The Silk Road Gourmet

A Journey through the cuisines and cultures of the Silk Road

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Umami

My first post for the great publication, Zester Daily, was released today. Go on over and read all about The Secret to Umami’s Magic by yours truly!

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Omurice

A post about Rice Omelets, Yōshoku, and A Little International Understanding. . .

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Tomato Eggs/Shakshuka

Read about the probable Arab origins of a traditional Chinese dish!

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Interview for Ancient History Encyclopedia!

An interview with me about my work on reconstructing ancient cuisines:

Reconstructing Cuisines from the Ancient World

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Communist Kimchi!

My truly excellent adventure developing a recipe for an authentic North Korean Kimchi . . .

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The Origins of Curry Powder

Where did curry powder come from - the answer may surprise you!

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British Curry from 1817/1830

Dr. Kitchiner's curry (1817/1830).  The Cook's Oracle was an important book and this recipe influential in spreading "Indian" curry to the Far East: Japan, Korea and China.

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Kimchi Chigae

Kimchi Chigae - a delicious and nutritious soup to make with sour kimchi, and only 30 minutes from start to serving.

[lauramkelley]

Woman spinning silk fiber the traditional way in Margilan, Uzbekistan. When I entered the workshop, the woman spinning peeked between the spokes of her spinning wheel at me - I was lucky enough to capture the moment.

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Madrassa Arch in Bukhara in detail. Each Phoenix has a pig in its claws representing the triumph of good over evil.

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A Georgian wish tree. A persisting pagan practice in this mostly Christian country. People tie pieces of paper, or now plastic, to a tree and make a wish. Some trees are luckier than others and get many wishes tied to them.

[lauramkelley]

The view south from Uplistsikhe Cave City which has structures dating from the Early Iron Age to the Late Middle Ages. It is one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia and was an important trading post on the Silk Road as artifacts from across the old world found on site attest. — at Uplistsikhe Cave, Kartli, Georgia.

[lauramkelley]

Women Reading in Mtskheta’s Svetitskhoveli Cathedral which was built in the 11th Century on the site of a 4th Century church. During Russian Imperial occupation, the frescoes were whitewashed and are only now being restored. — at Mtskheta, Georgia.

[lauramkelley]

Uplistsikhe Cave City - several of the large caves inhabited for thousands of years.

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Kupati with Shoti and Pickled Vegetables. Kupati are eastern Georgian specialties - and are pork sausage stuffed with pomegranate seeds and walnuts - incredible and delicious!

[lauramkelley]

A trip to Karahunje, southern Armenia’s Stonehenge, which dates from the 5th millennium BCE. There is some controversy about whether this site is the world’s oldest observatory or whether the standing stones (some with holes drilled in them) mark the perimeter of a vast necropolis. Excavation and analysis are ongoing but periodic by a variety of international teams.