Big Bowl of Love took their viewers global for this episode! CF starts off with one of my favorite’s…Japanese inspired Udon soup! The meal is then rounded out with Lumpia and a warm, sweet Thai hot tea. This Asian inspired adventure is a true treat for us all!
What’s on today’s menu?
- Udon Noodle Soup
- Lumpia Shagnhai
- Thai Hot Tea
I was nervous at first when I heard the recipes we were tackling, but I had faith in CF. So many people (like me) pull back from Asian dishes because they are afraid…maybe it is because we are playing with spices that we don’t always use. Well…I say PLAY! Experiment and have fun. The soup is so easy and filling! Perfect for a rainy day. I am looking forward to trying the Lumpia. I don’t eat pork, so I will be substituting chicken or even better a soy product (like MorningStar). That way my vegetarian sister and nephew can join me in the yumminess.
The only recipe I haven’t addressed was the tea. I am a little apprehensive about that one…it is ORANGE. I am sure I will get daring some night…just not real soon.
Now for a few BBOL tips:
- Be careful when buying lemon grass! You don’t want it to be hard. The bottom needs to be pliable.
- Cut the lemon grass where the hard part meets the pliable.
- Use dark sesame oil which is more intense…you only need a drop or two.
- After you peel and grate the ginger, don’t discard it. Use it to soak in stock for flavor and remove it later.
- Place veggies, chicken and other garnishes on top of the udon soup- even better let your guests add it themselves.
- When cooking the Lumpia sauce, only cook on medium so the sugar won’t burn.
- After touching the peppers, be sure to wash your hands because you don’t want to accidentally touch your face or anything…it WILL hurt!
- Use agave in place of sugar or honey. Agave isn’t as sweet and is much better for you.
Now for a few of my OWN suggestions:
- Add the vegetables into the broth. When you serve up the soup, you are able to offer your family a healthy dose of vegetables.
- Udon soup makes a great buffet idea!
- Substitute MorningStar grillers crumbles for the meat as great vegetarian alternative.
Play and explore and be sure to have fun!
Links to recipes:
http://www.oprah.com/own-cristinas-big-bowl-of-love/Udon-Noodle-Bowl-Recipe
http://www.oprah.com/own-cristinas-big-bowl-of-love/Lumpia-Shanghai-Recipe
http://www.oprah.com/own-cristinas-big-bowl-of-love/Thai-Hot-Tea-Recipe