Chinese food traditions have adapted freely with time. Over the course of more than five millenia, these culinary practices have been practiced and improved and have withstood the test of time. For example, steaming, a basic cooking technique, was practiced prolifically centuries before the formation of the first dynasty. Through commerce, non-native ingredients made their way to the kitchens of the court intermingling with the homegrown bounty to produce exceptional, unique and marvelous dishes.
An expertly prepared Chinese dish is expected to appeal to more senses than just the tongue. Its colors should be tantalizing to sight, the ingredients should be of uniform size and it should smell delicious. There should be contrasting tastes and textures within the meal; if one course is crisp, it should be offset by another one that is smooth. A mild dish is paired with a flavorful one, thereby always trying to create a balance. It is important to have this equality of yin and yang.
Real Chinese diets are mostly vegetarian. Fats and meats are applied sparsely for flavoring and very few dishes involve deep frying. This is due to the fact that fats and meats can be quite expensive in China. As a result, real Chinese food is quite beneficial to your health because most of the recipes are low in carbohydrates and calories. Chinese people also prefer to incorporate bean curd instead of meat and dairy. Tofu is full of good fats and proteins and are a great alternative to meats.
Fortunately, Chinese food is quite economical and easy to create if you have the right guide and resources. Chinese food is very flexible to creative interpretations of recipes and you can often substitute ingredients to spark new creations. Chinese chefs have learned to make a lot with very little , and this can also be done in our kitchens to save resources. Frugality is definitely a virtue in the Chinese culture, and it is sometimes said that a Chinese chef can make dirt and bark taste good. This is a tribute to the ingenuity and practicality of Chinese cuisine.
In conclusion, if you love Chinese food but feel guilty about eating it, then you should make it at home with fresh and healthy ingredients. You will find a new appreciation for the culture and genius of the Chinese people and improve your health at the same time.
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