In 2020 it is not just about a pretty picture. There is increasing attention for the quality of ingredients and the (positive) influence they have on our body. From the Far East to Latin America, the ingredients we highlight for you come from all corners of the world. Honestly, it all sounds a bit exotic and maybe it's a bit abacadabra here and there, but that's exactly the point; they give your dish or cocktail creation that little bit extra.
Kewpie Mayonnaise
Origin: Kewpie Mayonnaise is the immensely popular, slightly spicier Japanese sister of the Dutch variant. The difference? By using soy oil and dashi (a mix of Japanese mustard and rice vinegar), Kewpie Mayonnaise is silky smooth and wonderfully creamy. In addition, not the entire egg is used, but only the yolk.
Health facts: Okay, we're not going to pretend mayonnaise is the healthiest ingredient in the world here. However, soybean oil is one of the good vegetable fats. In addition, Kewpie mayonnaise – unlike many other commercial mayonnaises – contains no sugar.
Are you also curious about this special mayonnaise? Then we have good news for you! In the former post office of Utrecht – now Neude Central Library – you will find the recently opened and cozy city café Meneer Potter. The Kewpie mayonnaise is directly on the menu here as a topping for the Okonomiyaki, a kind of Japanese pancakes. Enjoy!
Miso
Origin: Miso, a paste made from fermented soy, is often found in traditional Japanese cuisine. However, the origin of this spicy mixture remains a mystery and if we are to believe some sources, it already existed before the year zero.
Health facts: The benefits of miso are endless. It is a rich source of iron, calcium, potassium and vitamin B. This ingredient is also a godsend for vegetarians, because this pasta contains a lot of protein.
The taste of miso can be described as salty, savory and unami. That is why it is also the perfect seasoning for vegetables, soups, sauces and marinades. The owners of Poké Perfect love miso and honor this ingredient with the dish they have created, "You make miso happy", where the miso is used as a marinade for the aubergine. At Poké Perfect you can eat sushi in a bowl or in a sushi ritto and they recently launched a new menu that also includes hot ingredients.
Tahini
Origin: Tahini is a nutty paste. The ingredient originates from the Middle East, but is now also widely used in Dutch cuisine as a dressing, addition to sauces or simply as a spread on bread. For the Middle East, tahini fulfills a bit of the same role as peanut butter for the Dutch; it is indispensable and can be found in every home!
Health facts: Tahini is not only versatile, but also very healthy. It is plant-based and contains many good nutrients such as manganese, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and selenium. It is also a good source of protein and fiber. So spread, mix and mix with this sesame paste!
Tahini is widely used in Mediterranean cuisine and that is why this ingredient is certainly not missing on the menu of the Tel Aviv-inspired restaurant NENI. Although many dishes on the menu are prepared with tahini, we still have a favorite; the well-known Popcorn Falafel with a sauce of spicy lime and ginger tahini. Heaven on a plate, we promise! Curious about the other dishes? View the menu here.
Leche de Tigre
Origin: Leche de Tigre may sound wild and dangerous, but nothing could be further from the truth. It is a Peruvian marinade that is prepared with the juice of citrus fruits and is used to cook the fish that is later made into a ceviche.
Health facts: Leche de Tigre seems to be the hangover cure. The sourness of the citrus (hello vitamin C) and the spiciness are the secret here! These tackle the toxins in the body and give you an energy boost. It also appears to be an aphrodisiac. No hangover and a tiger in bed; what more could a person want?
Curious? You can taste this exotic ingredient in the bustling restaurant ChouChou, recently opened in Scheveningen. Here is a delicious variant on the menu with fresh salmon, lime and passion fruit. And we have even more good news:for a fixed price you can enjoy this ceviche and all the other dishes on the menu at ChouChou all evening. So get ready for sun, sea and ceviche (as much as you want)!
Kombucha
Origin: Kombucha is a fermented, sweet tea that is rich in special bacteria, organic acids and enzymes. The stuff is more than 2000 years old, but exactly where it originated remains a big question mark. China, Japan and Russia claim this miracle drink.
Health facts: Kombucha is not called an elixir of immortality for nothing. It helps to detoxify the body, stimulates the immune system and gives you extra energy.
There are already many healthy thirst quenchers on the market that use kombucha as the main ingredient, such as Butcha's drinks. Due to the spicy taste, this fermented substance is also ideal to use for cocktails and mixes, such as the Belvedere Super Cocktail, a powerful alcoholic drink that gives you a boost.
Belvedere Super Cocktail
– 40 ml Belvedere Vodka
– 60 ml Kombucha
– 15 ml honey
– 20 ml fresh lime juice
– dash of Angostura bitters
– lime slice
Add all ingredients, except the kombucha, to a shaker and shake with ice. Pour into a champagne coupe and top with ice-cold kombucha. Garnish with a slice of lemon. Cheers!
