Tian Suan He Tao

Tian Suan He Tao Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Hong Kong

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Tian Suan He Tao is a popular Chinese dish that combines the crunchiness of walnuts with the sweetness of pineapple and the tanginess of peppers. This dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among many.

History

Tian Suan He Tao has been a traditional Chinese dish for many years, known for its unique combination of ingredients and flavors. It is often served at special occasions and celebrations, as it is considered a delicacy in Chinese cuisine.

Ingredients

150 g walnuts
2 slices canned pineapple
1 green pepper
2 red peppers

Seasoning

150 ml plain flour
1 tbsp corn flour
1 tbsp baking powder
0.5 tbsp salt
100 ml water

Sauce

2 tbsp corn flour
7 tbsp water
2 tbsp white vinegar
4 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp tomato ketchup

How to prepare

Mix the seasoning well, then add 1 tbsp of oil and mix well again.
Mix the sauce well for further use.
Remove the membrane of walnuts, parboil them in hot water for 1 minute, then drain.
Heat 500 ml of water and boil the walnuts for 3-5 minutes with 1 tbsp of salt until they are soft.
Marinate the boiled walnuts in the mixed seasoning and coat each walnut with batter.
Heat a wok with oil and deep fry the coated walnuts until crispy, then drain them.
Chop the red and green pepper, as well as the pineapple, into small cubes.
Heat a wok with 2 tbsp of oil and stir fry the chopped pepper and pineapple.
Add the mixed sauce and stir fry until it boils, then pour in the walnuts and continue stir frying.
Dish up the final result.

Variations

Add diced chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Use cashews or almonds instead of walnuts for a different flavor.
Add diced carrots or water chestnuts for extra crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove the membrane of the walnuts before cooking to ensure a smooth texture.

- Parboiling the walnuts before frying helps to soften them and enhance their flavor.

- Coating the walnuts in batter before frying gives them a crispy texture.

- Stir frying the peppers and pineapple before adding the sauce helps to bring out their flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Tian Suan He Tao can be served as a main dish with steamed rice or noodles. It pairs well with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Parboiling the walnuts before frying helps to soften them.

- Coating the walnuts in batter before frying gives them a crispy texture.

- Stir frying the peppers and pineapple before adding the sauce helps to bring out their flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cashews or almonds instead of walnuts.

- Substitute canned peaches for pineapple.

- Use soy sauce instead of ketchup in the sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the walnuts and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry and serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tian Suan He Tao in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tian Suan He Tao with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed broccoli for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a wok or skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 50% of daily value per serving

Iron: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains nuts (walnuts)

Summary

Tian Suan He Tao is a flavorful dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Summary

Tian Suan He Tao is a delicious and flavorful Chinese dish that combines the crunchiness of walnuts with the sweetness of pineapple and the tanginess of peppers. It is a well-balanced meal option that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Tian Suan He Tao. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Mei Ling in her quaint little village in China. Mei Ling was known for her incredible cooking skills, and she had graciously offered to teach me one of her favorite dishes.

As we gathered the ingredients in her bustling kitchen, Mei Ling explained that Tian Suan He Tao was a traditional Chinese dish made with fresh peaches, vinegar, sugar, and various spices. The combination of sweet and sour flavors was said to be a harmonious balance of yin and yang, creating a truly unique and delicious dish.

As Mei Ling guided me through the cooking process, I could see the passion and love she put into every step. She shared stories of how she learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had learned it from her grandmother before her. The tradition of making Tian Suan He Tao had been passed down through generations, each family adding their own special touch to the recipe.

I was mesmerized by the way Mei Ling effortlessly mixed the ingredients together, her hands moving with a grace and precision that only comes with years of practice. She explained that the key to a successful Tian Suan He Tao was in the balance of flavors – not too sweet, not too sour, but just right.

As the dish simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, Mei Ling shared more stories about her family and their love for cooking. She spoke of the joy they found in sharing meals together, in passing down recipes and traditions to the next generation.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived as Mei Ling ladled the Tian Suan He Tao into a beautiful porcelain bowl. The vibrant colors of the peaches and the fragrant spices danced together in perfect harmony, creating a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

With a sense of anticipation, I took my first bite of the Tian Suan He Tao. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the sweetness of the peaches, the tanginess of the vinegar, the warmth of the spices. It was a symphony of tastes that left me speechless.

Mei Ling smiled as she watched me savor every mouthful, knowing that I had discovered the magic of Tian Suan He Tao. She told me that now I too was a part of the tradition, that I could share this recipe with my own family and friends, passing on the love and joy that came with it.

And so, as I left Mei Ling's village that day, with a full heart and a satisfied stomach, I knew that Tian Suan He Tao would always hold a special place in my culinary repertoire. It was more than just a dish – it was a connection to the past, a celebration of family and tradition, a reminder of the beauty and power of food to bring people together.

And as I sit here now, many years later, sharing this story with you, I hope that you too will feel the same sense of amazement and wonder that I did when I first learned to make Tian Suan He Tao. May it bring you joy and happiness, just as it has for me and my family for generations to come.