Love spices? You'll enjoy these recipes
What's the story
A mix of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds, five-spice powder is a staple in most Asian cuisines.
This aromatic mix can turn even the simplest vegetarian dishes into flavorful meals.
By adding this spice blend to your cooking regime, you can bring depth and complexity to your dinner table without much effort.
Here are some vegetarian dishes that use five-spice powder to liven up your meals.
Tofu Delight
Stir-fried tofu with vegetables
Stir-fried tofu with vegetables is a quick, nutritious dish that gains a lot from some five-spice powder.
The tofu absorbs spices really well, making for a savory base for the fresh vegetables such as bell peppers and broccoli.
A dash of soy sauce makes flavors pop further.
This dish is not only easy to make but also gives you a balanced meal full of protein and vitamins.
Sweet potato twist
Five-spice roasted sweet potatoes
Roasting sweet potatoes with five-spice powder gives a delightful twist to this classic root vegetable.
The potatoes' natural sweetness goes beautifully with the warm spices in the blend.
Simply toss sliced sweet potato with olive oil and five-spice powder before roasting them till tender and caramelized.
This side dish goes with any main course, or can be enjoyed on its own.
Hearty soup
Five-spice lentil soup
Lentil soup gets more exciting when infused with five-spice powder.
The earthy flavor of lentils melds well with the aromatic spices, making for a comforting bowl perfect for cooler evenings.
Throw in diced carrots and celery for extra texture and nutrients.
Serve it hot with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that warms you from within.
Noodle Fusion
Vegetable stir-fry noodles
Vegetable stir-fry noodles get an upgrade when seasoned with five-spice powder.
Use your choice of noodles and opt for colorful vegetables like carrots, snow peas, and mushrooms for a variety of texture and taste.
A splash of sesame oil adds richness while enhancing the overall flavor profile created by the spices.
Fruity finish
Five-spice grilled pineapple
Grilled pineapple, lightly sprinkled with five-spice powder, makes an excellent dessert or post-dinner snack option.
The caramelization of sugars present naturally in pineapples while grilling ensures juicy slices bursting with flavor.
This is further enhanced by subtle hints given through the use of an aromatic seasoning mix called "five-spice."