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Spring Recipes: Simple Seasonal Dishes

As the first signs of spring emerge, so does the craving for fresh, vibrant flavors. Dive into the season with these simple yet exquisite recipes that capture the essence of spring. From the earthy goodness of bamboo shoots to the delicate aroma of jasmine, these dishes are designed to tantalize your taste buds and bring the beauty of spring to your table.

1. Spring Bamboo Rice Recipe

Also known as “Winter-Spring Rice,” this dish has become a favorite after experimenting with various versions. It might seem like a lot, but it disappears quickly!

Why You’ll Love It

• Tender bamboo shoots
• Soft broad beans
• Savory cured pork, bursting with flavor in every bite
• Aromatic morel mushrooms
• Rice soaked in rich broth

The moment you open the rice cooker, a refreshing spring aroma fills the room.

Ingredients

• 3 fresh bamboo shoots
• Cured pork (sliced)
• Broad beans (shelled)
• 3 morel mushrooms
• Rice
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• Fennel (for garnish)

Steps

1. Prepare Bamboo Shoots:
   • Wash the bamboo shoots.
   • Cut them in half lengthwise and peel off the outer layers.
   • Remove the tough bottom part.
   • Flatten with a knife and cut into small pieces.
2. Blanch Ingredients:
   • Bring water to a boil in a pot.
   • Add bamboo shoots, broad beans, and cured pork.
   • Cook for 30 seconds and remove.
   • Tip: Soak broad beans in cold water to retain their green color.
3. Cook Meat and Vegetables:
   • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
   • Add cured pork and cook each side for 1 minute.
   • Add bamboo shoots and stir-fry.
   • Add morel mushrooms and cook until golden.
4. Mix with Rice:
   • Place cooked rice in a rice cooker.
   • Arrange the fried ingredients on top of the rice.
   • Sprinkle broad beans evenly.
   • Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Final Touch:
   • Open the lid and pour soy sauce over the rice.
   • Garnish with fennel.

2. Jasmine Tea Fried Eggs

This dish is light yet fragrant. Fresh jasmine tea leaves add a unique touch to the soft scrambled eggs.

Ingredients

• Fresh jasmine tea leaves (30g)
• 4 eggs
• 2 tbsp starch water (1:5 ratio)
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp cooking oil

Steps

1. Prepare Jasmine Tea Leaves:
   • Gently wash the tea leaves.
   • Drain the water.
2. Make Egg Mixture:
   • Beat eggs in a bowl.
   • Add starch water and salt. Mix well.
3. Cook Eggs:
   • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
   • Reduce heat, pour in the egg mixture.
   • When the eggs start to set, sprinkle jasmine tea leaves.
   • Gently push the eggs from the edges to the center to create folds.
   • Once mostly set, turn off the heat and cover for 30 seconds.

Why These Recipes Are Special

These dishes bring the taste of spring right to your dining table. So delicious that you’ll miss them in other seasons.

Extra: Seasonal Ingredient Spotlight

Tianmu Mountain Bamboo Shoots

These bamboo shoots are grown in Lin’an City, China. They are renowned for their sweet and tender texture. They are harvested immediately after the first spring thunder, hence the name “thunder bamboo shoots.”

Cooking Tips

• Stir-fry for a light and sweet taste.
• Stew with meat for enhanced flavor.
• Make bamboo shoot soup.

Pricing (Approximate USD)

• Medium Shoots
  • $5.50 for 3 lbs (12-19 pieces) + pickled vegetables
  • $8.30 for 5 lbs (22-30 pieces) + pickled vegetables
• Large Shoots
  • $7.00 for 3 lbs (7-10 pieces) + pickled vegetables
  • $11.00 for 5 lbs (9-16 pieces) + pickled vegetables

Prices may vary due to season and availability.

Final Tips

Enjoy these dishes while spring ingredients are at their peak. They’re worth waiting for all year round.

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For more recipes and seasonal cooking tips, check out our complete series.