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Thai cuisine and its evolution over the years

Thai cuisine and its evolution over the years

Thai food is undauntedly loved by most of the people round the world. With a range of delicious recipes that stimulate every bit of your taste buds, Thai food has grown to be one of the most popular cuisines across the globe. While we cherish the Thai recipes, it is even more interesting to know how did they originate and what makes them so famous? Let us look at the history of Thai cuisine. Thai cuisines is a smart blend which is influenced by the Eastern and Western food. You can find all the flavors including sour, bitter, sweet and spicy flavors. These flavors work together in combination to a peculiar style of cooking and offer a range of delicious food recipes. The Thai food changes as per the region and so there is a different taste attached to these parts. If we look at the history of Thai food, then we notice that the meals include aquatic animals, herbs, plants and other popular ingredients. Although meat in large quantities were avoided due to the Buddhist influence in the respective regions. On the other hand, there were some of these regions wherein meat was flavored with spices and herbs or were roasted and then shredded in the recipes.
6 must-have ingredients for Mexican cuisine

6 must-have ingredients for Mexican cuisine

Mexico is a melting pot of culture, traditions and people, and cuisine is not any different to this idea. Although there were a number of native flavors in the Mexican cuisine, over the period of time, there have been influence from Europe, India, Spain and China as well. We know that Mexican recipes have bold use of flavors and spices that make it a popular cuisine, while the ingredients too are a blend of native as well as foreign influence. Let us look at some of the popular ingredients used in Mexican cooking and how these make a dish delicious. Indigenous ingredients Meat was an uncommon element used in the Mexican food till the Spaniards arrived. Therefore, corns and beans were largely used as a staple ingredient. To add to the flavors of the dish, heavy spices and chilies were added too. A wide array of seafood was used as a source of meat for the Mexican dishes. This was especially true for seaside communities who relied on seafood. Avocados This is a perfect example of Mexican staple. If you want to add Mexican flavor to any dish, then avocados do it perfectly. One can also use this popular ingredient for a basic dish such as a salad or sandwich.
Easy appetizers that you can make in a jiffy

Easy appetizers that you can make in a jiffy

If you are an office goer who has a packed schedule around the clock, you might get very less or no time to cook something extravagant on a daily basis. Cooking a complete entree on the go when you are already running low on time is not an option. To add to it, a nine-hour desk job which compels you to sit in front of a laptop or desktop makes it more challenging to prepare something which is light on the stomach and is made with minimal efforts. Even for those who manage to get some time out of their schedule might find it difficult to pull off appetizers which require lot of ingredients and pre-preparation. There are many ways that you can cook yourself delicious appetizers within a short span of time. The best way to prepare an easy on-the-go appetizer, is use leftovers from last night’s dinner. For instance, if you had prepared something out of baked beans last night, you can add chopped spring onions or regular onions, tomatoes and sliced jalapenos. Mix them well with a salad dressing of your choice and there you have it! A healthy baked beans salad with a veggie twist, which can be prepared in no time.
Easy substitutes for ingredients in gourmet recipes

Easy substitutes for ingredients in gourmet recipes

Gourmet recipes are prepared using a variety of ingredients. But people might be allergic to some of the ingredients which are a must have, in a certain recipe or dish. This does not necessarily mean that they will be deprived of biting into that soft tender pink salmon just because someone is allergic to soy sauce. A few substitute ingredients can be used to prepare gourmet recipes without altering the original too much. Here are a few to name. Soy sauce substitute: People who are allergic to soy or wheat cannot consume soy sauce, but there is a simple way to prepare the dish with a substitute which might not be taste the same as the original but will serve as the next best alternative. A mix of ingredients like beef bouillon, balsamic vinegar, ground ginger, garlic powder, dark molasses, white pepper mixed with water and heated in a saucepan until it is reduced to soy sauce consistency. Butter substitute: People who are allergic to dairy products or are lactose intolerant cannot consume any dairy products for that matter. Dairy free margarines are a good substitute to be used in recipes which also need a lot of butter. Margarine is an imitation butter which is made from vegetable oils.
Easy and inexpensive recipe ideas for broke days

Easy and inexpensive recipe ideas for broke days

Is it that time of the month when all your financial prudence comes to the fore and prompts you to stay away from unnecessary indulgence before pay day? Blowing your pay check on a new wardrobe (or the like) often leads to serious implications. Neglecting a wholesome and healthy meal is one. Not anymore! Check out these easy homemade recipe ideas that will help you stay full even on an empty wallet. Roasted vegetable Buying veggies doesn’t cost much and roasting them is a child’s play. You could easily toss some broccoli, zucchinis, bell peppers and carrots (or any other vegetable of your choice) and work up a delicious and nutritious meal even on a rainy day. Tofu Tofu is a versatile food item that is not only delicious but also healthy. You could make a tofu meal with garlic/mustard sauce or add pepper and lemon to it and toss up a salad. With all the goodness of chicken for nearly half its price, tofu ranks high up in the cheap and easy to make meals. Mashed potatoes Potatoes are omnipresent and cost very little, this makes them your best buddy during crunch time. You can easily boil some potatoes and mash them up with some cheese, pepper and any seasoning of your choice.
Top 10 chicken breast recipes

Top 10 chicken breast recipes

Chicken is always a joy a cook and to devour as well. Here are the top ten chicken breast recipe ideas that can easily jazz up your meals for weekends, weekdays, and unjustified snack time. Chicken parmesan Chicken Parmesan can be done in two ways, either you can bake it or fry it. You will require ingredients like salt and pepper, spices (optional), fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic and shredded parmesan cheese, for coating the chicken breast cutlets. Then you can either shallow fry them in olive oil or butter, or either bake them in the oven. You can serve this crunchy delight with some pasta. Crockpot chicken masala This yogurt marinated dish, can be served with a steamy plate of rice. All you need is diced chicken breasts, onions, garlic cloves, ginger, tomato paste, garam masala, additional spices and herbs of your choice, and some fresh cream. Add honey if you want to incorporate an element of sweetness. Simmering these in a slow cooker adds a depth in the flavor and the texture of chicken. Chicken teriyaki Teriyaki sauce adds a punch of Asian flavors to the succulent piece of chicken. The teriyaki sauce is usually made from soy sauce, mirin, ginger, sugar or honey.
The perfect recipe to start an online food business

The perfect recipe to start an online food business

Amalgamating your passion for food with a career is the best way to pursue the food dream. Not only you get to do what you love, you also manage to make money out of it. But following your food dream is a hard feat to reach. With so many food giants and professionals out there, achieving this kind of accomplishment can take time. But despite of the hard work there are many mediums that you can work with. And one of the most prominent amongst them is the Internet. The use of Internet can be an extremely beneficial one, if you’re not sure how to proceed. If you want to share your recipes online, but aren’t sure what your niche is, a blog or a YouTube channel is an amazing way to start off. You can upload your recipes as well as develop a great narrative for your cooking experiences. Try and make your food blog and channel as unique as possible. The story behind your recipes, whether ancestral or accidental is of extreme value. So, don’t just lay out the plain instructions for making a dish, creatively mold the thought behind your recipe. The best part about growing a food business online is that you get an opportunity to interact with the food community, who can provide you with feedback and ideas.
Fresh and healthy home made breads

Fresh and healthy home made breads

Bread acts as a good source of carbohydrate to kick start your day. People on a lower calorie diet prefer breads made of grains that are low on carbs and calories. If you are carb conscious and regular multi grain breads seem bland to you, try these fresh and healthy homemade bread recipes. Zesty zucchini bread Baking zucchini bread may seem intricate but it is as easy- to- make as any other bread. What’s best, it has a fresh new flavor, awesome taste and all the goodness of the veggie itself. Zucchini adds moisture to the bread and makes it rich, delightful and wholesome. To make the bread, in a batter of all purpose or whole wheat flour, egg whites, ground cinnamon and chopped nuts add grated zucchini and mix until smooth. Bake the batter for up to an hour and let the bread cool off. Start your day with this awesome treat at breakfast alongside some yogurt and honey! Olive breads You don’t have to have a complex recipe to round out a tasty meal. Outstanding olive breads can be made with a very basic recipe. For a smooth and elastic dough, mix flour, yeast, black olives, olive oil, salt and water and knead well.
Super easy chicken pasta salad recipes

Super easy chicken pasta salad recipes

Chicken salad is not only super tasty but it has all the goodness of a soul satisfying and nutritious meal. The best part about the salad is its versatility and the fact that it tastes simply amazing with a variety of ingredients. While traditional chicken salad recipes can get monotonous, you could try and combine different recipes like chicken salad with healthy pasta salad recipes and give your salad a whole new twist! If you are in search of some healthy salads, healthy pasta salad recipes with chicken can be a great idea. Check out this list of easy pasta recipes with chicken and brace yourself to be blown away! Italian chicken pasta salad This is a great recipe to serve at brunch or an evening dinner party. You could use boiled elbow macaroni, cherry tomatoes, chicken, cucumber, roasted peppers, onion and parsley and toss them well in a blend of vinegar and olive oil. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste and give it a 30-minute standing time. This delicious salad is perfect for days you want to eat healthy. Pasta Chicken salad with sesame This is another great salad that is also light on your stomach. What makes it unique is the fact that it is made with sesame oil.
Recipes that kids can make

Recipes that kids can make

Here are a few recipes that the little gourmand at your home can try preparing. It is however important that kids prepare these recipes strictly under their parents or an adult’s supervision. Let’s begin with something simple Place some noodles in a large bowl and soak them with hot water for at least half an hour. Drain them afterwards in a large strainer. Shred some chicken meat, discard skins and bones. On a separate dicing plate, cut long stripes of pickle and radish. Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce and a small cup of water until you get a smooth consistency. Divide the noodles, carrots and cucumber among 4 bowls and drizzle them with dressing and seasoning of your choice. It is a known fact that kids frown at the sight of broccoli, convincing them to prepare a recipe out of it seems to be an even tougher task. Kids can make an appetizing recipe by adding something extra to it. Prick potatoes with a fork and boil them partially. Microwave them tender for ten to fifteen minutes. Transfer the potatoes into a bowl and wrap them with a foil to keep them warm. Combine broccoli, butter, some salt, and pepper in a medium microwave-proof bowl and microwave it for three minutes.
What makes a recipe worth relishing?

What makes a recipe worth relishing?

Culinary expertise does not come in a day or two. It is a combination of perseverance, practice, correct method and passion of cooking. From coveted chefs to homemade cooks, there is a great level of attention to detail and interest in cooking that helps in creating some of the best recipes. A delicious dish does not come easy and it takes a lot of effort and time to make that one perfect dish that everyone relishes and remembers. Here are a few tips and attributes of what makes a recipe worth relishing. Read on to find out these factors. Innovation and creativity Cooking is both an art and science. You need to have the right skills and also the perfect idea. Whether you’re preparing dinner meals for your family or experimenting with new cuisines that you haven’t tried before, there should always be a touch of creativity involved in your cooking. This personal touch of innovation makes a dish unique. So, the next time when you have a meal to prepare, ensure to give it a creative edge to make a recipe that everyone enjoys. Right mix of ingredients Ingredients play a crucial part in making a dish delicious. The right amount of ingredients and perfect seasoning are one of the secrets of a tasty recipe.