jiang (ēå§) fresh ginger 10 g
6. Qing cong (éč±) green onion 100 g
7. Sheng chou (ēę½) soy sauce 1 tbp
8. Sesame oil 2 tsps
9. Table salt 1 tsp
10. White sugar 2 tsps
11. Chinese brown rice vinegar (for dipping)
Cooking methods:
1. Mince the lean pork into filling
2. Soak mushroom, rinse and chop into small pieces
3. Rinse the chive, ginger and onion and chop into small pieces.
4. Rinse the ginger and onion and chop into small pieces
5. Add mushroom, chive, ginger, onion, white sugar, table salt, sesame oil into the
meat; stir to mix them thoroughly
6. Make dumplings by wrapping up some meat filling with the dumpling wrappers.
7. Boil 2 liter of water, then add the dumpling into the boiling water one by one,
slowly stir them, and then cover the lid.
8. Bring to boil again, then add one cup of cold water and slowly stir the dumplings,
and then cover the lid.
9. Repeat the step 7 two more times, then take the dumplings out of the water and
ready to serve.
Function:
1. Nourish the heart, tranquilizing the mind
2. Invigorating the spleen, inducing the appetite
3. Removing dampness
4. Resolving phlegm
5. Inducing dieresis to alleviate edema
6. Eat them as a regular basis can strengthen the stomach and spleen functions and
improve the constitution and immunity
7. It is especially benefit for patient with poor appetite caused by spleen dysfunction,
edema due to hypofunction of the spleen
Seaweed farmer
Cleansing Seaweed Scrambled Eggs
Cleansing or Masses
Ingredients:
2 tbsp Coix (Yi Yi Ren)
1 tbsp dried, precut Wakame Seaweed
3 Eggs
1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (Canola/Olive)
Pinch Salt
Pinch Pepper
Directions:
1. Soak coix in warm water for about 30 minutes, then drain
2. Boil 2 cups of water and add coix and seaweed.
3. Lower heat and simmer, partially covered, for about half an hour until ingredients are
soft. Drain then set aside
4. Crack eggs into a bowl and stir. Heat oil in a pan then add eggs. Cook, stirring, until not
quite done.
5. Add seaweed and coix and cook for 1-2 more minutes
6. Add salt and pepper to serve
Actions/Indications/Functions
o Move stagnation
o Drain dampness
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500 grams is closer to 1.1 pound. They makes one pound worth less than 500 grams.
š¤øāāļøYou can just google a conversion and get it spot on š¤øāāļø
Grams (g) Pounds (lb) Pounds+Ounces (lb+oz)
9 g 0.019842 lb 0 lb 0.3175 oz
10 g 0.022046 lb 0 lb 0.3527 oz
20 g 0.044092 lb 0 lb 0.7055 oz
30 g 0.066139 lb 0 lb 1.0580 oz
Mung Bean and Kelp Sweet Soup (ē»æč±ęµ·åø¦ē³ę°“)
Ingredients:
1. Hai dai (ęµ·åø¦) kelp 50 g
2. Lu dou (ē»æč±) mung bean 200 g
3. Sheng jiang (ēå§) fresh ginger 10 g
4. Bing tang (å°ē³) crystal sugar: a specific amount
Cooking methods:
1. Soak the kelp in water for 60 minutes, rinse, and cut into small pieces.
2. Rinse the mung bean
3. Put the kelp, mung bean and ginger slices in a pot and add 4 liters of cold water.
Bring to boil and then turn to medium heat. Cooking until ingredients are tender
(around 60 minutes).
4. Add the sugar; stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Function:
1. Cold hot syndrome, clear away pathogenic heat and summer heat
2. Induce diuresis
3. Loss weight
4. Prevent hypertension, high cholesterol and coronary heart disease
5. Detoxification
Radish Cake (čåē³)
Ingredients:
1 radish (approx. 500g) 4 cups approximately
1 cups water
30 g Chinese sausages, skinned then diced
3 pc shiitake mushrooms, soaked till soft then diced
10g dried shrimps, soaked till soft then roughly chopped
50 g green onion, diced
3 clave garlic, cut into small pieces
3-4 tbsp oil, for frying
Extra oil for greasing
150g rice flour
Seasoning:
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
Few drops of sesame oil
Method:
1. Skin and cut radish with a knife to long thin strips. Place radish with 1 cups of
water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until radish is soft. Let
cool.
2. Clean and grease a pan with oil.
3. Clean and soak both dried shrimps and dried mushrooms until soften. Chop dried
shrimps slightly. Cut mushrooms into small cubes.
4. Soak chinese sausages in water to ease the removal of casing. Cut sausages into
small cubes.
5. Heat up oil in a pan/wok. Fry garlic and onion until fragrant. Add in Chinese
sausages, mushrooms and dried shrimps and continue to fry until fragrant. Season
with the seasoning ingredients. Set aside to let cool a little.
6. Drain cooked radish well. Save and obtain approx. 200ml of the juice from the
boiling of radish. Pour away the excess or top up with water if not sufficient.
7. Combine rice flour and wheat starch in a large mixing bowl. Pour radish juice and
mix with a hand whisk to obtain smooth batter. Add cooked radish and the rest of
the fried ingredients into the batter. Mix well. Pour mixture into the greased pan.
8. Steam over rapid boiling water for 1 hour or until chopstick inserted into radish
cake comes out clean.
9. Remove from steamer and let cool completely before slicing. Reheat in steamer or
microwave. Serve with hoisin sauce (tim jiong). Alternatively, pan fry with some
oil until golden brown
Notes:
1. The portion of water to radish is important in determining the texture of the final
product. I always give flexibility to my students when I teach so I will do the
same here. The above suggested amount of the water serves as a guide for a
texture that I think is good. Try it out and adjust to your family's preference. At
the end of the day, your family members will be the ones who are going to
appreciate your goodies :)
2. Add cooked radish to form a batter while it is still hot so that a thick nice paste is
formed before steaming.
3. To save time, it is actually a more common practice to shred the radish with a
shredder. Cutting, instead of shredding, the radish does improve the texture of the
radish cake. Again, cutting is an alternative way from me for your consideration.
Functions:
1) Relieve food stagnation
2) Clear away phlegm-heat
3) Keep the adverse qi flowing downward
4) Regulate the middle-jiao
5) Detoxification
6) Used to treat food stagnation, turgor, cough, aphonia caused by accumulation of
phlegm
7) Control hematemesis, nose bleeding, diabetes, dysentery, migraine headache
Rice and veggies mmm with a healthy kick
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups jasmine rice, uncooked
1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 1/4 cups water
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
For the vegetables:
1 red onion, halved and cut into wedges
1 bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1/2 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
1/2 head broccoli, chopped into florets
2 zucchini, cut into chunks
1/4 cup olive oil
For the seasoning mix:
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400Ā°F and set aside a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
To the baking dish, add the rice, broth, water, garlic, sliced carrots, and butter. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of the seasoning mix and stir to combine.
Cover tightly with foil and bake 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, add red onion, bell pepper, cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, and olive oil to a large bowl. Add remaining spice mix and mix well.
Remove rice from oven and increase heat to 425Ā°F.
Uncover dish and arrange vegetables on top of the rice. Drizzle with more olive oil and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Push vegetables to one side, fluff rice with a fork, then toss the two together. Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from Recipe Tin Eats.
Rice Wine and Balls of Unity (걤å )
Tang Yuan, made from glutinous rice, sugar, red bean or black sesame or peanut, and
vegetable oil, originated from the Eastern Jin Dynasty period. Served boiled in sweet
ginger flavoured syrup, it is traditionally eaten to mark the beginning of the winter
solstice and also on the 15th day of the 1st Chinese lunar month. While many legends
surround the Tang Yuan, in Malaysia it has come to symbolise family unity,
completeness and happiness, which is why it is also commonly served during auspicious
occasions.
Ingredients:
ā¢ Tian Jiu Liang 900 g
ā¢ 1 cup glutinous rice flour
ā¢ 4 ounces water
ā¢ Brown sugar to taste
ā¢ Food coloring (optional)
ā¢ Fresh ginger (optional)
Preparation:
How to make Tian Jiu Liang and rice wine?
1. Take 500g of glutinous rice and soak in water for a few hours
2. Either steam or cook the glutinous rice
3. Once the rice is ready, cool it till about 30degC
4. Then mix the yeast powder evenly into the cooked rice
5. Press the rice and make a hole in the centre, it is to make the rice wine flow to the
centre later.
6. Cover with the lid and keep it for about 36 to 48 hrs in summer time
The steps are easy. The key point is not be contaminated by the dirty or oily hands
or utensils, which may cause the bad fungus glow
How to make Tong Yuan?
1. Pour the glutinous rice flour in a bowl and slowly add water until the mixture
becomes the texture of dough. You may not need the entire 4 ounces of water to
reach the proper consistency. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes. You can
divide the dough in half and add food coloring to one half.
2. Pinch off pieces of the dough and roll it into small balls.
3. Tong Yuan can also be stuffed with a paste made from peanut butter, black
sesame seeds or red beans.
How to cook Tian jiu Tong Yuan?
1. put the rice wine into a pot and add 2 liters of water, brown sugar and gingers and
bring to boil.
2. Drop the balls into boiling water and cook them until they float - about 5 to 10
minutes and serve.
Functions
1) Invigorating the middle-jiao and replenishing qi,
2) Strengthening the spleen and regulating the stomach,
3) Promote blood circulation
4) Relieving thirst and restlessness
5) Arresting dysentery and diarrhea.
Thank the Animal for its life and make sure it had a good life,
Sang Ji Sheng Ox Tail Soup
General/High blood pressure
Ingredients:
640g Ox Tail
120g Sang Ji Sheng
5g Ginger
6 Cups water
Directions:
1. Blanch ox tail, drain and clean,
2. Add all ingredient in pot, bring to boil and simmer for 4-6 hours
Actions/Indications/Functions
o Nourish liver, kidney
o Strengthen tendon and bone
o Lower blood pressure, cholesterol
o Benefit blood calm fetus
o treat back pain, arthritis
Soothing Shrimp with Asparagus and Goji Berries
Fatigue, Menopause, Depression
Ingredients:
2 tbsp Goji Berries
3 tbsp Rice Wine
2 tbsp Sesame Oil
1 (1/2 Inch) piece Fresh Ginger, peeled and minced
2 cloves Garlic
Ā¾-1 lb medium sized Shirmp, shelled and deveined
1 lb Asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces, hard white ends discarded
2 tsp powdered Kudzu/Arrowroot/Cornstarch/Thickener
1 Ā½ tbsp Water
1 tbsp Soy Sauce
Directions:
1. Cover goji berries with rice wine and marinate for 30 minutes
2. In a wok/skillet, heat 1 tbsp of sesame oil over medium-high heat
3. Add ginger and garlic and cook until fragrant (30-60 seconds)
4. Add shrimp and stir fry for about 3 minutes or until cooked through. Transfer shrimp to a
bowl and set aside
5. While pan is still hot, add another tbsp of sesame oil then add the asparagus stalks and
stir fry for about a minute. Then add asparagus tips and stir fry for another 3 minutes or
until the asparagus is cooked through
6. Add shrimp, goji berries and 2 tbsp of the wine the goji berries were soaked in
7. Mix the thickener in a small bowel with a little cold water to avoid clumping, then add it
to the pan and stir well
8. Add soy sauce to taste and serve with rice
Actions/Indications/Functions
o Strengthens Liver and Kidneys
o Clears heat due to yin deficiency
o Strengthens muscles and tendons
Special Spicy Spinach
Poor Appetite, Weakness
Ingredients:
2 Cups water
1 bunch Spinach (approx. Ā¾ lb), washed well and chopped into 2-3 inch pieces
1 tsp Wasabi Paste
1 tbsp Soy Sauce
2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
1 tbsp Dark Sesame Oil
Directions:
1. Bring water to a boil and add spinach
2. Bring water back to a boil, then brain well and squeeze out excess water. Place spinach
in a serving bowl
3. Prepare sauce by combining wasabi paste, soy sauce, vinegar and sesame oil in a small
bowl and stir well
4. Toss in spinach
Actions/Indications/Functions
o Harmonize middle jiao
o Promote movement of Qi
o Drain Dampness
Steam chicken with astragalus
Qi deficiency/Nephritis, Diabetes
Ingredients:
50g Huang Qi
1 Chichken
20g green onion
15g ginger
20g cooking wine
salt
Directions:
1. Clean chicken, insert green onion, ginger, huang qi inside chicken,
2. Add cooking wine, salt and water, steam for 2 hours..
Actions/Indications/Functions
o Tonify qi nourish blood.
o Warm and strengthen spleen,
o Treat cough, asthma, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, fatigue duabetes
Sticky Sesame and Walnut Balls
Insomnia, Graying Hair, Hair Loss
Ingredients:
Ā½ cup (2 oz) Black Sesame Seeds
1/3 ā Ā½ cup (2 oz) chopped Walnuts
3-4 tbsp Honey
Directions:
1. If sesame seeds arenāt already roasted, toast the sesame seeds by putting them in a wide
skillet over medium heat, shaking the pan occasionally. Continue frying until fragrant (3-
5 mins). Remove the seeds from the hot skillet so they donāt over cook and let them cool
for at least 1 minute
2. In a food processor, whir together the sesame seeds, walnuts and 3 tbsp of honey
3. Roll into Ā¾ inch balls. If the balls donāt stick together at first, add a little more honey and
whir the mixture some more
Actions/Indications/Functions
o Tonifies Kidneys
Stuffed Mushrooms
Hypertension due to Flaming up of Liver Fire and
Deficiency of Liver and Kidney Yin
Ingredients:
15 (ish) Mushrooms
2 ribs Celery, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, chopped
2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
3 Chinese Red Dates, soaked & chopped
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375
2. Stem Mushrooms
3. Chop stems and pulse with food processor with all other ingredients until mixed (not over
blended)
4. Stuff mixture in caps
5. Bake, stuffed side up on greased pan for 20 minutes
Actions/Indications/Functions
o Tonify whole body qi
o Clears heat
o Moistens viscera and relieves dryness
o Calm the Heart
šš§āāļøšš§āāļøšš§āāļøšš§āāļøšš§āāļøšš§āāļøšš§āāļøšš§āāļøšš§āāļøšš§āāļøš
Here are five of the healthiest vegan recipes from around the world:
ā¢ Chana Masala (India)
A hearty dish made with chickpeas simmered in a spiced tomato gravy. Packed with protein and fiber, it's rich in flavor and nutrients. Serve with brown rice or whole-grain naan for a complete meal.
šš§āāļøšš§āāļø
Tabbouleh (Lebanon)
A refreshing salad made with bulgur wheat, fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon-olive oil dressing. It's light, full of fresh herbs, and high in fiber and antioxidants.
Tabbouleh Recipe Ingredients
Hereās what youāll need to make this tabbouleh recipe:
ā¢ Parsley, of course! I typically use Italian flat-leaf parsley in my cooking, but tabbouleh is an exception. I like curly parsleyās lighter texture, tamer flavor, and brighter color here.
ā¢ MintĀ ā It adds delicious cooling notes to the salad.
ā¢ Bulgur wheatĀ ā If youāre not familiar with it, bulgur is simply cracked wheat thatās been partially cooked and then dried. Traditional tabbouleh would be made with fine bulgur, but because I have trouble finding it in grocery stores where I live, I typically prepare the salad with coarse bulgur. Use whichever you can find ā either works well.
ā¢ CucumberĀ ā For crunch! I like English and Persian cucumbers best here. If youāre using a regular cucumber, I recommend peeling and seeding it.
ā¢ TomatoesĀ ā They add juicy texture to the salad.
ā¢ Scallions and garlicĀ ā They give the salad an oniony bite.
ā¢ Coriander and cinnamonĀ ā For earthy depth of flavor.
ā¢ Fresh lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oilĀ ā They create a bright, zesty dressing for the salad.
ā¢ And sea saltĀ ā To make all the flavors pop!
Prep Directions
Chop up the herbs nice and fine.
Use a sharp knife to chop them by hand instead of reaching for a food processor. The food processor can bruise them, giving them a soggy texture instead of a light one.
Mix and Once you prep the saladās ingredients, place them in a large bowl and toss to combine. Season to taste and serve right away, or cover the salad and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. It only gets better as the flavors mix and mingle.
Tom Kha Gai (Thailand)
A creamy coconut soup traditionally made with chicken, but easily veganized with tofu or mushrooms. It's flavored with lemongrass, galangal, lime, and coconut milk, offering a soothing and nutrient-rich dish.
Tom Kha Gai ąøą¹ąø”ąøą¹ąø²ą¹ąøą¹ (Thai coconut chicken soup) Replace chicken with Tofu, chicken broth with vegetable broth)
Tom yum goongĀ maybe the most famous soup of Thailand, but its milder creamier sister,Ā tom kha gai, is my personal favourite. This comforting Thai coconut chicken soup recipe is infused with the classic Thai herbs: lemongrass, galangal, and makrut (kaffir) lime leaves. It's so easy yet so loveable that when someone asks,Ā "I'm new to Thai food, what should I try/make first?"Ā Tom kha gaiĀ is my answer.
What is Tom Kha Gai?
Tom kha gai, which is sometimes spelledĀ tom ka gai, is one of the most popular soups amongst Thai food lovers.Ā TomĀ means to boil,Ā khaĀ means galangal, andĀ gaiĀ means chicken.Ā So it's a chicken soup whose main flavour comes from galangal, but another key component not mentioned in the soup is coconut milk.
Ingredients
ā¢ Boneless skinless chicken thighs (chicken breast is okay to use, but the methods need to be modified as per the notes in the recipe card)
ā¢ Chicken broth or stock, unsalted,Ā preferably homemade or Vegetable Broth
ā¢ Coconut milk
ā¢ Lemongrass
ā¢ Galangal (root vegetable not ginger)
ā¢ Makrut lime leavesĀ (aka kaffir lime leaves)
ā¢ Thai chilies
ā¢ Oyster mushrooms or another Asian mushroom
ā¢ Fish sauce
ā¢ Palm sugarĀ (or light brown sugar)
ā¢ Cilantro or green onions for garnish
ā¢ Fresh lime juice
Some recipes vary by region and taste, so feel free to explore and trust your palate.
Here is A How Toš§āāļøas authentic as I love
šŖFull how to from š“ @SeoknyLongest on YouTube
š«¶Buddha Bowl (Global)
A balanced bowl featuring a mix of whole grains, like quinoa or brown rice, a variety of vegetables, plant-based protein such as tofu or chickpeas, and a delicious dressing. It's a customizable, nutrient-dense meal.
We already have this recipe up in previous Recipe posts, so not including here but happy it made the cut. š«¶
Hereās an authentic recipe for Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos thatās both flavorful and nutritious:
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Ingredients:
- For the Sweet Potatoes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Black Beans:
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tbsp water or vegetable broth
- For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Salsa or hot sauce, for serving
- Optional Toppings:
- Vegan sour cream or cashew cream
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Pickled jalapeƱos
Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 425Ā°F (220Ā°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are tender and lightly caramelized.
2. Prepare the Black Beans:
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a small pan over medium heat.
- Add the black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add a tablespoon or two of water or vegetable broth to keep the beans moist. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and slightly thickened.
3. Assemble the Tacos:
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or wrap them in foil and place in the oven for a few minutes.
- Fill each tortilla with a generous spoonful of roasted sweet potatoes and black beans.
- Top with avocado slices, chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, and any other desired toppings.
- Squeeze lime juice over the top and add salsa or hot sauce for extra flavor.
4. Serve:
- Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side.
These Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos are a perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, making them a satisfying and healthy meal. Enjoy!
Feed your Soul
Anyone who has had an experience of mystery knows that there is a dimension of the universe that is not that which is available to his senses.
There is a pertinent saying in one of the Upanishads: When before the beauty of a sunset or of a mountain you pause and exclaim, āAh,ā you are participating in divinity. Such a moment of participation involves a realization of the wonder and sheer beauty of existence.
People living in the world of nature experience such moments every day. They live in the recognition of something there that is much
Be Brave for Liberation
Lama Thubten Yeshe
"I often find that Western culture tends toward two extremes. One extreme is a strong belief in an external power. This might be God, or Vishnu, or Buddha. Many people believe, "God will take care of me. Vishnu will give me bread. Buddha will give me love and happiness." But then, when those people find themselves in difficulty, they think, "God is punishing me; I must deserve it."
Later, however, they become fed up with thinking in this way and they give up religion altogether. They declare,
"That was completely wrong. God is not right; religion is not right. Now I want pleasure, just pleasure, more pleasure. I believe only in pleasure."
These are the two extremes in Western culture, and both are mistaken. One is the result of fanatic religious belief; the other, of fanatic materialism.
We should try to find the middle way, an approach to life in which there is neither extreme rejection nor extreme acceptance. If you can put your mind into the middle way, the natural state, then you can grow.
It is also the case that we generally try to be logical. We think, "This is so because of that. That is true because of this." We try to be rational and logical with everything. But then we fall into the trap of believing that everything we do is logical. Thinking that everything is logical is a dualistic concept; it is not necessarily always the right approach to every situation. Meditation implies going beyond rational, philosophical thinking. In meditation, you just be, just abide in your natural experience with intensive awareness.
That is the heart of meditation.
Human beings can do great things. When I think about myself and my life, I may be convinced that there are certain things I cannot do. In spite of this, if I put myself in strict retreat conditions, even though I may have doubts, somehow the result of my actions is beneficial. We may believe we have certain limitations, but in retreat you may find that you can go beyond your perceived limitations.
Human beings can exceed their own limitations; you can do this.
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Buymeacoffee
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