Source from NYDailyNews
Put down the takeout container!
With recipes from Gourmet contributing editor Nina Simonds, creating an Asian-inspired meal is almost as easy as ordering out.
Simonds, an award-winning food writer with 11 cookbooks under her belt, has gathered more than 100 healthy dishes in “Simple Asian Meals.”
“Like everyone else, I have limited time when it comes to cooking dinner. I really wanted to demystify Asian cuisine and to make it as accessible as possible,” she says.
“With this book, the whole goal is for people to pick it up and look at the extraordinary photos by Romulo Yanes, the staff photographer for Gourmet, and say, ‘Oh my God, does that look delicious,’ then look at the ingredients and go ‘I can do this !’ ”
The collection, inspired by Simonds’ culinary travels through China, India and Vietnam, has chapters on hearty soups, main dish salads, stir-fries and even desserts.
A handy pantry list in the front of the book rounds up must-have ingredients.
“When I started writing for Gourmet in 1979, you had to go to an Asian specialty store. That’s no longer necessary.”
For harder-to-find items, Simonds includes substitutions.
“If you don’t have Chinese black vinegar, then just use Worcestershire sauce,” says Simonds. “If you don’t have hot chili peppers, use the chili flakes you get at the market.”
The busy mom also reveals her own cooking shortcuts, like making big batches of sauces and rice on weekends, then tossing them into the refrigerator and freezer.
They’ve helped Simonds put delicious, yet healthy meals with an Asian twist on the table every night.
“They believe that food not only can be good for you, but it can taste delicious. It’s all about balance.”
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Join Nina for a book signing and tasting at the Museum of Chinese in America. RSVP is required to programs@mocanyc.org. Wed., Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m. $15 admission, $30 includes book and tasting. 215 Centre St. (212) 619-4785.
For more info: http://www.nydailynews.com