Asian Comfort Food
Submitted by Luann Ji
After a long semester, it is time for winter break. For many, this means coming home and being around the ones you love. There is no better feeling than being able to finally relax and unwind with friends and family. Additionally, there is the excitement of the holiday season. But out of all the joys of being back, I mostly look forward to home cooking. While away at school, I often long for the delicious meals my family or I create. It is the best when you get to come back and make the foods that you love eating. Here are a few of my favorite dishes to eat during this time.
Dumplings
One of the best comfort foods to come home to in an Asian household is dumplings. Growing up, my family saved them for the weekend. It was a bigger ordeal, but a fun one. I got excited whenever our family took the time to make them from scratch. Some of my fondest memories are from folding dumplings with my mom and older sister while my dad cooked them. It is crazy how these pockets of savory magic never miss. It probably is because there are so many variations of fillings with such amazing flavors. Even more, I love how every bite feels like a warm and inviting hug.
Fried Rice
Similar to dumplings, the endless possibilities of great flavor combinations is what truly makes fried rice a scrumptious classic Asian comfort dish. There is no set list of ingredients, but instead you can really add whatever you feel like. This is what I love about this dish. Every person is going to have a different take on it. So, you get to try a variety of fried rice. Additionally, the simplicity in terms of cooking it is another reason why it is so deeply enjoyed by many. It takes almost no time to come up with something so basic and tasty.
Radish and Pork Rib Soup
While at home, a staple I like to eat, no matter the weather, is a hearty bowl of soup. This particular pairing of pork rib and daikon radish is one of my personal favorites. Like dumplings and fried rice, this Chinese soup follows different recipes, depending on the household. At my house, we like to add carrots, cilantro, and ginger. The slightly soft vegetables with the tender ribs and sprinkling of fresh herbs come together to make a wholesome and comforting soup. Typically, it is served at the end or beginning of a meal and enjoyed slowly. For my family, we like to slowly sip on it at the end of our dinners. It is one of the best and most relaxing ways to end a lovely family meal.
