Thai with a Twist
According to thai philosophy, staying in sync with Mother Nature through the changing seasons is the key to healthful living. This involves cooking with seasonal ingredients, of course, but also eating to balance the four basic elements of life: earth, water, wind, and fire.
Winter is dominated by the earth element, so foods that heal right now include ‘earth’ items: buttery root vegetables and warming root seasonings, such as onion, ginger, and garlic. Citrus and greens enhance benefits by helping prevent respiratory illnesses. For a taste of how the Thai approach to food and cooking can keep you feeling balanced and well throughout the cold months, try these recipes; all are mainstays in Thai healing practices.
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Look for stunningly red-fleshed blood oranges, which are just coming into season, to make this salad.more
Gaeng Khae (Spicy Thai Vegetable Soup)
This medicinal soup from the north of Thailand is believed to prevent and reduce colds and fever. The flavorful base is a hand-ground paste of chiles, garlic, lemongrass, and shallots. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, blend all the ingredients in a food processor. Serve withmore
Ginger is Mother Nature’s protective cloak, shielding us from sickness on winter days. This tea is very spicy—if it tastes too strong, dilute it with more hot water and honey. Traditional advice is not to drink more than 2 cups of ginger tea a day unless you aremore
As you stir-fry this quick-and-healthful dish, the perfume from the warming spices and sesame oil will rejuvenate you after a long day at work or time spent out in the cold. If you can’t find extra-firm silken tofu, opt for extra-firm or firm tofu to ensure that the cubes remainmore