Yes, I am aware that it’s a Spanish dish. But believe it or not, Paella has long been part of the Philippine menu. If I’m not mistaken, only Filipino cooking has the Spanish influence among all Asian cuisine. Surprised? You’re not alone. My Kiwi officemates were actually amazed to find out I was of Spanish descent when they asked about my lengthy maiden name.
I’m featuring the Paella today because my sister’s friend was kind enough to cook this for my mom’s birthday lunch.

Flickr Image: avlxyz

(I have the photo, Tom, the previous editor of Noodles and Rice, had the recipe.)
I miss …read more

Ingredients:
6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 large onion, chopped
3 large tomatoes, chopped
1/2 kg chicken, cut into serving pieces
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 lemon, squeezed
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 large red or green sweet bell pepper (or capsicum), chopped
2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
Directions:
1. Saute garlic in oil until golden brown. Add the onion and cook until soft. Add the tomatoes and mash. Stir well.
2. Add the chicken and mix well with the prior ingredients. Add soy sauce and lemon juice. Stir.
3. Add the tomato sauce and 1 cup water. Simmer for 20 minutes. Continue adding water until the chicken becomes tender.
4. Add the …read more

This, I miss! I used to order this everytime my officemates and I go eat at the Banana Leaf Curry House. Did you know that diners at this restaurant eat with a banana leaf instead of a plate? Quite fitting and best enjoyed when you’re eating with your hands!
Ingredients:
1/2 tsp peppercorns
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsps fresh coriander roots or stems
2 lemongrass stalks, tender midsection only, finely minced
2 tbsps oyster sauce
2 tbsps light soy sauce
2 tsps sugar
1 1/2 tsps Asian sesame oil
750 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 4cm pieces
36 pandan leaves, each about 12 inches long by 2 inches wide
peanut …read more

Yesterday, I finally got the chance to see Slumdog Millionaire. I just had to know what the fuzz was about. I was curious to know how the Slumdog grand-”slammed” all those awards for Best Film.
After watching the last full show with my mom, we both left the cinema having the same sentiments. It was moving and heart-rending. My impression of India went beyond the overcrowded trains, the way I’ve always viewed it on the Amazing Race. Growing up in a third-world country, the film made me realise how India is far from different to the Philippines’ pitiful state. Actually, throughout …read more

Ingredients:
1 clove garlic
1 cm slice root ginger
3 tbsps soy sauce
2 tbsps honey
500g chicken nibbles
Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce:
3 tbsps soy sauce
1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
Directions:
1. Crush, peel and mash the garlic. Peel and slice the ginger. Mix the garlic, ginger, soy sauce and honey together in a plastic bag. Add the chicken nibbles and leave to marinate for 2 hours.
2. Drain from marinade and place in oiled roasting dish. Bake at 190 degrees Celsius for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden and cooked. Serve hot with chilli soy dipping sauce.
Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce: Mix the soy and sweet chilli sauces …read more

Ingredients:

5 tbsps vegetable or corn oil
4 tbsps minced garlic
1 2-inch piece ginger, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices
1 large onion, peeled and diced
1 1/2 cups uncooked rice
10 cups water
1 1/4 kg chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 1/2 tsps fish sauce
1/4 cup finely chopped spring onions
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Directions:
1. In a stockpot, heat 3 tablespoons of the oil and saute 2 tablespoons of the garlic, the ginger and the onion. The garlic is done when light brown and the onion translucent.
2. Add the rice and saute for 5 minutes then add water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. …read more

Ingredients:
2 tbsps vegetable or corn oil
1 1/2 tbsps finely minced garlic
1/4 cup finely minced onion
1 tbsp minced ginger
1 1/4 kg chicken, cut into serving pieces
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 tbsps fish sauce
3 cups water
2 cups peeled and cubed green papaya
2 cups spinach leaves or watercress
Since there wasn’t any green papaya nor raw pawpaw available here (not even at the Asian grocery!), I decided to use potatoes instead. It didn’t make much of a difference, so long as I can smell and taste the ginger-y flavour. Have you any suggestion though for an alternative next time I cook Tinola?
Directions:
1. …read more

This week’s Wiggly Wednesdays entry is adapted from Kittencal of RecipeZaar.com:
Ingredients:
1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
4-5 cooked boneless chicken breasts, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1 1/2 cups dry chow mein noodles (or use as much as desired)
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin orange segments, well drained
1 1/2 tbsps toasted sesame seeds
Dressing:
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1-2 tsps sesame oil
6 tbsps rice wine vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 pinch garlic powder
Directions:
1. For the dressing, whisk all ingredients vigorously until well combined and until no sugar granules remain; chill at least 1 hour or more.
2. In a large serving bowl, combine the lettuce with chopped …read more

 Ingredients:
1 kg chicken cut into serving pieces, seasoned with salt and pepper
3 small hot/chilli peppers
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
5 slices of ginger
1/3 cup sugar
1 tbsp wine
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
water
cornstarch
Directions:
1. Mix the water and cornstarch. Let stand for a while to allow cornstarch to settle. Drain. In the remaining cornstarch wrap the chicken and fry in deep hot fat until golden brown. Arrange on a platter.
2. Mix the first six ingredients and pour on the remaining fat in the pan. Stir until it thickens. Pour over the fried chicken pieces. Top with sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Happy cooking!
Source: Philippine …read more

Welcome once again to Trouble-free Thursdays!
In light of the big game coming up, here are some party snack ideas for the Asian food lover:
  
TOKWA’T BABOY  
TERIYAKI CHICKEN WINGS
SQUID IN SWEET HOT CURRY SAUCE 
SAMOSAS 
From my own experience growing up, I can just imagine my dad and his friends enjoying these appetizing pulutan with ice cold beer!
Now, if these are not your thing, why not try these other tasty munchies:
    
TOSTITOS WITH SOUTHWESTERN CAVIAR 
PRETZELS WITH BEER DIP
TORTILLA CHIPS WITH HOT BEAN DIP
EASY MEATBALLS 
TOMATO PIZZA BREAD
BARBECUE WINGS 

Happy cooking!