Posts

Showing posts from January, 2024

Angled Luffa, Sponge Gourd, Chinese Okra - บวบเหลี่ยม (Buap Liam) - Luffa acutangula

Image
  Angled luffa, or "buap liam" as it's known in Thai, is like the rockstar of the veggie world in Thailand. Its cool, ribbed exterior hides a tender, slightly sweet flesh that steals the show in countless dishes.   Stir-fry king: Buap liam is a champion in stir-fries. Think "pad buap liam kai, " where it teams up with eggs and maybe some shrimp for a quick, flavorful meal. Its crispy edges and juicy interior are pure stir-fry nirvana. Soup sidekick: Buap liam isn't afraid to get cozy in soups either. Whether it's the light and fragrant "kaeng liang" (vegetable curry) or a spicy "tom yum, " its subtle sweetness adds a layer of complexity that keeps your taste buds happy. Salad sensation: Don't underestimate buap liam's raw potential. Sliced thinly and tossed into a salad, it brings a refreshing crunch and a touch of sweetness that'll make you rethink boring lettuce. Beyond the basics: Buap liam isn't ju

Some Ideas to use Moringa Seeds in the Thai Kitchen

Image
Sprouting: Moringa seeds can be sprouted and added to salads or used as a garnish. Sprouting enhances their nutritional value. Powder: Grind the seeds into a fine powder and use it as a seasoning or supplement. Moringa powder can be sprinkled over soups, stews, or stir-fries. Curries and Soups: Add whole or crushed moringa seeds to Thai curries or soups for added texture and nutrition. Stir-fries: Toast moringa seeds and toss them into vegetable stir-fries or noodle dishes. They add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Tea: Brew moringa seed tea by steeping crushed seeds in hot water. It's a nutritious beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or combined with other herbs for flavor. Smoothies: Blend moringa seeds into your smoothies for an extra nutritional boost. They can add thickness and a nutty flavor to your drink. Snack Mix: Roast moringa seeds with other nuts and seeds to create a delicious snack mix. You can season them with salt, spices, or herbs for added flavor. Ene

Vegetarian Kai Jiew (Thai omelette) with 10 different ingredients

Image
Vegetarian Thai omelette with 10 different ingredients, all fresh from our garden. The omelette was accompanied by a Kaeng Phet Ma La Gor (Vegan Red curry with Papaya)   Clitoria ternatea - Butterfly pea or blue pea - ดอกอัญชัน (dok anchan) Holy Basil - Bai Krapao - Ocimum tenuiflorum or Ocimum sanctum Indian Long Pepper - Piper longum - ดีปลี (dee plee) Peperomia pellucida - Shining Bush - กระสัง (Gra-Sung) Thai sweet basil - bai horapa (โหระพา) - Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflorum Moringa oleifera - มะรุม (ma-rum) - Drumstick tree, horseradish tree  (very young pods, flowers and young leaves) Acacia pennata - ฉ่ายอ่อม (Cha-om) - Cha-om or climbing wattle Purple Yardlong Bean or Purple Asparagus Bean - ถั่วฝักยาวสีม่วง (thua fak yaaw see muang) or ถั่วพุ่มม่วง (thua pum muang) Sweet Potato Leaves - ใบมันเทศ (Bai Man Thet) - Ipomoea batatas Agasta/Agathi (Sesban,Hummingbird tree) - ดอกแค (Dok Kae) - Sesbania grandiflora  (the white, very young flowers)

Bilimbi or Cucumber Tree - ตะลิงปลิง (ta-līng plīng) - Averrhoa bilimbi

Image
  "Bilimbi" and "cucumber tree" both refer to the same fruit in Thailand, known locally as ตะลิงปลิง (taling pling) .  General information: Botanical name: Averrhoa bilimbi Family: Oxalidaceae (same as carambola [Star fruit] ) Tree: Grows up to 15 meters tall, with drooping branches and compound leaves. Fruit: Small, oblong drupes, 3-6 cm long, green when unripe and yellow when ripe. Taste: Extremely sour, with a slightly floral aroma. Uses in Thailand: Fresh: Enjoyed raw, dipped in salt or chili powder. Cooking: Used in curries, soups, and stir-fries to add a sour tang. Popular in fish and seafood dishes.  Some Thai vegan dishes that feature bilimbi Preserves: Pickled, candied, or made into jams and chutneys. Medicinal: Traditionally used to treat various ailments like diarrhea, dysentery, and fever. Popularity: Widely available in Thai markets and backyards. Considered a versatile and healthy fruit, rich in vitamin C and potassium. Sourne