#GoldenApron23: Week 21

It's inspiring to witness the diverse dishes, the ingenious flavor pairings that have been created in kitchens. Many amazing ingredients were turned into masterpieces, some have gone out of comfort zones and some ingredients were cooked with the same love as always. All are very special! Let this upcoming week be another amazing thrill in this journey and most importantly relishing every moment in the kitchen. Let Week 21 commence!🍴🌟

Don't forget! Participants who persist and conquer the marathon, reaching the illustrious Week 25, will earn a (Virtual) Special Marathon Finisher Badge🎖💐

Lilva Beans:
Lilva beans, also known as fresh pigeon peas and tuver lilva, are small, vibrant legumes that are a culinary treasure in Indian cuisine. The specialty of lilva beans lies in their tender sweet taste. Often used in traditional dishes like Undhiyu etc, these legumes bring a unique flavor and texture to a variety of regional recipes.

Tempeh:
Tempeh, a fermented soy product originating from Indonesia, is a plant-based protein powerhouse. The specialty of tempeh lies in its firm texture and nutty taste, making it a versatile meat substitute. From marinated tempeh skewers to tempeh stir-fries and sandwiches, this ingredient adapts beautifully to various global cuisines, a great alternative for vegetarians and vegans.

White Wine Vinegar:
The specialty of white wine vinegar lies in its delicate acidity and mild flavor. It's a versatile ingredient in salad dressings, marinades, and pickles, adding a bright and tangy kick to dishes. Use it to create classic vinaigrettes or enhance the flavor of sauces, it can balance and elevate a wide range of dishes.

Purple Sweet Potato:
Purple sweet potatoes are special for their vibrant purple hue inside and out. they are great addition in both sweet and savory dishes. Whether roasted, mashed, or used in desserts like Purple Sweet Potato cutlets, cakes or Halwa, these tubers bring a delightful pop of color and a distinct flavor to a variety of recipes.

Purple sweet potatoes and purple yams, often confused but actually are not same and have distinctive differences in appearance. Purple sweet potatoes, typically elongated with tapered ends, have smoother skin and flesh that ranges from deep purple to lavender. In contrast, purple yams, also known as ube, are more cylindrical, often with rough, scaly skin and vividly violet or even white flesh.

Bamboo Shoots:
Bamboo shoots, the edible shoots of bamboo plants, are a staple in Asian cuisines. Synonyms include "sun-dried bamboo shoots" or "khorisa" in Assamese cuisine. The specialty of bamboo shoots lies in their crisp texture and ability to absorb flavors. Commonly used in dishes like "Bamboo Shoot Curry" or stir-fries, they add a subtle earthiness and crunch to Asian-inspired recipes, showcasing their versatility in both traditional and modern culinary creations.