Polish Fried Cabbage - Kapusta Zasmażana

Kapusta Zasmażana is a traditional Polish dish made with sautéed cabbage, often cooked until tender and flavored with onions and spices. It's a comforting and hearty side dish that pairs well with various main courses, especially meat dishes. 

Ingredients:

- 1 medium-sized young cabbage (about 500g)

- 1 bunch of dill

- 80 grams butter or 50ml oil

- 1 tablespoon (10g) flour

- 2-3 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice

- 1-2 tablespoons sugar

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

1. Remove the outer leaves and any loose ones from the young cabbage. Trim the stem end, then finely shred the cabbage.

2. Place the shredded cabbage in a pot, add about 3/4 cup of water, and bring to a boil.

3. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar. Cover and simmer over low heat until the cabbage is almost tender, about 15-20 minutes.

4. Add the vinegar or lemon juice and finely chopped dill. Continue to cook for a little longer.

5. In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat or heat up the oil. Add the flour and stir well to combine.

6. Cook the flour until it turns golden brown, stirring constantly.

7. Add cold water to the flower, stir until no lumps remains.

8. Add the flour mixture to the pot with the cooked cabbage. Stir well to combine.

9. Cook for a few more minutes, then turn off the heat. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.

10. Serve the Polish fried cabbage hot as a side dish with your favorite main course.

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Taiwanese Herbal Chicken Soup

This Taiwanese-style herbal chicken soup is a comforting and nourishing dish, perfect for boosting your energy and warming you up on a chilly day. Made with simple ingredients and traditional Chinese herbs, it's both flavorful and easy to prepare.  

Commonly used herbs include goji berries (枸杞), red dates (紅棗), angelica root (當歸), and astragalus (黃耆). These herbs are known for their health benefits and add depth to the soup.  

It's a comforting and nourishing dish that combines chicken with a variety of traditional Chinese herbs and ingredients. This soup is believed to have health benefits, particularly in boosting the immune system, enhancing vitality, and promoting overall wellness. It's commonly enjoyed in Chinese cuisine, especially during colder months or when one is feeling under the weather.

 Ingredients:

- 600g chicken meat (preferably bone-in for richer flavor)

- 8-10 dried shitake mushrooms

- 6-8 dried red dates

- 1 tbsp goji berries

- A few smaller pieces or 1-2 larger pieces of Dang Gui (Angelica Root)

- A few smaller pieces or 1-2 larger pieces of Huang Qi (Astragalus Root)

- Salt, to taste

- Soy sauce, to taste

- Water (enough to cover the meat)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   - Boil a pot of water.

   - Add the chicken pieces and blanch for 2-3 minutes to remove impurities.

   - Drain the chicken and discard the blanching water.

2. Make the Soup:

   - In a clean pot, add the blanched chicken, dried mushrooms, dates, goji berries, Dang Gui, and Huang Qi.

   - Season with salt.

   - Pour enough water to fully cover the ingredients.

3. Cook the Soup:

   - Bring to a boil over high heat.

   - Once boiling, reduce to low heat, cover with a lid, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours.

   - Adjust seasoning with soy sauce and more salt if needed.

4. Serve:

   - Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. 

Tips:

- The longer you simmer the soup, the richer the flavor will be. However, be careful not to overcook as the chicken may become too soft.

- You can add more herbs like for extra flavour.

- This soup is nourishing and great for boosting energy, especially in cooler weather.

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Sichuan-style Smashed Cucumber Salad

Smashed cucumber salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish made with cucumbers that have been crushed or smashed to release their juices and absorb the flavors of the dressing. Sichuan smashed cucumber salad is a popular variation of this dish known for its spicy, tangy, and refreshing flavors.

Ingredients:

- 2 cucumbers (about 300g)

- 0.5 teaspoon sugar

- 0.5 teaspoon salt

- 4 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

- 1 tablespoon spring onions, finely chopped

- 1 chili pepper, finely chopped (optional, adjust to taste)

- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon dark vinegar

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cucumbers:

   - Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

   - Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a cleaver, gently crush the cucumbers. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces.

2. Season the Cucumbers:

   - Place the crushed cucumber pieces in a mixing bowl.

   - Sprinkle the sugar and salt over the cucumbers, then toss them gently to coat evenly. 

   - Allow them to sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the salt to draw out excess moisture.

3. Prepare the Seasonings:

   - In a separate small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped cilantro, finely chopped spring onions, chopped chili pepper (if using), and sesame seeds.

4. Mix the Salad:

   - After the cucumbers have rested and released some liquid, drain off any excess moisture.

   - Add the prepared seasonings to the cucumbers in the mixing bowl.

   - Drizzle the soy sauce, dark vinegar, vegetable oil, and sesame oil over the cucumbers and seasonings.

   - Toss everything together gently until the cucumbers are well coated with the seasonings and aromatics.

5. Chill and Serve:

   - Transfer the crushed cucumber salad to a serving dish or individual bowls.

   - For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

   - Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or appetizer, garnished with additional cilantro or sesame seeds if desired.

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Garland Chrysanthemum Pancakes

Garland chrysanthemum pancake is a savory Chinese dish made with garland chrysanthemum leaves  and a pancake-like batter. 

These garland chrysanthemum pancakes are savory, nutritious, and bursting with fresh herbal flavor. They make a delightful addition to any meal or can be enjoyed on their own as a tasty snack.

Ingredients:

- 100g garland chrysanthemum

- 1 egg

- 60g all-purpose flour

- 50g milk

- Salt, to taste

- Pepper, to taste

- Oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Garland Chrysanthemum:

   - Wash the garland chrysanthemum thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. 

   - Pat them dry with paper towels

   - Finely chop them

2. Make the Pancake Batter:

   - In a mixing bowl, crack the egg and beat it lightly.

   - Gradually add the flour and milk to the egg mixture, stirring continuously until you have a smooth batter.

   - Season the batter with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. 

   - Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

   - Add the chopped garland chrysanthemum to the batter and mix well.

3. Cook the Pancakes:

   - Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil to coat the surface.

   - Once the pan is hot, pour a portion of the pancake batter into the pan, using a ladle or spoon to spread it out into a thin, even layer.

   - Cook the pancake for 2-3 minutes on one side, or until golden brown and crispy.

   - Flip the pancake using a spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side, until cooked through and golden brown.

   - Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the pan as needed.

4. Serve:

   - Once cooked, transfer the garland chrysanthemum pancakes to a serving plate.

   - Serve the pancakes hot as a delicious and nutritious snack or side dish.

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Spinach Naleśniki - Polish Spinach Crepes

Naleśniki are versatile Polish crepe-like pancakes that can be enjoyed with various fillings. These spinach versions not only add a vibrant color but also a nutritional boost. They can be served with sweet or savory fillings, making them perfect for any meal of the day!

Ingredients:

- 210 g cake flour

- 2 eggs

- 250 ml milk

- 120 ml water

- 60 g spinach leaves (fresh or frozen)

- 20 g sugar (adjust to taste)

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spinach:

   - If using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly under running water and remove any tough stems.

   - If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water to avoid watery batter.

2. Make the Batter:

   - In a blender or food processor, combine the spinach, eggs, milk, water, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

   - Gradually add the cake flour while blending until a smooth batter forms. If the batter is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding a little more water until it reaches a pourable consistency.

3. Rest the Batter:

   - Let the batter rest for about 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender crepes and helps the flavors to meld.

4. Cook the Crepes:

   - Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Lightly grease it with a small amount of oil or butter.

   - Pour a small ladleful of the batter onto the hot skillet, quickly swirling it around to spread the batter into a thin, even layer.

   - Cook the crepe for about 1-2 minutes on one side until lightly golden brown, then gently flip it using a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side until golden.

   - Repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the cooked crepes on a plate as you go.

5. Serve:

   - Serve the spinach crepes warm with your favorite fillings or toppings. Some delicious options include:

     - Savory fillings: Cheese, ham, sautéed mushrooms, or cream sauce.

     - Sweet fillings: Fruit preserves, sweetened cheese, or Nutella.

Notes:

- Versatility: These spinach crepes can be a delightful breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, depending on your choice of filling.

- Storage: If you have leftover crepes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

- Gluten-Free Option: You can substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend if desired, adjusting the liquid as necessary to maintain the batter consistency.

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