Special ingredients, Preparation techniques – Breville EW40 User Manual

Page 9

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AGAR-AGAR

Is made from different types of seaweed. It

has excellent setting properties, similar to

gelatine, and will set at room temperature.

BOK CHOY

Also known as Chinese chard or Chinese

white cabbage, has fleshy white stems and

dark green leaves. It has a slight mustard

taste. There is also a smaller version called

shanghai or baby bok choy.

BAMBOO SHOOTS

The young tender shoots of bamboo plants

are available in cans. They are mainly used

to add texture to food.

COCONUT CREAM AND
COCONUT MILK

Both coconut cream and milk are extracted

from the grated flesh of mature coconuts.

The cream is a richer first pressing and the

milk the second or third pressing.

CHILLIES, FRESH AND DRIED

Chillies are available in many different types

and sizes. The small ones (birds eye or bird

peppers) are the hottest. Use tight fitting

gloves when handling and chopping fresh

chillies as they can burn your skin. The chilli

seeds are the hottest part of the chillies so

remove them if you want to reduce the heat

content of recipes.

CORIANDER

This is also known as cilantro and Chinese

parsley. It is essential to many Southeast

Asian cuisines. A strongly flavoured herb,

use it sparingly until you are accustomed to

the unique flavour. Parsley can be used as a

substitute; it looks the same but tastes quite

different. Coriander is available fresh,

ground and in seed form.

CHAR SIU SAUCE

This is the equivalent of Chinese BBQ sauce.

CRISP FRIED SHALLOTS

These are available from most Asian

Supermarkets pre-prepared.

SPECIAL INGREDIENTS

A little planning ahead makes stir frying easier.

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SLICING

A straight slice is used for cutting meats and

vegetables. Slices should be of an even

thickness. Partially frozen meat will slice

more evenly. Slice meat very thinly, across

the grain to obtain a more tender result.

MATCHSTICK OR JULIENNE

First slice the vegetables as described

above. Then, stack slices and cut again into

thin or thick sticks depending on the recipe.

SHREDDING

Used for cutting meats and vegetables.

5mm slices of food should be stacked, then

cut again into 5mm sticks. Vegetables such

as cabbage and spinach should have their

leaves stacked, then rolled up. Cut width

ways very finely.

CUBING AND DICING

Used for cutting meats and vegetables. To

cube, cut 3cm slices, then stack them on top

of one another and slice 3mm thick in the

opposite direction. Cut again in the opposite

direction forming 3cm cubes. To dice, follow

the same directions, making 5mm slices

forming 5mm cubes.

PREPARATION TECHNIQUES

The success of any dish depends on careful forethought and preparation. To achieve an

authentic Oriental appearance and even cooking results, food should be cut into small,

even pieces. This allows food to cook quickly and to be easily picked up with chopsticks.

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