18 china recipes

Authentic Chinese almond cookies made with lard for that traditional sandy crumb. Each cookie gets a whole blanched almond pressed in the center and a glossy egg yolk wash before baking. Includes sesame variation.

A fragrant homemade Chinese ten-spice blend with toasted star anise, Szechuan peppercorns, fennel, coriander, and cumin. Toast, grind, and store for marinades, stir-fries, sauces, and meat rubs.

Barbara Tropp's China Moon chili-lemon oil infused with Szechuan peppercorns, red pepper flakes, ginger, and bright lemon zest. Homemade Chinese-inspired condiment for drizzling on noodles, dumplings, or grilled meats.

China Moon serrano-lemongrass vinegar, a fragrant infused rice vinegar simmered with fresh ginger, lemongrass and serrano chiles. A bright, spicy condiment to splash into dressings, dipping sauces, stir-fries and noodle bowls.

Ginger-garlic shrimp stir-fries shell-on jumbo prawns in a hot wok with fresh ginger, garlic and scallions. A 15-minute Chinese restaurant-style dish where the shells stay on for flavor.

Piña colada punch with homemade coconut milk, fresh pineapple juice, ginger-cassia tea, and rum or gin. Big-batch tropical party drink that serves a crowd.

When making smoothies, use the whole fruit or vegetable and blend in a good high powered blender (Vitamix and Blendtec are two of the best ones). Fresh fruits and vegetables contain large amounts of soluble and insoluble fibre which will help keep blood sugars stable and keep you full for longer. The combination of ingredients in this smoothie makes it an ideal breakfast as it contains protein, fibre, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics for healthy digestion.

This tropical fruit is not only beautiful to look at, but is also highly nutritious. It contains significant amounts of heart-healthy fibre, antioxidants, vitamin C and has been shown to keep blood glucose levels stable. Chia seeds provide a boost of omega-3 fatty acids.

If you cannot find fresh peaches, use frozen ones (they will further thicken the smoothie). Peaches were first cultivated in China where they are considered a symbol of immortality and friendship. Nutritionally, they are a good source of selenium and vitamins A and C. Chia seeds are not only a complete protein, but supply the much needed omega-3 fatty acids missing from so many modern diets.

String beans and coconut koora, a South Indian stir-fry with green beans, toasted chana dal, urad dal, mustard seeds, and coconut. A quick vegetable side dish with a crunchy tadka topping.

This smoothie packs a real superfood punch with a combination of wolfberries, hemp seeds, chia seeds, maca and spirulina. Wolfberries, hemp seeds, chia seeds and spirulina are all complete proteins. In addition, chia seeds and hemp seeds are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Maca is a great hormone regulator and has traditionally been used to enhance fertility. Spirulina is one of nature's wonder foods and its GLA content (gamma linolenic acid, an important fatty acid) is second only to mother's milk.

Bircher muesli was first developed by a Swiss physician, Maximilian Bircher-Benner as part of the therapy he prescribed for his patients. Often called simply ‘overnight oats’ Bircher muesli is an ideal breakfast food – it can be assembled the night before, left in the fridge overnight and enjoyed in the morning – there is no cooking required. It's also a perfect combination of plant-based protein, slow-release wholegrain carbohydrates, and essential fats. The version below calls for pears and coconut, but alternative combinations are provided in the notes.

Keep these in the freezer and enjoy anytime you feel like having something sweet. Perfect with an afternoon cup of tea or coffee.

These are not only delicious and reminiscent of your favourite carrot cake, they are also good for you! With no added sweeteners and completely gluten and dairy free, these are as tasty as they are good for you and make the perfect Sunday brunch or dessert.

Black rice, also known as forbidden rice, derives its name from when it was first cultivated for the sole consumption by the emperor in China. It is still cultivated in small quantities, and is not as popular as brown or white rice. However, studies have shown that the bran hull of black rice contains significantly more vitamin E than that of brown rice and more anthocyanin antioxidants than blueberries! It has a rich, nutty flavor and pairs beautifully in sweet dishes, such as this one where it is combined with coconut.

A quick South Indian-style bell pepper curry with mustard seeds, cumin, turmeric, peanuts, and chickpea flour for a nutty golden crust. Ready in 15 minutes. Serve with dal and rice.