5 Healthy Herbs & Spices used in Local Cooking

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5 Healthy Herbs & Spices used in Local Cooking

One of the reasons why local dishes boast such rich flavours is because of how we incorporate a variety of herbs and spices into our daily cooking. Bursting with flavour and taste, these herbs & spices are integrated perfectly in signature dishes like Laksa and Rendang to create a flavour of depth that makes them our local favourites!

Many of these herbs & spices have intrinsic health benefits and relieve many common ailments too, talk about killing two birds with one stone!

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is a popular spice used frequently in Southeast Asian cuisines, especially as a flavour enhancer in delicious curry dishes! Providing a rich and robust flavour, Turmeric also contains a powerful antioxidant known as curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory benefits, aiding in the prevention of cell damage in the body.

Love Chicken? Check out this Cashew Butter Chicken Masala recipe from EatingWell which contains a generous portion of turmeric and other spices  – making it both a delicious and healthy dish!

2. Laksa Leaf

Laksa Leaf, also known as Vietnamese Coriander is an exotic herb commonly found in tangy, spicy Southeast Asian dishes. Be it cooking, baking or garnishing, this herb is extensively used in our local cuisine, especially for spicy, hot and sour dishes like Assam Fish and even Tom Yam!

Not only do Laksa leaves give your dishes an additional kick, it also has a plethora of health benefits including aiding in digestion and inflammation. Its diuretic properties also make it a great way to detoxify the body, cleansing the liver of various toxic substances.

Start cooking with Laksa leaves using this healthy Laksa Fried Rice recipe from Health Hub!

3. Garlic

Everybody’s favourite ingredient in the culinary world that goes hand-in-hand with local staples like Chicken Rice and Char Kway Teow! Aside from adding intense flavours and aroma to any dish, it comes with heaps of health properties too!

Garlic helps lower blood pressure  and cholesterol, improve one’s immunity system and contains cysteine, an amino acid that boosts hair strength and elasticity, giving you thicker and healthier hair!

Heres a recipe from Watch What U Eat on a healthy Asian Chilli Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry you can cook in under 30mins!

4. Star Anise

An aptly named spice because of the star-shaped pods they reside in, star anise is often confused with anise, but the two are entirely unrelated as it carries its own distinct liquorice flavour and medicinal benefits.

Famed for its presence in the Chinese “5 spices” and Indian “Garam Masala” blends, this versatile spice is rich in powerful bioactive compounds, giving it many antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial capabilities!

We have just the recipe to fully make use of this spice in a hearty bowl of Braised Pig Trotters with Mushrooms and Chestnuts.

5. Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a fragrant herb that is commonly found as an ingredient in Asian dishes – injecting a bright citrus flavour to everything from soups to curry!

What’s more, lemongrass is also often steeped in water to be drunk as tea because of the great health benefits within the herb. It includes relief from flu, insomnia, stomach problems and even respiratory disorders!

So indulge in this Ginger Lemongrass Detox Iced Tea from Rasa Malaysia, a healthy and easy-to-make drink that is perfect for the summer.

What’s more, check out our SG Local Favourites Cooking Classes and learn how to prepare even more local cuisine!

Hari Raya Special: 5 Absolutely Sedap Recipes

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Hari Raya Special: 5 Absolutely Sedap Recipes!

Hari Raya Puasa is around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious home cooked local recipes that’ll be sure to leave your family and friends wanting for more!

1. Malaysian Fried Potato Patty (Begedil)

This well-loved local dish is a savoury explosion of potato goodness with every bite, eaten either on its own or with a delicious bowl of Lontong or Mee Soto! Plus, this quick and fuss-free recipe is just under 30 minutes! If you want an extra fluffy Begedil, use the Zyliss Potato Masher to ensure your potatoes are mashed well without breaking a sweat!  #QuickBites

Featured Kitchen Tool: Zyliss Potato Masher

2. Pulut Inti

What better way to bond with the family with this sweet treat! A traditional Malay dessert, Pulut Inti is a steamed glutinous rice dessert topped with caramel coconut filling made of Gula Melaka sugar and grated coconut! Psst… save those precious fingers of yours by using a Multi Slicer Mandoline too.

Featured Kitchen Tool: Mastrad Multi Slicer Mandoline

3. Tau Hu Telor

Traditional Indonesian street food that is packed with flavours! Known also as tofu or bean curd omelette, it is paired with a sweet and spicy sauce! Garnish it with peanuts and sliced cucumbers for that additional crunch and texture. Tight for time? Use the Microplane Spiral Cutter and get the perfectly shaped cucumber toppings in no time at all!

Featured Kitchen Tool: Microplane Spiral cutter

4. Nasi Goreng

This spicy fried rice dish is a hot favourite amongst locals! Stir-fried with sambal chilli, fish sauce and dark soya sauce, each grain of rice is infused with an aromatic, earthy and smoky flavour. Topped with a sunny-side-up, cucumbers and prawn crackers for a meal that’ll whet anyone’s appetite. Get the wok-hei aroma in this dish with an Aluminium Non-Stick Fry Pan that is perfect for reaching the high temperatures essential in frying fried rice!

Featured Kitchen Tool: De Buyer Choc Aluminium Non-Stick Fry Pan

5. Mee Rebus

This nostalgic Malay dish is a bowl of delicious, springy yellow noodles that are thickly coated with an aromatic, rich gravy! This recipe shares the secret in perfecting the sauce – a combination of chilli, spice paste and dried shrimps. Our personal favourite is to throw in a Begedil and let it soak in the thick, rich gravy.

What’s more, be the best host this Hari Raya with our sale of up to 60% OFF your favourite selection of cookware, bakeware and tableware until 16 June!