cooking method

A reflective look at pipián verde, pumpkin seeds, and why traditional sauces still make sense when we want to eat better without trying harder — with a simple everyday pipián, its nutrition, and an unexpected pairing with grapefruit.

The world’s problems sometimes feel as impossible to solve as the mystery of French Onion Soup. The ingredients couldn’t be simpler — onions, water, and a little fat — yet turning them into something truly delicious takes an hour of patience and understanding. This post (with video) explores the origins of the technique and shows, step by step, how to achieve that perfect chocolate-brown color without sugar, flour, or shortcuts.

Hawaiian Bouillabaisse found me late — at Mama’s Fish House on Maui. A bright, island-born twist on the Provençal classic, it inspired me to recreate it in Texas using dashi, frozen seafood, and intuition. It’s a dish that connects Provence, Polynesia, and the Gulf of Mexico — a reminder that good cooking always adapts and evolves.

On Maui, I discovered aguachile in a way I never expected. Once just a classroom recipe I didn’t care for, it became unforgettable at Gather [on Maui, for food and drink]. Between a Savory Citrus Martini, ocean breezes, and two wild kittens on the terrace, I found a new appreciation for this Mexican seafood dish. Here’s the story, the authentic recipe, and the Maui-inspired version.

Koobideh is more than ground meat on a skewer — it’s memory, tradition, and soul. Chef Saeed Zarei taught me his way: halal beef ground several times with red onion and kneaded until smooth, ~160 g portions shaped by hand on wide sikh, grilled until smoky-juicy and served with his signature vegetable sides. It’s food as connection, respect, and hospitality.

Discover the story behind the 13-hole lotus dumpling from Xi’an, and learn how to shape it at home with a beginner-friendly method. My version features whole scallops and miso butter—simple, elegant, unforgettable.

Discover the flavor and science behind charring vegetables—from TexMex chili peppers to global fire-roasted traditions. Learn how this simple method transforms flavor, preserves nutrients, and brings cultural stories to life.

Taste a lighter, richer take on Japan’s fried chicken—Shio-Koji Karaage unlocks flavor like never before.

Gather the family, put on your favorite goofy socks, and jump on that dough together. It’s a lighthearted, fun experience with food!

Many enthusiasts compare Khinkali to Chinese soup dumplings. But do you really know how similar or different they are? Let’s take a look!

Watch my new YouTube video to discover how to streamline your dumpling-making process. You’ll be amazed at how simple and efficient it is.

If you love hearty, nutritious grains but haven’t explored the “GABA” setting on your rice cooker, you’re in for a treat.

A bit of history about Okonomiyaki, what makes the Osaka style special, and my favorite recipe so you can enjoy it at home.

In this recipe, we’ll walk through how to steam and caramelize cauliflower in the same frying pan—no blanching necessary.