I talk about the differences between Breadfruit VS Jackfruit and how these two delicious tropical fruits compare. You will be able to easily spot these two related fruits in the future! In this post, we will compare the two, breadfruit and jackfruit, in looks, taste, uses, growing habits, possible health perks and cultural importance. We have a massive … [Read more...]
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What are Tropical Fruits
![Tropical Fruits you didn't know existed! [List and pictures]](https://www.masalaherb.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Tropical-Fruits-you-didnt-know-existed-gog-150x150.jpg)
Tropical fruits are fruits that grow in a tropical area. The climate for these fruits to thrive and grow is humid hot and it never freezes. 🗺️ Tropical Places Tropical or so-called exotic fruits come from places close to the equator, the tropical climate belt. The weather there is mostly warm or hot the whole year round with a humidity level higher … [Read more...]
Sapodilla Fruit: What is it + Uses
Sapodilla is a wonderful tropical fruit. Learn about the different varieties and collect some tips and ideas on how to use the amazing fruit! What is the Sapodilla Fruit? Sapodilla is a brown, round to oval-shaped, fruit. Sometimes this fruit is also called chicozapote, sapota, naseberry, or nispero in the Caribbean and American mainland and … [Read more...]
Brazil Nut - What is it and How to use it?
The Brazil Nut is a little known nut from Central America. It has been gaining popularity. Here you will learn everything you need to know about this exotic nut. 📕 What is the Brazil Nut? Brazil nuts come from tropical trees that grow in South America, including Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. The trees reach a majestic height of … [Read more...]
Salt-Free Chili Seasoning Recipe
A homemade chili seasoning to make the best chili at home, but without the added salt. No salt equals less sodium, which is suitable for a sodium-free diet/ low-salt diet. TL;DR I never understood why some seasoning blends contained added salt or even oil. Sure, oil at least helps in blooming spices when heated, and it's a flavor enhancer, but salt isn't a necessary … [Read more...]
Stuffed Italian Sausage Zucchini Boats
Italian sausage fills tender zucchini for a low-carb dinner bursting with flavor. The cheesy topping turns golden and irresistible as it bakes. Quick prep makes it perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste. TL;DR Italian pork sausage is flavorful and perfect for stuffing vegetables such as Zucchini. These zucchini boats are well balanced in terms of … [Read more...]
Lemon Balm Syrup Recipe
Lemon balm syrup is a fragrant and refreshing herbal infusion you can make at home with just a few ingredients. In this post you'll learn how to prepare and store it plus creative ways to use it in drinks, desserts, and more. TL;DR My mother has been making this infused lemon balm syrup, which she sells at the local farmer's market. It's a refreshing way to beat the … [Read more...]
10 Minute Pickled Cucumber Slices (Refrigerator)
A simple recipe to prepare fresh pickled cucumber slices in ease within minutes. This is a vinegar-based, no boil, refrigerator recipe which doesn't require water bath canning. It will save you time and the cool cucumber slices can be enjoyed within days. TL;DR We came across the most delightful sliced jarred cucumbers on a grocery shopping trip in Budapest, Hungary, … [Read more...]
Small Batch Passion Fruit Jam Recipe
Passion Fruits are fantastic tropical fruits that deserve to be turned into a sweet and tangy jam. Here is how I prepare my passion fruit jam at home with our homegrown passion fruits. TL;DR Passion fruits are tart, pulpy, super fruity, fragrant, tropical fruits. It's also known as Maracuja in some languages. We grow them in our garden in Goa, we have 2 varieties, … [Read more...]
99 Garden to Table Recipes Using Fresh Seasonal Ingredients
We grow most of our vegetables, herbs, and fruits in our garden, and therefore we always enjoy a bountiful harvest in the warmer months of the year. A majority of my recipes are garden to table dishes and methods to harness or preserve our generous growth. To help you utilize everything you have grown in your garden, here are 99 recipes from garden to table. … [Read more...]
Dehydrated Cherries in the Dehydrator
Dehydrated cherries are a great way to preserve a fresh home-grown harvest or a bunch of cherries which you found on sale at the grocery store. I provide a comprehensive guide on how to dry cherries at home, including specific instructions, tips, and other valuable information. TL;DR Dehydrated cherries are basically dried fruits, that are left to dry over a period … [Read more...]
Skillet Parmesan Garlic Asparagus
A flavore-packed, easy to prepare skillet asparagus side dish, seasoned with garlic and parmesan. This recipe is beginner-friendly and ready within minutes. TL;DR A simple side dish to use fresh green spring asparagus. The asparagus are trimmed and briefly cooked in a pan to infuse with garlic. Grated parmesan is used to add a cheesy touch to this dish, and the … [Read more...]
How to make Passion Fruit Purée
Here is how I prepare passion fruit purée within minutes at home without fancy kitchen equipment. The process is super simple, and you can use your fruit purée in drinks, cakes, dessert and sauces. TL;DR Passion fruit purée is the strained fruit pulp without the seeds. Passion fruit pulp, to compare, is the raw, spoonable content from the inside of the … [Read more...]
Ground Chicken Nuggets with Herbs
Juicy and flavore-packed, homemade ground chicken nuggets, that are then golden fried in a skillet. I have simplified this recipe so that anybody can prepare these fun and tasty family favorite nuggets at home. TL;DR I prefer ground chicken nuggets for two reasons to nuggets made with chicken breasts or thighs. A major plus point is that you can season the chicken … [Read more...]
Creamy Chicken with Bell Pepper, Mushroom Wine Sauce
A one-pan skillet meal with smaller chicken strips, sliced bell pepper, mushrooms in a creamy spiced wine sauce. The spices are mild and compliment the flavors. TL;DR This dish was inspired by central European meals, including the Swiss chicken Geschnetzeltes, the Hungarian chicken paprikash and the chicken version of an Austrian beef goulash. Warm spices, combined … [Read more...]
24 Dipping Sauces for Chicken Tenders
What's perfectly cooked crispy golden chicken tenders without a creamy dipping sauce? I can't get enough of trying different types of chicken tender sauces, the more the merrier. If you can relate to that or if you are just bored with the conventional Ketchup and Mayonnaise, you'll most certainly enjoy this collection of handpicked must-try chicken tender dipping … [Read more...]
Spicy Chicken Stir Fry Sauce
A stir-fry sauce specifically created for your Asian flavored chicken meals. The sauce is simple to prepare and has multiple uses. You will love this sauce if you prepare a lot of Asian quick meals at home or if you are into spicy world food. TL;DR I came up with this Asian-style chicken stir-fry sauce as I was looking to add more flavors into the stir-fry to … [Read more...]
10-Minute Garlic Spinach Skillet
A simple garlic spinach dish prepared in the skillet within minutes. This is a side dish that pairs well with most main course meals. The garlic and olive oil accentuate the beautiful green earthy spinach flavors, and it's one of our all-time favorite side dishes at home. Ingredient Notes Process Overview Step 1 Prep fresh ingredients. Rinse and pat dry spinach, … [Read more...]
Cheesy Baked Polenta and Egg with Bacon
Cheesy polenta with crunchy fried bacon, baked with an egg into a bubbling comforting meal. Polenta is like grits and it's a nutritious budget-friendly ingredient. This recipe is super simple and this is all yours if you love all polenta or grit meals. TL;DR I came across this baked polenta dish as we visited Sinaia back in July 2024, a town in Romania known as the … [Read more...]
Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry
A quick stir-fried Thai basil chicken to add to your Asian dinner rotation. Perfect if you love ground chicken meals, Thai street food classics and effortless meals. This is my take on the popular Thai dish that I picked up from one of our visits to Thailand. TL;DR Thai basil chicken is known as a fragrant street food dish in Thailand. Locally, it's called Phat … [Read more...]
16 Salt-Free Seasoning Blends
Skip sodium packed salty herb and spice mixes with this collection of homemade salt-free seasoning recipes. I generally try to avoid adding salt to my seasoning blends because you can always add salt if needed. Salt is technically only a seasoning requirement if it's a rub, but commercial brands like to add salt because it's a cheap ingredient, and it adds umami, … [Read more...]
Garlic Sautéed Spinach and Tomatoes
Fresh spinach is sautéed with garlic and fresh cherry tomatoes. This is a simple, flavor-packed, minimal effort, side dish that you can prepare in a skillet within minutes. TL;DR Occasionally, a simple side dish is all that you need to complete a weekend dinner meal. This is the case with this skillet spinach and tomatoes. The ingredients are freshly prepared and … [Read more...]
How to Make Guava Purée from Fresh Fruits
The making of homemade Guava Purée involves a process to extract the stone hard small seeds. I explain how to do that in ease. TL;DR Guava purée is made from fresh guava fruits, and it's the base of many drinks and desserts. The purée is also known as guava pulp. You will want to make guava purée if you find yourself with a surplus of fresh fruits, which need to be … [Read more...]
Dutch Oven Meat Recipes for Perfectly Cooked, Hearty Dinners
We love to prepare meat lunch and dinner meals in a Dutch oven because the meat turns out tender, juicy and oh so delicious. In fact, I refuse to cook beef and roasts any other way. Dutch Oven cast iron turns those tough meats into wonderful family favorite meals, and no other cooking vessel can achieve this. Here are some of my current favorite 9 Dutch Oven Meat … [Read more...]
Asian Tofu Vegetable Soup Recipe
A vibrant clear, oil-free, one-pot, Asian tofu vegetable soup that you can prepare when you are short on time or tired of your day. You will love this soup if you like tofu. It's loaded with fresh vegetables and simple, balanced Asian flavors. TL;DR This soup is somewhat based on my bok choy soup, but it doesn't include oil. It's a dump and cook soup. I usually like … [Read more...]
21 Potato and Cheese Recipes That Never Fail
These potato and cheese recipes will solve your what-to-make-for-dinner dilemma because potatoes are a pantry staple and everybody loves cheese. When I'm on a frugal streak, I make potato and cheese meals. In fact, potato, and cheese meals are a tradition in the alps, where I come from. I think, you are going to love these cheesy potato recipes if you can relate one way … [Read more...]
5 Minute Everything Bagel Seasoning
Everything Bagel Seasoning is a multipurpose seasoning that you can use creatively to pep up your food. It's also one of my favorite seasoning blends if it's homemade. Here is how I make mine from scratch within minutes! Ingredient Notes Process Overview Step 1 Measure all your ingredients. Step 2 Mix them all together. Step 3 Place your homemade … [Read more...]
37 Lent Recipes That Make Meatless Meals Exciting
I collected over 37 Lent recipes, that are perfect if you are looking to fast and abstain from meat and alcohol. Here, you will find a rich choice of meals from around the world. Ingredients such as vegetables, seafoods, and eggs are for once the star of the dish. You won't have to go hungry this Lent season! Get inspired with my selection of meatless recipes and save … [Read more...]
11 Ground Beef and Potato Recipes
Ground beef and potatoes is probably one of the most underestimated budget-friendly food combinations out there. Besides, both compliment, each other so well that you will be adding these recipes to your weekly meal rotation in no-time. Most recipes taste better when the temperatures are dipping because potatoes and beef are comfort foods. Here you will find skillet … [Read more...]
Black Bean and Corn Chili with Shredded Chicken
Hearty black beans and vibrant corn are left to simmer in a concoction of aromatic spices with shredded chicken. This is a one-pot, quick last minute I-don't-know-what-to-cook meal. You can adjust the heat or skip adding chili or hot sauce all together. TL;DR Add this dump and cook meal to your dinner rotation if you struggle coming up with effortless dishes that are … [Read more...]
One Pan Ground Beef and Mixed Vegetables
A one pan, effortless ground beef skillet, or wok dish, with vegetables, that are sitting in your refrigerator, waiting to be used. The seasoning adds some tasty dinner elements to this dish, and you will be making this recipe on repeat. TL;DR We love this one-pan skillet/wok meal, which is packed with fresh vegetables, ground meat and a selection of warm flavorful … [Read more...]
17 Genius Ways to Use Tomato Sauce in Your Cooking
Tomato Sauce is an underestimated ingredient in our kitchen, and you surely have taken it for granted at this point. Yet, the humble tomato sauce has saved me countless times when I didn't know what to prepare for dinner. Therefore, I thought you might want to access this pool of recipes prepared with tomato sauce. Each one stands apart, ensuring your inspiration … [Read more...]
French Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe
A French Vinaigrette dressing that is prepared with fresh lemon juice. This recipe is based on the classic 4 ingredient Vinaigrette Dressing that we traditionally make at home. TL;DR The difference to the classic vinaigrette is that the lemon version is brighter and citrusy, which is perfect for all those who don't like overwhelming vinegar flavors. This … [Read more...]
24 Nourishing Bowls for Cold & Flu Season
It is flu season again, and I just went through the motion of having to eat soups to feel better once more. I'm certainly not alone, and I know that a bowl of a homemade nourishing soup can be a gift. Therefore, I have compiled this handy list of 24 soups that are perfect to beat the chills anytime in the year. They are generally quick and straightforward to … [Read more...]
Japanese Curry Sauce Recipe
This rich and flavorful Japanese curry sauce is a game-changer for any meal. Perfect with rice, crispy katsu, or veggies, and so easy to make at home! I break it down step by step, showing you how to make this 5 ingredient curry sauce from scratch with Japanese curry roux. Filmed with Momoko in Goa, who was so gracious to share her home recipe with us. We have prepared … [Read more...]
Chicken Puff Pastry Bites
Flaky, golden pastry filled with savory spiced ground chicken—these hand pie triangles are crispy on the outside and packed with flavor inside. An easy, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for snacks, appetizers, or a light meal! TL;DR Do you love savory puff pastry recipes? I surely do because I get to prepare my filling and the result is a golden baked puffy buttery … [Read more...]
Prisoner's Pasta (Pasta alla Carcerata)
The prisoner's pasta is a Roman dish with a creamy tomato sausage brandy sauce. This is our latest comfort meal, and you can prepare it in a skillet at the last minute, making it a perfect weeknight dinner meal. TL;DR When in Rome, look out for a Pasta alla Carcerata, which literally translates to Prisoners pasta. If you would rather not wait that long, consider … [Read more...]
Awase Dashi: Japanese Bonito Kombu Stock
Homemade awase dashi is a Japanese stock made of bonito flakes and kombu kelp. Together with Momoko, our resident Japanese food expert, we prepared awase dashi so that you can use it to make your favorite Japanese soups. TL;DR Awase Dashi is one of the most common combinations of Japanese dashi preparations, and in Japanese, Awase, means to combine or to … [Read more...]
40 Pantry Dinners to Get You Through a Snowstorm
When the snow piles up and stepping outside isn’t an option, it’s time to get creative with what you have on hand. From hearty pasta and rice dishes to protein-packed beans, lentils, eggs, and ground chicken or beef, these 40 pantry-friendly meals are both comforting and surprisingly delicious. … [Read more...]
Skillet Mushroom Veal Marsala Recipe
My creamy Veal Scallopini Marsala with sliced mushrooms prepared in one large skillet. This veal Marsala recipe is based on my chicken Marsala recipe. The combination of flavors and consistency helps bring out the best in your tender veal cuts. TL;DR We love creamy wine sauces with different types of meat cuts, and we usually prepare them as a special occasion to … [Read more...]