NOODLES WITH MINCED PORK AND SHIITAKE & A BOOK REVIEW: "GINGER AND LEMONGRASS" BY LEEMEI TAN --- NOUILLES AU PORC HACHÉ ET AUX SHIITAKE & UNE CHRONIQUE: "GINGEMBRE ET CITRONNELLE" PAR LEEMEI TAN

Gourmandism is an act of judgment, by which we prefer things which have a pleasant taste to those which lack this quality.
- Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

Pleasure is the only thing to live for. Nothing ages like happiness.
- Oscar Wilde 

As an incorrigible gourmand/gourmet, food enthusiast and hedonist*, I am a adorer of all things beautiful (not in the narrow sense) and palatable. I constantly need to be stimulated by my environment and delighted, inspired as well as awe struck by what I see, eat, smell, touch, hear, feel and experience, hence my existence pretty much revolves around the pleasing and tiltillating of the five senses. My inner artist and intellect simply crave bedazzlement, novelty, grandeur, decadence, magnificence and refinement.

Emotional stimulations are my life force and it is for this reason that I cannot stand callousness, neutrality, déjà-vu and lack of good-taste (unless it is expressed in an artistic manner). If my soul's strings are not tugged on a regular basis, then my well-being is at stake and just like a flower which is deprived of sun and water, I starts to wither.

So, when I choose a cookery book, I make sure that its contents will keep me captivated, entertained and fulfilled. Texts, recipes and pictures (photos or illustrations are not always a must, though) have to reach my standards and be on the level of my expectations. Therefore, I am extremely finicky when it comes to buying such items as I don't want to purchase a dust-catcher that will neglectfully sit on the corner of a shelf and be of no use to me.

Rare are the cookbooks that literally steal my heart, but everytime I get my hands on one that ticks all my boxes you can be guaranteed I'll never let go of it. Good and useful manuals are precious and accompany you through life.

* Call me what you want, even the controversial title "foodie" if you believe it suits me. I won't get irritated, I promise! After all, I am a "bonne vivante" and I am not ashamed to be an "amateur" who enjoys quality grub...

At the moment it is very trendy to despise this word. Anyway, I am an unfashionable misfit and I hate snobism or categorizations, so I don't give a damn about the insignificant, childish and fascist-like debates surrounding this denomination. I'm above that.

What makes cookbooks interesting is to find out about the people and the culture that invented the food.
- Vincent Schiavelli

Speaking of which, Leemei Tan's "Ginger And Lemongrass" definitely belongs to this category as not only does it offer a remarkable selection of well-detailed, accessible, pluri-ethnic, sense-awakening, colorful, mouthwatering, hunger-igniting and authentic recipes (over 100 of them), but it also contains a warming foreword, clean and vibrant pictures that breathe simplicity, elegantly evocative introductions and informatively clear explanations.

With its seven chapters, each dedicated to a different country or style of cooking (Japan & Korea, China, Philippines & Indonesia, Malaysia & Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam, India & Sri Lanka) and basics section comprised of a techniques category and glossary, this excellent and somewhat zen publication takes us on a fantastic and exhalirating culinary voyage/adventure through the mysterious East.

Although a majority of the savory and sweet courses presented within the pages of this manual are popular classics which have already been published in numerous gastronomic magazines or compendiums before ("Thai Papaya Salad", "Indian Saffron Chicken Pilau", "Chinese Prawn and Pork Wontons", "Maki Sushi", "Sweet And Sour Pork Belly", "Penang Assam Laksa", "Sri Lankan Sour Fish Curry", "Bibimbap", Dan Dan Noodles", "Mapo Tofu", "Beef Rendang", "Thai Green Curry Chicken", "Pho", "Spring Rolls", "etc...), Leemei definitely did a great job revisiting and modernizing them by adding her personal twist to each of them. Thus, the specialities she shares with us are all incredibly appealing, imaginative, refreshing, enticing and delectable (rich in aromatic spices, herbs and flavourings).

"Ginger And Lemongrass" is perfect for people who are just starting to tackle Asia's fantastic, aromatic, seductive and diverse cuisine as well as for competent cooks who want to fall in love again with the art of handling the wok. This exquisitely produced object is worth checking out!

Selecting a recipe to showcase here on Rosa's Yummy Yums wasn't an easy task as the entire book is chock-a-block-full with fares which speak to me and meet my eclectic taste. It took me a while to make up my mind, but after a few days of intense hesitating I finally found what I was looking for.

Pork, mushrooms, noodles and soy sauce being some of my favorite ingredients, it is quite naturally that I decided to execute a simple, homely, yet succulent Southern Chinese stir-fry called "Bak Chor Mee" and which is not only highly appreciated in the land of dragons and emperors, but also in Malaysia and Singapore.

As expected, those "Noodles With Minced Pork And Shiitake" turned out marvelously well and we feasted on them with intense pleasure. Actually, it was so scrumptious and moreish that we had seconds and thirds (in our defense, on this very Saturday we were starving like lions in a cage because we had no breakfast and lunched minimally).

An all-star piece de resistance which is light, laden with comely and harmoniously balanced flavors, a no brainer to put together, budget-friendly and looks really appealing. The kind of dish you want to prepare over and over again without ever getting tired of seeing it appear on your table month after month.

About the author:
Leemei Tan is an award-winning blogger, freelance recipe writer, food stylist and photographer who was born in Malaysia (the most multifaceted land in Southeast Asia) and has spent most of her years there before she flew off to Australia to complete her degree. After having graduated, she spent 3 years in Kuala Lumpur before quitting her job to travel and work around Europe.

Good food has always been important to her and while growing up, she has spent a lot of her time in the kitchen watching her mother cook. Her attention to details and great determination have naturally led her to be well equipped with essential cooking knowledge and skills. She is passionate about making it, writing about it, photographing it, and of course eating it!

Nowadays, she lives in London, travels extensively and shares both her recipes and experiences as a globetrotter on "My Cooking Hut", her personal food blog, which has been attracting a lot of visitors from all around the planet since its creation in 2007.

This passionate and talented youg woman has been interviewed by the New York Times and was featured in Grazia Magazine as one of the best female food bloggers in the world. And to top that, her recipes have been published in a few UK food magazines and she contributes to several publications, including to the Southeast Asian edition of Flavours Magazine.

Noodles With Minced Pork And Shiitake

Recipe slightly adapted from Leemei Tan's "Ginger And Lemongrass" coobook.

Serves 4.

Ingredients For The "Sauce":
3 Tbs Runny honey
5 Tbs Light soy sauce
2 Tbs Dark soy sauce
1 Tbs Sesame oil
4 1/2 Tsp Balsamic vinegar
Ingredients For The "Noodles":
1 Tbs Peanut oil
2 Cloves garlic, chopped
30g Dried shiitake, quickly rinsed, then soaked, drained and sliced (reserve soaking water)
350g Pork mince
150g Mung bean sprouts
300g Chinese noodles, cooked/warm (cook as specified on the package)
Freshly ground black pepper
2 Chives, cut into thin matchsticks
Sambal oelek, for serving (optional)

Method For The "Sauce":

1. In a medium bowl, mix together all the  ingredients for the sauce and add 2 Tbs water. Pepper to taste and set aside.
Method For The "Noodles":
2. In a wok or frying pan, heat the oil at medium-high temperature.
3. Add the garlic and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the mushrooms and stir-fry for another 1 minute.
5. Add the minced pork and stir-fry for a minute before pouring 5 Tbs of the soaking water (shiitake).
6. Pepper to taste and continue stir-frying the meat for 5-7 additional minutes.
7. Remove from the pan from the heat, cover it with a lid (too keep its contents warm) and set aside.
8. On a medium pan, bring water to the boil and blanch the mung bean sprouts for about 20 seconds.
9. Arrange the warm noodles on the plates and sprinkle with the sauce.
10. Add the meat and then the blanched mung bean sprouts. 
11. Sprinkle with the spring onion and add a dollop sambal oelek in each plate.
12. Serve.

Remarks:
You can replace the shiitake by porcini or wood-ear mushrooms and the chives by spring onions or leeks (white or pale green part only).

Serving suggestions:
Serve warm with green tea (jasmine or genmaicha) or ice cold beer (pale lager).

Nouilles Au Porc Haché Et Aux Shiitake

Recette adaptée du merveilleux livre "Gingembre Et Citronnelle" par Leemei Tan de "My Cooking Hut" (voir info).

Pour 4 personnes.

Ingrédients Pour La "Sauce":
3 CS de Miel liquide
5 CS de Sauce de soja légère
2 CS de Sauce de soja foncée
1 CS d'Huile de sésame
4 1/2 CC de Vinaigre balsamique
Ingrédients Pour Les "Nouilles":
1 CS d'Huile d'arachide
2 Gousses d'ail, hachées
30g de Shiitake séchés, rapidement rincés, puis trempés, égouttés et tranchés (réserver l'eau de trempage)
350g de Porc haché
150g de Germes de soja (haricots mungo)
300g de Nouilles chinoises, cuites/chaudes (voir emballage pour les instructions de cuisson)
Poivre noir fraîchement moulu, selon goût
2 Ciboules, coupées dans la langueur en fines lamelles
Sambal Olek (facultatif)

Méthode Pour La "Sauce":
1. Dans un bol moyen, mélanger ensemble tous les ingrédients de la sauce et ajouter 2 cuillères à soupe d'eau. Poivrer selon votre goût et réserver.
Méthode Pour Les "Nouilles":
2. Dans un wok ou une poêle, faire chauffer l'huile à feu moyennement fort.
3. Ajouter l'ail et le faire sauter pendant 1-2 minutes.
4. Ajouter les champignons et les faire sauter pendant 1 minute.
5. Ajouter le porc haché et le faire sauter pendant une minute avant de verser 5 cuillères à soupe d'eau de trempage (shiitake).
6. Poivrer selon votre goût et continuer de sauter la viande pendant 5 à 7 minutes supplémentaires.
7. Retirer la poêle du feu, la couvrir avec un couvercle et la réserver au chaud.
8. Dans une casserole moyenne, porter l'eau à ébullition et faire blanchir les pousses de soja pendant environ 20 secondes.
9. Disposez les nouilles chaudes sur les assiettes et assaisonner avec la sauce.
10. Déposer la viande par-dessus, puis les pousses de soja.
11. Parsemer de ciboules et ajouter une cuillère à café de sambal oelek dans chaque assiette.
12. Servir.

Remarques:
Les champignons shiitake peuvent être remplacés par des bolets ou des oreilles de bouddha et les ciboules par des onions de printemps ou même par du poireau (partie blanche ou verte pâle uniquement).

Idées de présentation:
Servir chaud et accompagnée par du thé vert (type jasmin ouz genmaicha) ou de la bière (blonde) glacée.

DAIKON KIMCHI - KIMCHI DE RADIS BLANC 깍두기

For a significant portion of the people 2012 has begun on the sour side, with the terrible feeling of being bloated like a red lion fish because of the obligatory end of year orgies of gluttony which they have taken part in lately and which would make any Medieval banquet look pale in comparison, with a hypish January detox to rejuvenate their agonizing liver as well as to illusionally loose all the weight they have accumulated during the festivities and with a drastically tight budget or a bank account in the red as they have irresponsably satiated their appetite for consumerism by living way over their means...
In my case, it has started on a positive note. No need to take desperate decisions to rectify bad past actions or repare what has been annihilated by careless bingeing and money spending. I have continued to lead a healthy lifestyle and to keep my feet on the ground for, in my opinion, excess is quite pointless and makes us even more miserable once the deed has been perpetuated.

“What, then, is the true Gospel of consistency? Change. Who is the really consistent man? The man who changes. Since change is the law of his being, he cannot be consistent if he stick in a rut.”

- Mark Twain

Even if I am a dreamer by nature, I perpetually make sure to be grounded, not to lose touch with reality and to be conscious of my limits. I am not against changes, foolishness or risk taking in homeophathic dosage provided that they are free of consequences, ugly repercussions and nasty surprises. Hence, meaningless resolutions, getting back on track and frenzied dieting are not for me. Equilibrium is my middle name and this is the reason why I am capable of keeping my head out of the water even in difficult periods when the line between comfort and precariousness is incredibly thin or blurry and that a little nothing can plunge you into danger.

"You've been flying so high you don't know
That you're blind to the writin' on the wall
But some day you'll look down
And you'll find you've got no place to fall
When the bright lights're gone you'll be standing alone
Forsaken in the naked light of day
Then you'll know that it's all over but the dying
And you've still got the devil to pay [...]"

- Lyrics taken from Johnny Cash's song "Devil To Pay"

Over the years, I have learnt to become careful and not to gamble with my physical and psychological wellness or to mess with pecuniary matters and not tempt the devil in any way as he never grants long leases and on top of that the uncanny bastard always wants his cash back, with interest.

I have had to go through so many storms for the last 8 years, to sail my boat during multiple tempests and have survived them thanks to my determination, clarity of thought and quest for harmony, so I really don't want to destroy my hardly-earned semi-stability and security. Consistency rules my life, yet in a progressive and non rigid way.

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,
All play and no work makes Jack a mere toy."
- Maria Edgeworth, Harry and Lucy Concluded

But don't be fooled by my seemingly angelic existence. Be reassured, I am far from being flawless. Like all of you, a small sprinkle of sin doesn't represent a menace to me as long as it is not out of control. Our existence would be boring without transgression, but I also believe that too much of a good thing is not a good thing either. There are borders not to surpass and the same applies to holiness. You have to strike a balance between virtuousness and vice, and be wise, otherwise both behavior patterns become extremely deletarious and can lead us to our ruin.
 
You see, sometimes I love pigging out, but I don't do that on a daily basis. For example, during the week, my meals are very hearty, light, modest and meatless. I sustain myself on kilos of cereals, pulses and vegetables. Then, when the weekend arrives I cook and eat all the fatty, rich and "expensive" ingredients that never make it to my table from Monday morning to Friday lunch time. Cheese, cream, butter, bread, wine, meat and fish reappear on my plate. Shamelessly and with the biggest of pleasures, I allow myself to splurge on those goods as my body as well as soul need them and only quality produces are allowed in my house.

In this manner, debt, crazy fasting and yo-yo effects are words which don't exist in my vocabulary, so once the holidays are over, I don't need to adopt a different attitude in order to heal the wounds of my irresponsability. I mean, how can one have fun and enjoy something when your stomach and system are crying for help, you are throwing precious cash out of the window and you know that afterward you'll have to pay for the broken pots?!

My fridge is perpetually filled with an assortment of seasonal greens which represent the base of my alimentation. Actually, most of the dishes I prepare are composed of at least two or three legumes. I really want to have choice and be able to improvise original meals without problem or having to run out to buy what's missing. Variety is very important. For example, during the winter, I generally stock up on fresh and regional produces such as carrots, potatoes, white cabbage, white radish, fennel, Brussel sprouts, root celery, leek, beets, pumpkin, cauliflower, kohlrabi, etc... As you can see, this wonderful selection enables me not to plan my dinners in advance or be limited and give me enough scope for using my imagination as well as creativity.

Last week, P. came back home with three mammoth white radishes. He had come across them while buying our weekly groceries at the supermarket and was convinced that they might interest me. How thoughtful of him. Of course, thousands of ideas immediately flowed through my head. One in particular captivated my attention: I could put together some "Kimchi". After all, Koreans make that condiment with daikon, so why shouldn't I try developping my own version?

A few seconds later, I was surfing the net in search of tips and technical advice. Once I had gathered all the information I needed, I rushed straight to my kitchen and got crackling. Being a "pro" when it comes to inventing formulas, I wrote down my recipe as I went along.

"Aside from the war itself, there were two aspects of Korea, both olfactory, which kept the country from seeming to be an Eden, at least to Americans and Europeans. One was the ubiquitous buffalo-pulled “honey wagon,” in which the frugal peasants collected their own excrement for spreading on their fields, and which possessed a smell so deep, pungent and penetrating that it could literally stupefy a Westerner. The other was the national vegetable dish of the Koreans, a fermented collection of cabbage, garlic, peppers, turnips and other matter known as kimchi, which when encountered, for example, on the breath of a lovely Korean girl, generally had so devastating an effect on a Western soldier that his interest in her vanished and his libido sank without a trace. Korean mothers doubtless could thank kimchi for preserving the virtue of many of their daughters in a land overrun by foreign soldiers."

- Excerpt from "Korea: The First War We Lost" by Bevin Alexander

This banchan (side dish) is a kind of lacto-fermented pickle that comes from Korea and matures in big earthenware jars. The earliest reference to "Kimchi" is 2600 to 3000 years old and the first written evidence can be found in a Chinese poetry book (Shi-Jing) that dates back to the Western Zhou period (1046–771 BC). This speciality is made with various vegetables and exists in, at least, a hundred variations (less salty and hot, no brined seafood added, more watery, marinading in a thickish sauce, etc...) depending on seasonality (spring and summer "Kimchi" is designed for short-term use and does not have a long shelf life in comparison to autumn and winter "Kimchi" which is stored and is meant to last over the long winter months), regionality, availability and each family's personal formula or likings. However, the most popular one is definitely "Baek Kimchi" or Napa Cabbage "Kimchi" which encloses radish, green onions (scallions) or cucumber.

"Kimchi" is not only employed as a relish. In point of fact, it is also a main component of certain popular courses such as soups, stews and fried-rices. Since the prime spice that is employed in its fabrication is red chilli, a New World vegetable that was introduced to Korea from Japan after the Japanese Invasions (1592-1598), the ancestral form of "Kimchi" was exclusively concocted with cabbage and beef stock. It is only during the 12th century that other seasonings were included in the preparation, thus adding sweet and sour flavors and white and orange colors to that delicacy. This is how we know it nowadays.

Pretty much like its occidental cousin the sauerkraut, "Kimchi" is probiotic and is beneficial for the health as it contains dietary fibers, is low in calories and highly nutritional. It is rich in vitamin A, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), calcium, and iron, lactic acid bacterias (among those lactobacillus kimchii). Apparently, on serving provides over 50% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C and carotene. In addition, it aids digestion and reduces cancer growth, so it is no wonder that it is considered to be one of the world's wholesomest foods, according to Health magazine (ranks in the top 5).

Besides representing a real plus for one's well-being, this natural medicine offers an undeniable culinary interest and that is the reason why I have been buying it since my early twenties. Yet, albeit being a homemade grub guru, I never trusted myself enough to produce mine. Anyway, as I have grown older and I am a more accomplished cook I decided to remediate to that situation.

The "Ggaktugi" or "Daikon Kimchi" I have created might not be 100% traditional and might make conservative folks or dogmatic chefs out there cringe, nevertheless it tastes wonderful and I believe that it is not too different from the original. I don't want to pretend that it is the "real thing" and that I have full knowledge of the cuisine of this part of the world, but nonetheless I trust my experienced tastebuds, instincts and my inclination to sense if a dish has an authentic touch or not...

The standard method  is applied to the recipe, however serveral elements of the marinade are not conform to The land Of The Morning Calm's standards. "Kochukaru" is replaced by Turkish chilli flakes and paprika powder and the salted shrimps ("Saewoo Jjut") by Thai shrimp paste, nonetheless, it is just like the true stuff.

My "Daikon Kimchi" is intensely aromatic and pungent, exhaliratingly gingery, powerfully garlicky, soothingly sweet, slightly fishy, mildly hot and the fresh radish crunches delightfully under the teeth. This is definitely the ultimate accompaniment to eggs, grilled meat or fish, potatoes, rice, noodles, soup or sandwich!

~ Daikon Kimchi ~

Recipe by Rosa Mayland, January 2012.

Makes about 2 cups kimchi.

Ingredients For The "Salting":

2 Cups Daikon (white raddish), peeled and cut into not too thin matchsticks or chunks

1/2 Tbs Sea salt

1 Tbs Castor sugar

Ingredients For The "Marinade":

3 Cloves Garlic, chopped

2 1/2 Tbs Ginger, chopped

1/8 Cup Kirmizi biber

1 Tbs Sweet Paprika

1/3 Tsp Shrimp paste

1/8 Cup + 1 Tsp Castor sugar

1/8 Cup Fish sauce

1 1/2 Tbs Sweet soy sauce

Method For The "Salting":

1. In a bowl, toss the chunks of daikon with the salt and sugar.

2. Let sit for about 2 hours.

3. Drain well.

Method For The "Marinade":

4. In a mortar, crush the garlic, ginger, chilli flakes, paprika, shrimp paste together with the sugar until you obtain a thickish paste.

5. Add this paste, the fish sauce and the soy sauce to the drained daikon. Mix well.

6. Fill an airtight container with the kimchi and place in a brown paper sack (or otherwise shield from light) and let it stand/ferment at room temperature for 30 hours.
7. Serve right away or refrigerate.

Remarks:

Normally, Koreans make their kimchi with the kochukaru (sweet chilli powder), but as I had none at hand, I decided to replace it with the Kirmizi Biber (sweet chilli flakes from Turkey). You can also use Espelette pepper if you wish.

Your kimchi will keep for up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator and will become stronger/better over time.

Serving suggestions:

Make "Bokkeumbap" ("Kimchi Fried rice") wih your kimchi. You can also serve it with eggs (scrambled, poached or omelet), potatoes (cubed and fried, roasted, rosti, etc...) or stir-fried noodles.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Kimchi De Radis Blanc ~

Recette par Rosa Mayland, Janvier 2012.
 

Pour environ 2 tasses de kimchi.

Ingrédients Pour Le "Salage":
2 Tasses de Daikon (1 gros radis blanc), pelé et coupé en allumettes pas trop fines (bouchées)
1/2 CS de Sel de mer
1 CS de Sucre cristallisé
Ingrédients Pour La "Marinade":
3 Gousses d'ail, hachées grossièrement
2 1/2 CS de Gingembre haché grossièrement
30g (1/8 de Tasse) de Kirmizi Biber
1 CS de Paprika doux
1/3 de CC de Pâte de crevettes
30g (1/8 Tasse) + 1 CC de Sucre cristallisé
30ml (1/8 de Tasse) de Sauce de poisson
1 1/2 CS de Sauce soja légère (Kikkoman)

 
Méthode Pour La "Salage":
1. Dans un bol, mélanger le daikon avec le sel et le sucre.
2. Laisser reposer pendant environ 2 heures.
3. Bien égoutter.

 
Méthode Pour La "Marinade":
4. Dans un mortier, piler l'ail, le gingembre, le piment, le paprika, la pâte de crevettes avec le sucre jusqu'à obtention d'une pâte assez épaisse.
5. Ajouter cette pâte ainsi que la sauce de poisson et la sauce soja au daikon égoutté. Bien mélanger.
6. Mettre dans un contenant herméthique et le placer dans un sac en papier brun (ou autrement à l'abri de la lumière) et laisser reposer/fermenter à température ambiante pendant 30 heures.

7. Servir immédiatement ou réfrigérer.

Remarques:
Normalement, les corréens fabrique leur kimchi avec du kochukaru (poudre de piment doux). Comme je n'en avait pas sous la main, j'ai décidé de la remplacer par son équivalent turc, le kirmizi biber (flocons de piment doux). On peut aussi utiliser du piment d'Espelette.
Le kimchi se conserve jusqu'à 4 semaines au réfrigérateur et sont goût s'améliore au fil du temps.

Idées de présentation:
C'est très sympa de cuisiner un "Bokkeubap" (riz frits au kimchi) avec votre kimchi de radis blanc ou bien de le servir avec des oeufs (pochés, frits, brouillés, omelette) et des pommes de terres (coupées en cubes et grillées, au four, röstis, etc...).

BAINGAN BHARTA OR SMOKY MASHED EGGPLANTS - A GUEST POST BY TANVI AT "SINFULLY SPICY"

Once again, I have the honor to share with you another guest post by a lovely blogger whom I hold in high regard and whose work I very much enjoy. This very special person is the delightful Tanvi of the very evocatively named blog "Sinfully Spicy".

This well-travelled native young woman hails from Dehli in India and now lives in USA's most fun city, Las Vegas. Besides baking, she loves to cook North Indian food in an instinctive manner and create fusion recipes influenced by her rich roots. Coming from a family of "super cooks", you'd think that she would also love to eat, yet weirdly it is absolutely not the case!

Tanvi is very talented both in her photography as well as in her cooking. There is absolutely no doubt about that. Being of Asian origin, she is naturally a spice addict and adores well-seasoned grub. Hence, blandness is a word which doesn't exist in her vocabulary.

This lady's experementative, healthy, colorful, fragrant, traditional, homely, yet elegant everyday style dishes are just exhalirating and amazingly scrumptious looking. Each creation is gracefully as well as attractively staged, the specialities are always accompanied by interesting information and her pictures are outstanding in their purity and apparent lack of fussiness. Visiting her blog is like taking a one way ticket to buoyant India. Wonderfully desorienting and so exotic.

Thank you so much Tanvi for consenting to write this marvelous post for me and accepting to be my host. Your "Baingan Bharta" rocks and as soon as eggplants are back in season, I'll try that lipsmacking speciality!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It’s a great pleasure to be guest blogging for Rosa of Rosa's Yummy Yums today. She has one of the most encouraging & kind blogger around, whom I have been lucky enough to be friends with. Depth of her writing, beauty of her lens & her enthusiasm has always been inspiring.It was a pleasant surprise when she wrote to me for a guest post. Thanks so much Rosa for inviting me to your blog today.

I am here to share one of my favorite winter recipes with her wonderful readers today. There are some things in life,which take you back to your roots no matter where you are in the world! My grandmother used to roast vegetables & bread amongst glowing charcoal pieces of her angithi (traditional indian brazier) while she kept herself warm during harsh north indian winters.We used to flock the angithi as kids to feed ourselves. Sitting miles away, the aroma which fills the house while roasting eggplants for this dish is one of those things I look forward to in my kitchen . It’s a trip down memory-lane which nurtures my heart & soul with the spirit of those days.

"Baingan" is Hindi for eggplant & "Bharta" translates to any kind of mash. No points for guessing - this is mashed eggplant with spices. Its an easy recipe originally from rural north india where a chulla (clay/mud cooking stove) is used to roast the eggplants which are then peeled, mashed and combined with oil & spices. If done the traditional way i.e roasting the eggplant in heat from burning coal or wood,the taste of this dish is divine & most authentic. I think, open grilling is the best way to handle eggplant.

The key thing to keep in mind is that you need to char the eggplants to death. Don’t worry about them getting burnt or looking ugly, the peel will go away but before that, it has to make the flesh tender, concentrate the juices & sugars within & infuse the smokiness. Grills, broilers or stove tops work great to do the job, just be ready for a big time cleaning if you choose to use the stove top as I do J The second important thing to ensure is that even though this is a mash, the texture of the finished dish has to be chunky; hence all the ingredients (even spices), which go in, are either coarsely chopped or pounded. In all "Baingan Bharta" is chunky, smoky & spicy mash!

The dish is best served with flatbreads and a pickle /chutney / salad on side. You can serve it as a dip. I sometimes fill miniphyllo cups with bharta, top with some pepper jack cheese & bake to serve as appetizers. The ideas to eat are endless..just try your own way.

~ Baingan Bharta Or Smoky Mashed Eggplants ~
Recipe by Tanvi at "Sinfully Spicy".

Serves 2-3 people.

Ingredients:
1 Large eggplant (about 1lb)
1 Tsp Oil (for rubbing on the eggplant)
3 Tbs Mustard/olive oil
1 Cup chopped red onions
1 Inch Fresh ginger shoot, chopped
4 Cloves garlic, chopped
1-2 Thai green chilies, chopped (adjust to tolerance)
1.25 Cups Chopped tomatoes
1 Tsp Coriander seeds
3-4 Whole dry red chilies (adjust to tolerance)
1/2 Tsp Amchoor (dry mango powder)
1/2 Tsp Garam masala
Salt, to taste
1 Tsp Mustard/olive oil (for drizzle on top, optional)
Cilantro and green chilies chopped (for garnishing)

Directions:
Wash the eggplant and dry the skin with a cloth.
Rub1 tsp of oil all over.

Use any one of the following methods to char the eggplant:
1. This is what I do:
Heat your stovetop on high. Char the whole eggplant, turning with the use of tongs to char on all sides, until the skin has blackened & the flesh is soft. This will take about 20-22 minutes. Keep a watch while you do this.
2. Preheat a grill to medium heat; you can slit the eggplant into half, grill skin side up for 25-30 minutes. If you plan to use an oven, preheat broiler to 325° F (170° C) and roast the eggplant for about 15-20 minutes until skin is burnt & starts to peel off.

While the eggplant is roasting, pound the coriander seeds and dry red chilies using a mortar & pestle. Set aside.
Once the eggplant has charred, using tongs, transfer it to a plate and let cool down for about 15 minutes. Peel off the charred skin from the eggplant.You can remove seeds if you want. Using a fork, mash the flesh. Set aside.

Heat oil on high in a heavy bottomed pan. When the oil is almost smoky, reduce heat to medium & add the chopped onions. Sauté for about 6-7 minutes or till the onions are translucent but not browned. Next, add the chopped ginger, garlic, green chilies and sauté for 30 seconds or till you smell the aroma. Add the coriander & red chill mixture next and sauté for another 30 seconds. Next, add the chopped tomatoes, set the heat on high again and cook the tomatoes for 7-8 minutes until they soften (but do not mush) and you see oil separating on sides of the pan.
At this point, add the mashed eggplant and salt to taste. Combine everything together, set heat to low and let cook for 3-4 minutes. You will see that the color of the mash deepens & few oil bubbles on the surface as it cooks.

Remove from heat and while still hot, add the dry mango powder and garam masala. Mix well.

Garnish with loads of chopped cilantro, green chilies, drizzle with some raw mustard/olive oil and serve warm with naan/ chapati (flatbreads).
Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

STIR-FRIED DUCK & MANGETOUT PEAS IN BLACK BEAN SAUCE

In life nothing is ever black or white. Like with monochromatic photography, there are multiple shades of greys, some darker, some lighter than others. Most events are not utterly sensational or completely disastrous. They generally contain elements of both good and bad, in various percentages. The same can be said about blogging. Although it is a very enriching and satisfying occupation, it is far from being always a relaxing or fun adventure. It is no storm-free cruise...

Of course, being the author and creator of a blog brings a lot of joy. You get the opportunity to develop your talents, to cultivate yourself by acquiring new knowledge, to improve your personality, to ameliorate your social skills and above all to meet many interesting as well as like minded "colleagues" who are as passionate and nuts about food as you are. A blessed few can make a living out of it and even see their lives totally change from one day to another when they are offered exciting jobs or book contracts thanks to their hard work, but also because they have been lucky to be in the right place at the right moment. Unfortunately, that happens to a minority of us, so we should be very careful not to fantasize too much about becoming a celebrity and making a successful career in the gastronomy business.

Regretably, blogging is a double-sided coin. The virtual world is not as glamorous and beautiful as you think. Most of the people who have a blog rarely see their efforts payoff and stay forever in anonymousity. Not forgetting that it has its share of ugly and gloomy territories populated with evil trolls, slimey creatures, badass spirits, blood-thirsty vampires, hostile savages, tyrannical emperors and self-proclaimed crowned heads too (if you need a concrete example, read this hair-raising article by Shauna at "The Gluten-Free Girl And The Chef", it is terrifying!).

Sometimes, this enterprise can be compared to a battle as you are forced to be armed well and fight in order not to get eaten alive by the armies of shameless barbarians who's aim is to afflict and destroy you as well as make you disappear for eternity. One has to be very strong, confident and protect himself/herself with a shield of integrity, kindness and indifference if you want to survive in this ruthless jungle.

It is also a hobby that can be highly time-comsuming, painful, a real millstone around your neck, a medium for enslavement, a money pit, generate stress, anger, misery and disquiet, make you weak and annihilate your determination as well as faith in your capacities. As it is a public activity, you are exposed to the merciless judgement, criticism and endless dissatisfaction of know-it-all people who think that they have the right to yammer, insult you or bring you down. In such an environment, you can easily get reduced to turn into the punching ball for execrable, unscrupulous, frustrated, jealous and complexed individuals who dump their doubts, hate, anger, meanness and instability on you, with much intensity.

Anyway, I try to never get influenced by the negativity of those poor souls or dirtied by the foulness of such despisable human beings. Without embracing denial, I choose to positivize and direct my attention to what is beneficial to me. I guess that my immense and undeniable passion for everything that is directly or indirectly linked to the vast culinary universe is the driving force behind my creativity and helps me stay focused on what's important. If this fervor had not been running through my veins, then Rosa's Yummy Yums might have died of a sad death long ago (I have been around since more than 6 years)!

I am a free-spirit so no matter what people say or do, I follow my own path and don't take notice of those whose pastime is to annoy others. I have more important things to do than let myself get affected morally by such naysayers. This is why I have complete freedom in my writing and choose the subjects I am going to talk about as well as the recipes I am going to expose according to my will.

So, following this philosophy, I decided that considering the success of my "Cold Soba Noodle Salad" (1,512 views) and "Chinese Lemon Chicken" (17,652 views) recipes, my readers might be happy if I come up with another Asian-oriented speciality.

Today, I am presenting a recipe for a duck stir-fry that I invented myself after craving black bean-garlic sauce seasoned food. This oomphy and pungent paste made with soy sauce, fermented beans, garlic, sugar, water, salt, soybean oil, rice wine and cornstarch is amazing, addictive and transforms any dish into something sumptuous and lipsmackingly delicious that it is impossible to resist it.

In order to counterbalance and enhance the strong flavor of that magical condiment and create a well-balanced piece de resistance, I added some sweet Hoisin sauce, Thai thin soy sauce, Thai hot chili sauce, garlic, onion and fresh ginger. Both the duck and mangetout peas paired perfectly with all the seasonings, thus resulting in an extremely palatable combination. My spicy "Stir-Fry Duck & Mangetout Peas In Black Bean Sauce" is just drop dead gorgeous!

~ Stir-Fried Duck And Mangetout Peas In Black Bean Sauce ~
Recipes by Rosa Mayland, September 2011.

Serves 2-3.

Ingredients:
2 Duck breasts (skin on or not), cut into strips
200g Mangetout peas (fresh or frozen) 2 Onions, sliced in half-moons
1 Clove garlic, finely chopped
1 Tbs Finely chopped ginger
3 Tbs Black bean-garlic sauce
2 Tbs Hoisin sauce
2-3 Tbs Thai thin soy sauce (or to taste)
1 1/2 Tsp Thai hot chili sauce
1 Tbs Cornstarch
Pepper, to taste
A pinch fine sea salt
1/2 Tsp garlic powder
2 Tbs Peanut oil (+ 2 Tbs for stir-fying)

Directions:
1. Combine the duck, salt, garlic powder and 2 Tbs oil in a bowl and set aside to marinade for about 1 hour.
2. In a small bowl, combine the black bean-garlic sauce, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, chili sauce and cornstarch. Stir to dissolve the cornstarch and set aside.
3. Heat 1 tbs of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
4. Add the marinaded duck, in batches and stir-fry until the meat is just browned, then transfer it to a plate.
5. Wipe the pan, add the remaining oil and place over high heat.

6. Add the onions. Stir-fry until translucent and slightly golden, add the garlic as well as ginger and continue stir-frying for 1 minute.
7. Add the peas. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
8. Stir in the stir-fried duck and the black bean sauce mixture. Pepper to taste and cook for 1 extra minute.
9. Serve.

Comments:
Adjust the seasoning by adding a little more soy sauce, to taste.

Serving suggestions:
Serve with steamed jasmine rice.

Directions For The Steamed Rice:
You'll need 2 quantities rice for 3 1/2 quantities water (ex. 2 teacups rice & 3 1/2 teacups water).
Put together the rinced rice and water in a pan.
Bring to the boil over high heat.
Lower the heat, close the lid cook for 12 minutes without opening the lid.
Remove from the heat and let stand for another 12 minutes without opening the lid.
Voilà it's ready!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Wok De Canard Et Pois Mangetouts A La Sauce Aux Haricots Noirs ~
Recettes par Rosa Mayland, Septembre 2011.

Pour 2-3 personnes.

Ingrédients:
2 Magrets de canard (avec ou sans peau), coupés en tranches pas trop épaisses
200g de Pois mangetout (frais ou congelés)
2 Oignons, coupés en demi-lunes
1 Gousse d'ail, finement hachée
1 CS Gingembre, finement haché
3 CS de Sauce de haricots noirs à l'ail
2 CS de Sauce hoisin
2-3 CS de Sauce soya thaïe (ou selon goût)
1 1/2 CC de Sauce piquante aux piments (thaïe)
1 CS de Maizena
Poivre noir moulu, selon goût
1 Pincée de sel de mer fin
1/2 CC d'Ail en poudre
2 + 2 CS d'Huile d'arachide

Méthode:
1. Dans un bol moyen, mélanger ensemble le canard, le sel, l'ail en poudre et 2 CS d'huile. Laisser mariner pendant 1 heure.
2. Dans un petit bol, mélanger ensemble les sauces et la maizena. Réserver.
3. Faire chauffer (à haute température) 1 Cs d'huile dans une grande poêle ou un wok.
4. Ajouter le canard marinée par petites portions et faire sauter la viande jusqu'à ce qu'elle soit dorée. La transférer dans un assiette, réserver et continuer avec le reste de la viande.
5. Essuyer la poêle/le wok, ajouter le reste de l'huile et chauffer à haute température.

6. Ajouter les oignons et faire sauter jusqu'à ce qu'ils soient translucides et légèrement dorés. Ajouter l'ail et le gingembre, puis faire sauter pendant 1 minute supplémentaire.
7. Ajouter les pois. Faire sauter encore pendant 2 minutes.
8. Ajouter le canard et le mélange de sauces. Poivrer et cuire encore une petite minute.
9. Servir.

Remarques:
Corriger l'assaisonement en rajoutant de la sauce soya, si nécessaire.

Idées de présentation:
Servir avec du riz thaï.

Méthode Pour La Cuisson Du Riz:
Il vous faut 2 quantités de riz pour 3 1/2 quantités d'eau (ex. 2 tasses de riz et 3 1/2 tasses d'eau).
Réunir le riz avec l'eau dans une casserole et porter à ébullition.
Couvrir, baisser le feu et faire cuire pendant 12 minutes - sans ouvrir le couvercle.
Eteindre le feu et laisser reposer - sans jamais ouvrir le couvercle - pendant encore 12 minutes.
Voilà, le riz est prêt!