Chili paste

Recipe by Valery Dergachev, chef of Vinoteca Leo (Rostov-on-Don).

Recipe from Jennifer Carroll's book "Harry Potter: Feasts and Holidays.

Recipe from Dmitry Smirnov, chef of Asian restaurants Redbox.

Recipe from Dmitry Smirnov, brand chef of Redbox restaurants.

Creamy onion soup with chanterelles is a true embodiment of Estonian home cuisine. This soup combines the sweet aroma of caramelized onions, a delicate creamy texture, and the rich forest flavor of chanterelles. Chanterelles, known for their nutty undertone, add depth to the soup while melted cheese gives it softness and velvetiness. In ancient times, Estonians valued forest mushrooms as a gift from nature, and this soup reflects traditions carefully preserved through generations. It is enjoyed as a warming dish in autumn and winter, with spicy notes of chili paste adding a slight heat that enhances the flavor further. Served with crispy fried onions and fresh parsley, it becomes a true gastronomic delight that evokes the coziness and warmth of home cooking.

This Vietnamese salad with a refined combination of beetroot, crispy arugula, and fried eggplant captivates with its vibrant flavor and texture. A sweet-spicy sauce made from black beans, honey, and chili paste adds richness to the eggplant, creating a harmony of spice and sweetness. Creamy balsamic highlights the natural sweetness of the beetroot, while pine nuts add a delicate nutty note. This salad can be a standalone light dish or an elegant complement to main Eastern delicacies. Its history traces back to Asian culinary traditions where balance of flavors and variety of ingredients play a key role. Exquisite and nutritious, it represents a modern interpretation of classic Vietnamese flavors by combining the freshness of vegetables with the depth of a complex sauce.

Kung Pao Chicken, a classic Sichuan dish.

Sweet and sour vegetables are a vibrant dish of Chinese cuisine that combines spiciness and richness of flavors. The tradition of using sweet and sour sauces dates back to ancient China, where harmony between sweet and spicy notes was valued alongside ingredient balance. In this recipe, tender fried tofu pairs wonderfully with crunchy vegetables and aromatic wood mushrooms, while the sauce made from Chinese spices adds richness and depth of flavor. The light sweetness of sugar highlights the spiciness of chili paste, creating a perfect gastronomic impression. This dish is ideal for serving with rice or noodles and can also serve as a base for various variations with other vegetables or spices. Chinese culinary philosophy is an art of balance, and this recipe beautifully demonstrates that.

Puff pastry with cheese and chili is a refined dish embodying European culinary traditions. It combines a crispy golden crust and creamy goat cheese with a spicy hint of chili paste. Basil and parsley add freshness, highlighting the depth of flavor. Historically, puff pastry was valued for its airy texture, and in this recipe, it becomes an elegant frame for the spicy cheese. The baked 'sandwich' is perfect as an appetizer or light dish, especially when paired with a crunchy green salad and spicy dressing. This recipe is a true celebration of flavor contrasts that will delight gourmets and lovers of unusual gastronomic solutions.

Fried spicy chicken is a harmony of flavors that combines intense heat, tender meat, and a light sweetness of maple syrup. This recipe draws inspiration from European culinary traditions, blending classic cooking techniques with a rich spicy paste. Marinating the chicken in a zesty mixture and then baking it to a golden crust creates a dish with crispy skin and juicy texture. Its rich flavor is complemented by the freshness of green salad that balances the spiciness. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive treat for guests, this dish awakens the appetite and leaves a lasting aftertaste. Serving such chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a light sauce makes it even more exquisite.

Spicy grilled chicken breast is a vibrant blend of Italian culinary passion and Asian spiciness. The marinade made from soy sauce, sake, and chili paste gives the chicken a deep aroma with subtle Eastern notes. After a brief grilling, the meat remains juicy inside while developing an appetizing golden crust outside. This recipe is perfect for summer evenings outdoors or dinner with a glass of white wine. Serving with cilantro adds extra freshness and balances the dish's spiciness. Each portion is an explosion of flavors that warms and awakens the appetite.

Brussels sprouts 'Gong Bao' is an amazing blend of Belgian classic and Chinese culinary passion. This recipe is inspired by the popular Sichuan dish 'Gong Bao', but instead of traditional chicken, roasted Brussels sprouts are used, becoming soft inside and crispy outside. The spicy, rich sauce with ginger, garlic, and chili paste gives the dish a vibrant, tangy flavor, while roasted peanuts add a nutty crunch. This dish is perfect as an unusual appetizer or a spicy side to a main course.

Ginger noodles are an exquisite dish that combines refined notes of Italian cuisine with Eastern accents. It embodies the aromas of fresh green onions, the spiciness of soy sauce, and the depth of ginger that adds a light heat. Honey softens the flavor balance with pleasant sweetness, while sesame oil fills it with warmth and richness. The dish's roots trace back to Italian pasta traditions, but its character is a play of contrasts where European silky spaghetti texture meets the boldness of Eastern spices. Ginger noodles are perfect for a light dinner or an original gastronomic experiment. Served hot, it brings warmth and coziness like a passionate Italian evening filled with exquisite flavors.

Sweet and sour meatballs made from pork and oysters are a true embodiment of Chinese gastronomic harmony, combining the tenderness of pork with the ocean freshness of oysters. Their history is rooted in traditional Chinese recipes where the balance of flavors is key to perfection. A fragrant sauce infused with notes of ginger, garlic, and chili paste creates a rich taste with a perfect blend of sweetness and acidity. The crispy crust formed during frying adds an appetizing texture to the dish. These meatballs pair perfectly with rice, soaking up the spicy sauce and transforming into a genuine journey into the world of Eastern flavor delights. The dish is ideal for family dinners or festive tables where one wishes to impress guests with refined yet simple culinary creations.

Spicy Korean noodles are a vibrant and fiery dish that embodies the depth of flavors in Korean cuisine. Its roots trace back to the traditions of Korean gastronomy where spiciness is balanced with sweetness and acidity. In this recipe, soft udon noodles are soaked in a rich marinade combining chili paste, apple cider vinegar, sugar, cherry syrup, and soy sauce. This sauce gives the dish a complex aroma where sweet and tangy-spicy notes create an exciting flavor contrast. The finishing touch is a crunchy fresh cucumber that adds lightness and refreshes the taste. This dish is perfect for spice lovers; it is served chilled, making it especially refreshing on hot days. Enjoy it as a standalone treat or as an addition to a main Korean feast.