Tag: sichuan peppercorns

mapo tofu 2.0

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I used to cook a delicious (but not very authentic) Mapo tofu or Grandma’s beancurd. Since I’m now more familiar with Sichuan food, here’s a more authentic and spicy version. You will need some Sichuan pantry staples – Sichuan peppercorns, spicy bean paste (doubanjiang) and homemade chilli oil – for this recipe. If you don’t…… Continue reading mapo tofu 2.0

fish with green sichuan peppercorns

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After seeing this Chengdu recipe in Fuchsia Dunlop’s The Food of Sichuan, I bought green Sichuan peppercorns. This unripened version of the red Sichuan peppercorn has become popular in Sichuan cuisine over the last century. The flavour is brighter and fruitier than the red peppercorns. Altogether delicious. First cut 325g (11½ oz) of fish fillets…… Continue reading fish with green sichuan peppercorns

braised cumin lamb

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The city of Xi’an in the northwestern province of Shaanxi in China lies at the eastern end of the Silk Road. Persian and Arab traders arrived here introducing their food and customs and there is still a Muslim quarter in Xi’an today. This is an adaptation of a popular dish which combines lamb and cumin…… Continue reading braised cumin lamb

black fungus, shiitake mushroom and tofu hotpot

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This Chinese style vegetarian (and vegan) dish is substantial enough to be a meal on its own or serve it along with other dishes as part of a banquet. A ceramic pot or tagine is ideal for this dish. In separate bowls soak the dried Shiitake mushrooms and the black (wood-ear) fungus in boiling water…… Continue reading black fungus, shiitake mushroom and tofu hotpot

sichuan braised eggplant

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The province of Sichuan (Szechuan) in southwestern China has a bold, pungent and spicy cuisine. It’s known for it’s liberal use of garlic, chillies, vinegar and sichuan pepper. Here’s a great example of Sichuan braised eggplant from Serious Eats. Trim ¾ kg (1½ lbs) of small Asian eggplants and cut them into quarters lengthwise then into 10cm (4″) lengths. Pour…… Continue reading sichuan braised eggplant