I remember in the early 2000’s when Ching He Huang
first came into popularity for her cooking show; “Ching’s Kitchen” as she
created the most delicious Chinese meals from her North London studio
flat. The main ingredients of Ching’s
cooking shows and recipe books are simplicity, fresh ingredients and the
willingness to have fun and enjoy!
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| Ching He Huang |
“Chinese Food
Made Easy” (2008) is still one of my favourite cooking shows, I just love her presenting
style and the way she cooks. For each show, she has a specific topic that she
wishes to cater to (no pun intended). For instance, for the episode “Cooking
for friends and family” she creates dishes that delicious and easy to make e.g.
Lion’s Head Meatballs (no not an actual lion’s head) but a westernised version
of Italian meatballs. Of course this perfect for family and friends as it is
just to prepare the meatballs beforehand and just put in the oven. In the
meanwhile you can be attending to other bits and bobs.
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| Lion's Head Meatballs |
Another episode, Ching cooks for the women’s rowing
team. Being athletes, these women obviously need a healthy, balanced diet. Ching
sets out on a mission to make a healthy version of sweet and sour pork with egg
fried rice. An absolutely delicious healthy alternative that isn't gloopy or
make you feel queasy when you fork into your plate or mouth! Ching lets us into
some of the absolute shocking factors of Chinese takeaway food. For instance,
takeaway sweet and sour pork has an average of 240g of fat, which is almost as
much fat in as many as 30 hamburgers! Her alternative swaps the deep fried, floury
batter (on the pork) to a healthy version which is dry roasted soya beans and
this makes a delicious, crunchy coating. The audience salivates as they just watch her both prepare and cook this delicious pork. As with many things in life, it is hard to come by balance for instance, with work and children. However, in the kitchen it is achievable, you can regulate the amounts of ingredients and how spicy/sour/sweet you like it! In this case, the sweet, tenderness of the pork is beautifully contrasted with the deliciously, crunchy coating of the soya beans.
Traditionally, Chinese cuisine is low in fat, balanced and nutritious. This does not mean tasteless or mundane, but rather pays tribute to the 'yin and yang' concept. Rather than opposing sides, 'yin and yang' are actually paralleled to one another. In this case, the 'Yin' is the soya beans and the 'Yang' is the pork! Essentially, the perfect union of opposites!
Traditionally, Chinese cuisine is low in fat, balanced and nutritious. This does not mean tasteless or mundane, but rather pays tribute to the 'yin and yang' concept. Rather than opposing sides, 'yin and yang' are actually paralleled to one another. In this case, the 'Yin' is the soya beans and the 'Yang' is the pork! Essentially, the perfect union of opposites!
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| Yin and Yang |
On a different note, my Mum and I were VERY happy and excited to see Ching on screen
collaborating with Ken Hom for "A Culinary Adventure." My Mum is avid fan of "the godfather of Chinese cuisine" Ken Hom since the early 80’s
and to see the original and earliest of Chinese chefs teaming up with a modern chef,
was an absolute treat! They partner so well as they both share great charisma,
they’re very enthusiastic and they both have an absolute passion for food and
family!
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| Ching He Huang and Ken Hom |
Your post made me hungry. As a Chinese person I can also say yes- take away food is pretty disgusting. I find it really interesting that she uses dry roasted soya beans, I didn't know that could work! x
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