The Nourishing Asian Kitchen: Nutrient-Dense Recipes for Health and Healing (Sophia Nguyen Eng)

When Sophia Nguyen Eng moved to the Appalachian Mountains in Tennessee to start a family farm, she was determined to honor the cultural food traditions and flavors passed down by her parents, who fled Vietnam in 1975. The meals of her childhood drew inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam, China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries. However, Sophia noticed that preparing these dishes in the United States often relied heavily on processed ingredients containing artificial flavors and preservatives. She was determined to recreate the flavorful recipes she loved while making them healthier.

Inspired by the nutritional research of Weston A. Price, the regenerative farming practices of Joel Salatin, and the traditional Asian recipes passed down through her family for generations, Sophia has curated a unique collection of wholesome dishes in The Nourishing Asian Kitchen. These recipes explore the proper preparation of grains, dairy, meats, and ferments, emphasizing fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods while focusing on flavor, food quality, ingredient sourcing, seasonality, and eating nose-to-tail.

With an opening sectioning on mastering basic techniques―like working with bone broth, fish fumet, and ghee―the recipes range from familiar classics to mind-blowing creations, including:

• Sauces: Korean Gochujang Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Vietnamese “Peanut” Dipping Sauce, Lemongrass Chili Oil
• Vegetable & Sides: Pickled Red Onion, Daikon Kimchi, Wild Bibimbap, Mushroom Banchan
• Soups: Oxtail Pho, Sweet and Sour Tamarind Soup, Spicy Thai Hot Pot, Crab Noodle Soup
• Meats: Garlic Butter Chicken Wings, Five Spice Pork Belly Banh Mi, Shaking Beef with Watercress Salad, Lamb Bulgogi Spring Rolls
• Beverages & Desserts: Vietnamese Coffee, Strawberry Lychee Panna Cotta, Matcha Green Tea Honey Ice Cream
• And much more! 

From hot pot to tempura, kimchi to pho, each recipe is designed to nourish the body and reconnect with tradition and heritage. And with beautiful photography by David K. Peng, easy-to-follow instructions, and tips for sourcing high-quality ingredients, The Nourishing Asian Kitchen is a must-have for anyone seeking to explore the world of Asian cuisine through the lens of nourishing traditions.