Come to my Chinese cuisine themed cooking day and let yourself be seduced by exotic flavours. We prepare traditional Chinese food together according to the health aspects of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
When?
Samstag, 23. November 2024, 10 Uhr - 14 Uhr
Where?
AMITA Kochstudio, Kulmbacher Str. 6, 93057 Regensburg
I have been learning the Chinese language for 3 years. Of course, language learning is not just about the language itself, but also about the culture and, for me, especially the food culture. I love Asian cuisine and because of my intolerances I can't go to a Chinese restaurant.
Fortunately, I have Chinese friends who are always giving me tips on real Chinese cuisine.
What can you expect on this cookery day?
Together we will prepare a Chinese menu. You can find more information about Chinese cuisine here in my BLOG ARTICLE.
India meets China, Ayurveda merges with traditional Chinese medicine.
We awaken the elements together in my cooking studio, travelling through the various Asian spices and experimenting with the ingredients, combined with Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese philosophy.
Let yourself be whisked away on a journey through the senses.
You will learn...
... get to know different cooking and preparation techniques from Chinese cuisine
... how to prepare a harmonious menu taking into account the 6 different flavours
... know the use of spices
... how to cook quickly and easily for better well-being
Your advantage
My courses take place exclusively in very small groups of up to 6 participants. This means that you are right in the middle of the action, can ask your questions and are not left out. Every participant is fully involved in the individual steps right from the start and everyone can try things out and discover their preferences.
The AMITA cookery studio is small and cosy, and the number of participants is limited to 6 people.
If you suffer from food intolerances, have to follow a special diet or don't like certain foods, please let me know before the course.
Please bring an apron, something to write with and an appetite to the course.
Booking and cancellation
You can make a booking using the ‘Book a cookery day’ button or send me an e-mail using the contact form.
Your registration is only binding once the participation fee has been credited to my account.
Cancellations are free of charge up to 2 days before the course, after that 50% of the course fee will be retained unless the place is taken by another person.
One thing is for sure, the Chinese probably know how to eat well better than anyone else. China has a historical tradition of gastronomy and chefs have and have had a high reputation. However, what is particularly noteworthy in traditional Chinese cuisine is the ability of ordinary Chinese home cooks to transform simple and largely plant-based ingredients into wonderful delicacies.
I am lucky to have Chinese friends who always give me lots of tips on how to prepare traditional Chinese dishes. In this country, you can hardly find any truly original Chinese cuisine, as my friends keep telling me.
What is typical Chinese food?
China is a big country and you can't reduce Chinese food to Peking duck, fried noodles and sweet and sour pork.
Sichuan cuisine 四川菜, for example, is one of the greatest cuisines in the world. Here, it is mostly known for its outstanding spiciness. In China, it is legendary for its richness of ingredients and amazing variety. Local gourmets claim that there are 5000 different dishes in the region. Sichuan pepper is one of the main ingredients of 四川菜。
Otherwise, typical Chinese food is characterised by simple ingredients that are prepared without much effort. There is little meat or fish among the many vegetable dishes. Different dishes are served on the table. Each individual dish tastes fresh and has its own unique flavour.
Is Chinese food healthy?
The dominance of Chinese restaurant food, which consists mainly of meat, seafood and fried foods flavoured with lots of glutamate, makes us forget that traditional Chinese cuisine consists mainly of grains and vegetables and is very healthy due to its natural preparation.
In fact, one of the richest aspects of Chinese food culture is the knowledge of adapting eating habits to the weather, season and symptoms of illness. Chinese cuisine has this aspect in common with Ayurvedic cuisine. This knowledge stems from traditional Chinese medicine and is still practised in many areas of China.
What is glutamate?
Glutamates are the esters and salts of glutamic acid (E 620). The most well-known are salts of L-glutamic acid through its use as a flavour enhancer in food. (Source: wikipedia)
In the new Chinese cuisine, glutamate is used as a flavour enhancer to give the dish a savoury note and the so-called umami taste.
Glutamate is an artificial substance which, in my opinion, has no place in naturally prepared food.
What are the symptoms of glutamate intolerance?
I have a glutamate intolerance, which is why I can no longer go to a Chinese restaurant. My symptoms are severe stomach pains that really bring me to my knees. All the more reason to prepare traditional Chinese food at home.
A friend of mine also had an intolerance, also known as Chinese food syndrome. She fainted when eating Chinese food. She regularly had to be picked up from Chinese restaurants by the emergency services until they finally discovered the cause.
Nausea, headaches, reddening of the skin, tightness of the chest, trembling and muscle pain. In children, glutamate can lead to fever, confusion and anxiety.
Glutamate is not only used in the new Chinese cuisine, but is also found in products such as vegetable stock, sausage, tomato paste, etc.
During my research on glutamate, I came across various articles, including one on wikipedia, which report that from a ‘scientific point of view’ glutamate is harmless to health.
I have a different opinion. A healthy diet also includes natural ingredients. Chemically produced substances have no place in our food. Flavour can be achieved wonderfully with spices, herbs and fresh ingredients.
Chinese cooking together
I offer themed days in my cookery studio. These always include a Chinese cookery day. I combine the knowledge of Ayurveda and elemental cuisine in the preparation of the dishes.
We like vegetarian raclette according to Ayurveda best in summer. As we eat seasonally, the choice in summer is more varied than in winter. It is also a pleasure to sit outside in pleasant company and enjoy the raclette.
As raclette, just like fondue, is particularly fun to eat together, raclette is often eaten at family celebrations such as Christmas or New Year's Eve.
How did the recipe come about?
My husband loves raclette and it's even more fun with guests. While the raclette is sizzling and grilling at the table, you can have a nice chat and think about which ingredients to fill the next bowl with. We like to make raclette in summer to sit outside in a cosy atmosphere. In Ayurvedic cuisine, it is important to pay attention to certain flavour combinations and the combination of ingredients. For example, you should avoid mixing animal proteins so as not to overload the digestive fire. Raclette is often eaten with lots of cheese, meat and/or fish. However, from an Ayurvedic point of view, the combination of cheese and meat/fish is something that should be avoided. I always apply the Ayurvedic philosophy in my cooking and so a Bavarian dumpling becomes an Ayurvedic-Bavarian dumpling with ginger, nettle, turmeric and chilli. The following recipe ‘Vegetarian raclette according to Ayurveda’ is also based on these principles.
What is a raclette?
The first references to raclette preparation date back to the 4th century BC and can be seen as a precursor to the Valais raclette. In addition to the method of preparation, there is also a type of cheese called raclette. Medieval monastic writings tell of a fried cheese as a particularly nutritious dish for the Alpine herdsmen. In the original version, the melted cheese was flavoured with salt and pepper and later sometimes combined with boiled potatoes.
Traditionally, of course, cheese and boiled potatoes are a must for raclette. There are no limits to the types of cheese. From the original raclette cheese to mozzarella, goat's cheese, sheep's cheese, Emmental, etc., you can use anything that pleases the palate. As I don't tolerate cow's milk well, I like to use sliced goat's cheese, buffalo mozzarella and feta cheese. Hard-boiled potatoes are the best choice. Of course, tasty sauces are also a must and can be prepared wonderfully according to Ayurveda.
What makes my raclette Ayurvedic?
Ayurveda is a wisdom and knowledge theory that is over 5,000 years old. It is constantly evolving with new knowledge. Particularly important in Ayurveda is the consideration of the elements (air/ether/fire/water/earth) and the flavours (sweet, sour, hot, bitter, tart). It is also important to pay attention to the composition of the ingredients and the consistency of the food. In my vegetarian raclette according to Ayurveda, I deliberately avoid other animal proteins such as meat or fish. The body already has enough to do with the cheese. To strengthen the digestive fire, I prepare specially flavoured sauces. The freshness of the ingredients also plays an important role in Ayurveda, so do not use ready-made sauces or frozen foods.
You can find more information about Ayurveda HERE.
Would you like to try the vegetarian raclette with your friends in my cookery studio? Then enquire about the next date!
This brings us back to the consistencies. Raclette involves a lot of baking and grilling, which means the consistency is rather dry. For this reason, sauces are served to bring the water element into play. I love cucumbers, so in summer a cucumber salad goes wonderfully with raclette on the balcony, terrace or garden. You can find the recipe here HERE.
I always associate summer with the smell of cucumbers. In my childhood, we had a self-sufficient garden and were always richly endowed with home-grown vegetables in summer, including cucumbers, of course. We had cucumbers in all varieties almost every day and I still have fond memories of the smell of freshly peeled cucumbers on a hot summer's day. As I love experimenting with ingredients and trying out new recipes, I decided to try out cucumbers as a new experiment.
As I have been learning Mandarin for a few years now and love Chinese cuisine, I was inspired to try out a Chinese-Asian version. My Chinese friends always support me wholeheartedly and that's how the ‘Asian cucumber salad’ came about.
For me, it is always an experience to see how you can experience the best flavour with just a few ingredients. The recipe for success is the combination and knowledge of the effects and flavours of the ingredients.
Cucumber and the season
According to the ancient wisdom teachings, it is important to eat food according to its season. Nature knows exactly what the human body needs at any given time of year. Cucumber is a summer vegetable as it cools and puts out the ‘fire’. Cucumbers should be avoided in winter. In winter, the body needs more energy and should not cool down.
In today's modern world, we are used to having all kinds of vegetables available all year round. However, this goes against our body's rhythm and energy levels.
A return to the rhythms of nature gives you more energy and joy in eating again.
In my cookery book you will find seasonal recipes and a large seasonal calendar where you can find out which vegetables, salads and fruit are suitable at which time of year. HERE is the cookery book order form.
What does the cucumber do to the body?
According to Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, cucumber has a cooling effect, calms pitta (fire) and moisturises vata (air/ether). You can find more information on the doshas/energies in Ayurveda here.
Raw cucumber has a more cooling effect than cooked cucumber. Depending on your own constitution or physical complaints, the cucumber can be used as a therapeutic agent.
It is very digestible, has a diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect and supports the drainage of uric acid. With its rich ingredients such as potassium, iodine, manganese, sulphur and vitamins A, B and C, it is an important food on our table.
How cucumber affects the doshas
For the Kapha type, who should avoid raw foods due to their constitution, the cucumber salad can be made more digestible by adding chilli, as in my recipe. The salad should not be too salty for the Kapha type.
The Pitta type should eat the cucumber salad raw, without chilli and with little to no salt.
The Vata type needs water and salt, so use more salt, then the cucumber will be more watery and just a hint of chilli.
Would you like to know more about your own constitution and Dosha type? Make an appointment with me!
King Arthur is a legendary figure who is the subject of many legends. One of these legends is based in Tintagel/Cornwall. Arthur is said to have been conceived here at Tintagel Castle. Arthur is an archetype and reflects the longing for a healthy masculinity. His heroism, brotherly and loyal companionship with his knights is reflected in many stories and film adaptations. The dragon is the power symbol of Arthur and his line of origin ‘Pendragon’. The dragon symbolises power, magic and enchantment.
Musical meditation journey to Tintagel, King Arthur and his companions
On my first visit to Tintagel Castle, I had an intense reincarnation experience and I was overwhelmed by memories, so I had to leave the island first because I couldn't stand it. I then intensively studied the energies, the history and the magic of the place and put my memories together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. I connected with the energies and places and, together with harpist Claudia Neumaier, created the following meditative musical journey with its accompanying stories and information.
What is so special about Tintagel?
Anyone who has ever visited the town on the north coast of Cornwall can hardly escape its magic, beauty and special energy. Of course, a lot is done here to boost the tourism industry and the locals sometimes feel like it's Disneyland. But if you consciously connect with the place and listen to your soul, you can feel the ancient wisdom and magic of the place.
Follow the sounds of Tintagel and the old myths and legends!
Igraine's complaint
Look out over the vast land. Look into the endless expanse from the battlements of the lonely castle and lament with Igraine over her fate. As if to say: ‘Everything was voluntary. And yet: now it's hard. I knew that one day I would pay for my wishes."
Igraine helps you to look at your shadows. You will be rewarded by becoming bright and clear. Don't judge, be gentle with yourself. Look at the shadows, they belong to you!
St. Nectans Glen
Enjoy lolling, singing and dancing under the waterfall. Playing with the fairies and nymphs by the rushing water. Savouring the joy of having experienced something beautiful, great and meaningful. The knowledge of having achieved something, of having experienced an initiation.
St Nectans Glen gets deep under your skin. It touches the heart. It helps to complete an inner journey. It is initiation, reward and joy. The dance with the spirits and your spiritual team. It helps you enter the Otherworld. Support in the connection and certainty that everything is connected. To be enraptured by the world!
March
Soldiers marching across the countryside; or is it the farmer on his way to market?
Go forwards and push forwards. Listen to your inner voice. What does it want to tell you?
Gallos
The sweeping view from the island across the bay. Gallos sings the song of power! "Look at me! I am big and strong and mighty. That's how I want to be seen."
Gallos helps you to recognise your inner strength and power. Strengthen your own power! Chains are broken, walls (of the heart) break down!
Bodmin Mor
A light and dancing melody. Moor should actually sound different, we thought. But maybe that's just how Moor sounds. That remains to be explored; or had a door opened to another world after all - to the dwarves?
Let your soul fly and explore the universe. Bodmin Mor connects you with the supernatural.
Viviane in Merlins Cave
The fairy Viviane laments her lost love under the blossoming hawthorn, or is it perhaps something completely different? Are the two perhaps happily united in the magical realm of love?
Invite magic into your life, Viviane will help you. Feel love and the connection to all that is. Heaviness and lightness as polarity. Live yin and yang, light and shadow, femininity and masculinity. Magic, magic, magic! Magic! Fairy dust and dragon glitter.
Dragonpower
Glittering and sparkling! The power of magic! The facets of power! The dragon is no longer associated with ‘evil’, because that's not what it is. It is ‘only’ mighty and powerful. You only fear what you don't know!
Let your roots grow into the earth and spread your wings. Make a connection - as above so below! Everything is possible! Everything is as it should be. Dragon power brings you security and freedom.
love
Love, love, love! Simply lovely, virginal.
Feel the lightness, the butterflies in your stomach, see the sparks fly, feel the togetherness and the community, live harmony and unity.
Receive your own personal soul song
Would you like to know what your soul has to tell you? Book your personalised soul song now. Music as individual as you are!
