While I do enjoy traveling to new places here in the country and abroad, what I really look forward to are the new and exciting dishes I get to try.
I do travel through food and whenever possible, I include my family, especially my kids, in the experience. For me, delving into local cuisines is one of the best way to get to know a foreign culture. It paints a picture of the area’s agricultural scene as well as tells the story of its history, food traditions, values and influences.
However, traveling can be quite costly, time-consuming, and during a time a worldwide pandemic, well nigh impossible.
The solution? Going on a virtual food trip at home.
We might not have the means to always be ordering food from various restaurants to be able to go on our virtual food trip, but we can try to whip up exotic dishes ourselves for the fam to enjoy.
If you find cooking foreign cuisines quite intimidating, brush your fears aside. We now have a set of handy kitchen aids that will help us in achieving our lofty culinary goals.
Del Monte Quick ‘n Easy Flavors of Asia
These new additions to Del Monte’s line of mixes and sauces are set to make cooking exotic dishes so much easier not just for kitchen newbies, but also for more experienced cooks who may not have the time to study unfamiliar recipes.
Perfectly seasoned and blended to approximate the authentic taste of Asian dishes but still appeal to the Pinoy palate, Del Monte Quick ‘n Easy Flavors of Asia packs are made with real ingredients, bringing out real deliciousness in each dish with every bite.
By following the recipes in the packaging like I did, anybody can whip up real sarap Asian dishes at home, while saving on time and effort in securing and preparing various ingredients.
Get ready for your culinary adventure with these!
Teriyaki Marinade 80ml
Teriyaki is a cooking style used in Japanese cuisine wherein food are grilled or boiled with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin and sugar.
Made with real ginger and soy sauce, Del Monte Quick ‘n Easy Teriyaki Marinade brings out the signature sweet and savory flavors of a Japanese-style Teriyaki dish!
Chicken Teriyaki
Ingredients:
- 1/2 kilo chicken breast, filleted and cut into thin slices
- 1 80ml sachet of Del Monte Quick n Easy Teriyaki Marinade
- 1/4 cup spring onions sliced thinly
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
Procedure:
- Marinate the chicken in Del Monte Quick ‘n Easy Teriyaki Marinade for at least 30 minutes.
- Place the marinated chicken into skewers
- Pan-grill the chicken while basting with the marinade.
- Garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds before serving.
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Green Curry Mix 30g
Sweet green curry – also known as kaeng khiao wan – derives its name from the creamy mild green color of the dish brought about by the combination of green chillies and coconut milk.
Del Monte Quick ‘n Easy Green Curry Mix contains turmeric, ginger and other spices which brings that fresh taste of Thai-style sweet green curry dish.
Green Curry with Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1/2 kilo chicken breast, filleted and cut into thin slices
- 1 30g pack of Del Monte Quick n Easy Green Curry Mix
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 400ml can coconut milk
- 1 small eggplant, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 bunch Thai basil leaves
Procedure:
- Heat oil and Del Monte Quick ‘n Easy Green Curry Mix in a saucepan until fragrant.
- Stir in coconut milk and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add in chicken and simmer in a covered saucepan for 12 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Add eggplant and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add red bell pepper and basil. Simmer for another minute.
- Serve and enjoy!
This recipe makes six servings.
Red Curry Mix 40g
Curry originated in the Indian subcontinent with its name coming from the Tamil word kari which refers to a sauce or soup eaten with rice. While Indian cuisine is highly diverse, it is also highly influential: India’s spice trade with Europe sparked the Age of Discovery. Indian cuisine’s influence is present in the food cultures of Britain, the Middle East, Southern and East Africa, Southeast Asia, North America and the Pacific Islands.
Made with real paprika, cayenne and other spices, Del Monte Quick ‘n Easy Red Curry brings out the spice and richness of Indian-style curry dishes!
Red Chicken Curry
Ingredients:
- 1/2 kilo chicken breast, filleted and cut into thin slices
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 35g pack of Del Monte Quick n Easy Red Curry Mix
- 1 400ml can coconut milk
- 1 bunch French beans
- 1 red bell pepper cut into strips
- 1/2 cup cilantro
Procedure:
- Heat oil and Del Monte Quick ‘n Easy Red Curry Mix in a saucepan until fragrant.
- Stir in coconut milk and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add in chicken and simmer in a covered saucepan for 12 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Add French beans and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add red bell pepper and cilantro. Simmer for another minute.
- Serve and enjoy!
So if you feel like broadening your culinary horizons, stock up on Del Monte Flavors Asia on Lazada.