Recipes | I've Been Cooking

Jin Deui

Jin Deui (Jian Dui) are classic Chinese sesame balls: crisp and golden on the outside, chewy within, and filled with sweet red bean paste. A beloved dim sum and festival treat.

🇭🇰 Hong Kong$

Kala

Kala (Kala Chana Masala) is a hearty North Indian black chickpea curry simmered with onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic, and warming whole spices. Brightened with amchur and lemon, it’s a wholesome, protein- and fiber-rich meal finished with fresh cilantro.

🇱🇷 Liberia$

Vanuatu Rum Banana Laplap

A lush, island-style pudding of grated cassava and ripe bananas enriched with coconut cream, kissed with dark rum, vanilla, lime, and nutmeg, and steamed or baked in fragrant banana leaves. Naturally gluten-free and vegan, this Vanuatu classic is tropical, aromatic, and deeply comforting.

🇻🇺 Vanuatu$$

Akullore e Prishtinës

A Kosovar-style stretchy ice cream inspired by dondurma, Akullore e Prishtinës is thickened with salep and lightly chewed with mastic, then scented with vanilla and rosewater. Finished with pistachios and a dusting of cinnamon for aromatic crunch.

🇽🇰 Kosovo$$$

Leite Creme

Leite Creme is a classic Portuguese stovetop custard scented with lemon peel, cinnamon, and vanilla, finished with a caramelized sugar crust or a dusting of cinnamon. Silky, comforting, and fragrant, it’s a simple dessert that showcases pantry staples.

🇵🇹 Portugal$

Milchreis

Creamy German rice pudding (Milchreis) simmered in milk with vanilla and lemon zest, lightly sweetened and finished with butter and a dusting of cinnamon.

🇩🇪 Germany$

Keke Maniota

Keke Maniota is a Samoan cassava cake enriched with coconut milk, butter, and eggs, then baked on banana leaf for a gentle, aromatic finish. Chewy and custardy inside with a toasty coconut top, it’s a beloved island-style dessert or snack.

🇨🇰 Cook Islands$

Lacassá

Lacassá is a Macanese prawn and vermicelli noodle soup scented with balichão, coconut, and warm spices. Silky, aromatic, and lightly spicy, it’s finished with scallions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

🇲🇴 Macau$$

Num Pia

Num Pia is a robust Southeast Asian beef noodle soup featuring brisket, bones, and tripe simmered with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Finished with fish sauce, tamarind, roasted rice powder, chili, herbs, and a touch of bile for a traditional, pleasantly bitter depth.

🇰🇭 Cambodia$$

Corvina al Cilantro

Pan-seared corvina in a bright cilantro–lime and jalapeño garlic sauce, finished with a touch of butter and white wine. Fresh, zesty, and herb-forward with gentle heat—perfect for a quick seafood main.

🇪🇨 Ecuador$$

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