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Kaiseki Recipe

 Kaiseki is more than a meal—it's a quiet, deliberate experience rooted in Japanese culture and hospitality. Each dish is small, seasonal, and arranged with care to reflect nature, time, and balance. Traditionally served as a multi-course dinner, Kaiseki follows a flow that combines texture, color, and taste in a way that honors both ingredients and presentation. It is served in ryotei (traditional restaurants) or during tea ceremonies. This example outlines a home-style version with seven small courses, enough to serve 2 people. 1. Sakizuke (Appetizer) A small bite to open the meal and set the tone. Example: Silken tofu topped with grated ginger, finely chopped scallion, and a few drops of soy sauce. Simple and clean, this reflects freshness and contrast. 2. Suimono (Clear Soup) A delicate broth, often with floating seasonal ingredients. Example: Dashi broth with a thin slice of yuzu peel, a piece of white fish, and a sprig of mitsuba (Japanese parsley). Clear and warm, ...

Uni (Sea Urchin) on Sushi Recipe

 Uni sushi is one of the most luxurious bites in Japanese cuisine. Taken from the golden roe of sea urchins, uni has a creamy texture and a briny-sweet flavor that tastes like a wave washing over your palate. It’s served raw, most often on top of vinegared rice, wrapped with a strip of crisp nori. In Japan, uni is considered a delicacy, prized for its freshness and seasonal quality. This recipe makes 8 pieces of nigiri-style sushi. Ingredients 1 wooden tray (about 100g) of fresh uni (sea urchin roe), preferably from Hokkaido or Santa Barbara 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice 3 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar ½ teaspoon salt 1 sheet nori (roasted seaweed), cut into thin strips Wasabi (optional) Soy sauce, for serving Preparing the Sushi Rice While the rice is still warm, gently mix it with the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a wide bowl. Use a wooden spatula and cut through the rice with gentle folding to avoid mashing the grains. Fan ...

Cheese Soufflé with Gruyère Recipe

 Cheese soufflé is a French classic that rises high with a crisp crust and a soft, airy center. It's made with a simple béchamel base, enriched with egg yolks and plenty of cheese—most often Gruyère, which melts beautifully and has a nutty depth. Though it looks impressive, the method is straightforward and relies on timing and care with the egg whites. This recipe serves 2–3 people as a main or 4 as a starter. Ingredients 3 tablespoons butter (plus extra for greasing) 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk Salt and black pepper Pinch of ground nutmeg 4 large eggs, separated ¾ cup (about 75g) grated Gruyère cheese 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional, for dusting) Preparing the Ramekins Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Generously butter four 8-ounce ramekins or one medium soufflé dish. Dust with Parmesan or flour to help the soufflé climb as it bakes. Making the Base Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the f...

Mont Blanc with Chestnut Purée Recipe

 Mont Blanc is a French dessert that looks like a snow-capped mountain and tastes like autumn on a spoon. It’s made from sweet chestnut purée, piped into thin strands over whipped cream and a crisp meringue base. The textures—airy, smooth, and crunchy—come together in every bite. This recipe makes 4 individual servings. Ingredients For the meringue: 2 egg whites 100g (½ cup) sugar 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar For the whipped cream: 200ml heavy cream (cold) 1 tablespoon powdered sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla extract For the chestnut purée: 200g sweetened chestnut spread (store-bought or homemade) 100g unsweetened chestnut purée 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (to loosen the texture) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Optional: 1 tablespoon dark rum or brandy Making the Meringue Base Preheat the oven to 100°C (210°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whip the egg whites with lemon juice until soft peaks form, then slowly add sugar and conti...

Camel Meat Kabsa Recipe

 Camel Meat Kabsa is a deeply rooted dish from the Arabian Peninsula, especially in Saudi Arabia and surrounding regions, where it’s often served during celebrations or for honored guests. Kabsa is a rice dish layered with meat, dried fruits, nuts, and bold spices. When made with camel meat, it carries a distinct richness and depth—especially when slow-cooked until tender. This recipe serves 6 people. Ingredients For the meat: 1.5 kg camel meat, bone-in (preferably shoulder or ribs) 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper Water, enough to cover the meat For the rice and spices: 2½ cups long grain basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes 2 large onions, sliced 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 tomatoes, finely chopped 2 tablespoons tomato paste ½ cup raisins ½ cup slivered almonds or pine nuts (toasted) 3 tablespoons kabsa spice mix (see below) 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee 1 small cinnamon stick 3 whole cloves 3 cardamom po...