Good health is like hitting the jackpot in life, and one of the best ways to support your well-being is by enjoying fresh and wholesome foods. When you're feeling great, you can enjoy all your favourite treats without worries. Your nutrition and health go hand in hand. So, let's dive into some familiar vegetables that you can cook at home with your loved ones. 

Chinese Chives

These are mostly harvested in Shan State and belong to the Allium genus, just like onions. So, no wonder they have a similar smell.Chinese Chives are packed with organic sulphur compounds, which are great for your body. They are fiber-rich, making them awesome for your digestion, and they even help lower cholesterol, supporting your heart health. They also come with a good dose of vitamin C, which is excellent for boosting your immune system.

Chinese Chives offer a whole bunch of other nutrients too, such as iron, protein, and more fiber. With so many goodies in one veggie, it's no wonder they make for a delightful ingredient in curry. You can pair them with liver or meat, and they taste fabulous on their own too. If you happen to be in Shan State, you'll find plenty of Chinese Chives around, and they are often used in the traditional dish, Hin-Htoke. Depending on where you are, people have their own unique ways of cooking it. You can stir-fry them, cook them, and make a salad. Go for a sour soup with Chinese Chives, or add them to your favourite soups and dumplings, just like they do in Chinese cuisine.

Water Bamboo Shoots 

Water Bamboo Shoots, also known as waterspouts, are the smooth roots of the raw rice plant that look just like sponges. And guess what? People have been harvesting these yummy shoots in China for over 3000 years! In Myanmar, they're mainly grown in Shan State, but you can find them in other areas too. These shoots are packed with nutrition, making them highly valued and sought-after in different countries. They are great for supporting your bones and have been traditionally used in medicine to reduce pain and allergies.

The best part is you can try various mouthwatering water bamboo shoots curries that you might usually find in upscale restaurants or hotels. But hey, You can totally try them out at home in various ways! They have a soft and mellow texture with a burst of flavor, making them perfect for salads or mixing with rice noodles and other ingredients. Oh, and if you're a meat lover, you'll be delighted to know that you can also stir-fry them with your favourite meats for an explosion of flavors.

By the way, water bamboo shoots might not be the most famous ingredient out there, but they're actually pretty easy to find. You can pick them up from your nearby supermarket, like City Mart.

Small Unripe Tamarind

n Myanmar, we're lucky to have plenty of tamarind trees, and we just adore munching on their fruits, leaves, and buds. And guess what? The whole tamarind plant is like a treasure trove in traditional medicine! Housewives are super creative with tamarind in their cooking because it tastes fantastic and is great for your health too!

Tamarind is loaded with antioxidants that give your immune system a boost and help reduce pain. Plus, it's a real friend to your heart and keeps your blood circulation on point. You can make a wickedly good tamarind paste or simply use the unripe tamarind in different curries. Pound that unripe tamarind with chili, salt, and fish paste, and you've got yourself a spicy treat that will awaken your taste buds and leave you craving for more. And if you're up for a hot soup, trust us, tamarind alone is enough to satisfy your taste buds.Fry up that unripe tamarind with crabs, small prawns, and prawn oil for a dish that'll knock your socks off! And you know what the wise old folks say? Eating this spicy and salty pounded tamarind is like a little party for your taste buds, especially when you're recovering from being sick. 

Let's be real, deciding what curry to cook every day can be a bit tricky, right? But hey, whether you're single, married, or a rockstar housewife, we've got you covered! Because here's the deal - happiness is all about enjoying scrumptious curries that are not only lip-smacking but also good for your health. Cooking on a budget can still be a flavor-packed adventure that you can share with your loved ones.

So, if you've got some other awesome curry recipes up your sleeve, we're all ears! Let's share the curry love and make every mealtime a delicious celebration!