2025
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Weekly Buddhist Diet: Vegetarian Lion’s Head Meatballs
Weekly Buddhist Diet: Vegetarian Lion’s Head Meatballs Fourth week of October 2025 Summary:Vegetarian Lion’s Head Meatballs are a classic Chinese dish reimagined with wholesome plant-based ingredients. Instead of minced meat, this version uses tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and water chestnuts to achieve a soft yet structured texture. The tofu provides protein and a silky base, the mushrooms bring a deep umami aroma, and the water chestnuts add a refreshing crunch. The mixture is formed into large balls, lightly pan-fried until golden, and then simmered in vegetable broth to absorb flavor and achieve a tender, melt-in-the-mouth consistency. The finished dish glows golden in color with a savory, clean broth and a delightful…
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Weekly Buddhist Diet: Electric Steamed Tofu Pudding
Weekly Buddhist Diet: Electric Steamed Tofu Pudding October 2025, Week 3 Summary:Electric Steamed Tofu Pudding is a silky, melt-in-the-mouth traditional vegan dessert made from fresh soy milk and a natural coagulant such as gypsum powder or GDL (glucono delta-lactone). The result is a smooth, tender texture with a delicate bean aroma. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, it delivers a comforting, balanced taste. Soy milk is rich in plant-based protein and calcium, which helps nourish the body and strengthen vitality. When paired with soy sauce, sesame oil, tahini, pickled vegetables, and fresh coriander, the pudding transforms into a savory delight with complex umami layers. The recipe is simple and fail-proof —…
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Weekly Buddhist Diet: Shepherd’s Purse and Tofu Dumplings
Weekly Buddhist Diet: Shepherd’s Purse and Tofu Dumplings Second week of October 2025 Summary:Shepherd’s Purse and Tofu Dumplings are a light, fragrant, and nutritious vegetarian dish that captures the freshness and the delicacy of traditional Chinese dumplings. Shepherd’s purse, a seasonal wild green, is rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron, which help detoxify the body and support overall wellness. Combined with tofu, the filling becomes smooth and protein-rich, creating a perfectly balanced, plant-based meal. The dumpling wrappers are thin, encasing a generous, aromatic filling that becomes tender and juicy once boiled. A touch of sesame oil and soy sauce enhances the natural aroma of the ingredients without…
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Weekly Buddhist Diet: Dry Pot Sautéed Potato Slices
Weekly Buddhist Diet: Dry Pot Sautéed Potato Slices The First Week of October 2025 Summary:Dry Pot Sautéed Potato Slices is a flavorful and aromatic vegetarian dish known for its layered texture and vibrant color. Fresh potatoes are thinly sliced, blanched to remove excess starch, and then stir-fried in a dry wok to retain their natural fragrance and slight chewiness. Paired with bell peppers and shiitake mushrooms, the dish offers a perfect balance of softness, crispness, and mild spiciness. Potatoes are rich in dietary fiber and potassium, helping lower cholesterol and support cardiovascular health, while mushrooms and peppers add vitamins, antioxidants, and plant-based protein. Unlike deep-fried potatoes, this dry stir-frying method…
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Weekly Vegetarian: Tomato, Seaweed, and Tofu Soup
Weekly Vegetarian: Tomato, Seaweed, and Tofu Soup Fourth week of September 2025 Summary:Tomato, Seaweed, and Tofu Soup is a light and refreshing vegan soup that’s quick to make yet packed with nutrition. The tangy sweetness of tomatoes blends perfectly with the umami flavor of seaweed and the silky texture of tofu. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, known for their antioxidant properties; seaweed is loaded with iodine, iron, and minerals that support thyroid and blood health; while tofu offers a great source of plant-based protein. This soup is perfect for a light meal, especially during hot seasons or when you want something easy on the stomach. Serve it…
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Weekly Buddhist Diet: Braised Eggplant
Weekly Buddhist Diet: Braised Eggplant Third week of September 2025 Dish Summary:Braised Eggplant is a well-loved vegetarian home-style dish that highlights the natural flavor and soft texture of eggplants. After being lightly fried and then braised, the eggplant becomes tender, silky, and richly infused with a savory sauce. Eggplants are not only flavorful but also packed with dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which help support digestive health, lower cholesterol, and promote cardiovascular wellness. When cooked with soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sugar, the dish develops a deep, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles. The addition of colorful peppers brings freshness and balance to the…
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Weekly Buddhist Diet: Cold Dressed Black Fungus and Cucumber
Weekly Buddhist Diet: Cold Dressed Black Fungus and Cucumber Second week of September 2025 Dish Summary:Cold Dressed Black Fungus and Cucumber is a refreshing vegetarian salad that emphasizes the natural flavors of its ingredients through light seasoning. Black fungus has a crisp texture and is rich in dietary fiber, iron, and minerals that help improve digestion, support blood circulation, and boost overall health. Cucumber, high in water content and vitamin C, provides a cooling effect, promotes hydration, and helps nourish the skin, making it an ideal choice for summer wellness. When combined, the two ingredients complement each other both nutritionally and in taste, creating a dish that is light, appetizing,…
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Weekly Buddhist Diet: Stir-Fried Tofu Skin with Green and Red Peppers
Weekly Buddhist Diet: Stir-Fried Tofu Skin with Green and Red Peppers Summary: This stir-fried tofu skin dish with green and red peppers is a nutritious and vibrant plant-based entrée. Tofu skin (also called bean curd sheets) is a high-protein, low-fat food made from soybeans — ideal for vegetarians looking for a quality protein source without cholesterol. Green peppers provide crunch and are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while red peppers offer a hint of sweetness and balance. The tofu skin is blanched briefly to remove any beany smell and then stir-fried to preserve its chewy texture. Light soy sauce adds umami without overpowering the dish. The final result is…
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Weekly Buddhist Diet: Dry-Fried Cabbage
Weekly Buddhist Diet: Dry-Fried Cabbage Summary: Dry-Fried Cabbage is a crisp, fragrant Chinese stir-fry dish made by quickly searing cabbage over high heat with dried chilies and a touch of soy sauce. Though simple in preparation, it delivers a delightful combination of crunch, mild heat, and natural sweetness. Cabbage is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which help support immunity and digestive health. Its firm texture makes it ideal for dry-frying, as it retains crispness without releasing excess moisture. The dried chili peppers enhance aroma and add gentle warmth without overpowering the dish — perfect for those who prefer light heat. The final dish is vibrant green, lightly charred…
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Weekly Buddhist Diet: Di San Xian (fried potato, green pepper and eggplant)
Weekly Buddhist Diet: Di San Xian (fried potato, green pepper and eggplant) Summary: Di San Xian is a beloved Northeastern Chinese dish made from three humble, earthy vegetables: eggplant, potato, and green bell pepper. The name “Three Fresh” refers not to strong sauces, but to the rich natural flavor released when these vegetables are fried and stir-fried together. Potatoes provide fiber and slow-digesting carbs for sustained energy; eggplants contribute antioxidants like anthocyanins for heart and vascular health; green peppers add a fresh, slightly spicy note and a boost of vitamin C. The traditional method involves frying the vegetables first, preserving their tender interiors and golden surfaces. A quick stir-fry with…
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Hot and Sour Shredded Potatoes
Weekly Buddhist Diet Hot and Sour Shredded Potatoes Summary: Hot and Sour Shredded Potatoes is a beloved home-style vegetarian dish known for its refreshing, tangy, and spicy flavor. The main ingredient, potato, is rich in starch, dietary fiber, and vitamin C, making it filling while supporting digestion and immune function. When soaked in water after shredding, potatoes lose excess starch, resulting in a crispier texture. Red chili and dried chili peppers not only add vibrant color but also offer just the right amount of heat to stimulate the appetite without overwhelming the palate. Vinegar plays a crucial role in the dish — enhancing the freshness of the flavor, aiding digestion,…
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Mushroom and Bok Choy Noodles
Weekly Buddhist DietMushroom and Bok Choy Noodles Ingredients:· Shiitake mushrooms (fresh or dried) 6–8 pieces· Baby bok choy 150g· Noodles (dried or handmade) 150g· Minced ginger 1 tsp· Light soy sauce 1 tbsp· Sesame oil 1 tsp· Vegetable oil 1 tbsp· Salt to taste· Toasted sesame seeds a small amount· Fresh cilantro (optional) to taste Preparation Steps:1, Prepare the ingredients (Mushroom pre-treatment):If using dried shiitake mushrooms, soak them in warm water until soft, remove the stems and slice;If using fresh mushrooms, wash and slice them directly;Wash the bok choy, trim the tough ends, and drain. 2, Blanch the bok choy:Bring water to a boil in a pot, add a pinch…
