light Recipes
22 delicious light recipes from around the world
Classic Italian Semifreddo
A luxuriously light and airy Italian semi-frozen mousse, requiring no ice cream maker. This versatile dessert is perfect for a refreshing treat.
Pão de Ló
A classic Portuguese sponge cake known for its light, airy texture and often a delightfully moist center. This recipe aims for a tender crumb with a slightly underbaked, custardy core, characteristic of many regional variations.
Pesce all'Acqua Pazza
Fish in crazy water - poached fish in tomato, garlic, and white wine.
Zefir
Zefir is a traditional Russian confection, similar to a soft, airy marshmallow or meringue. It's known for its delicate texture and subtle sweetness, often made with a fruit base.
Keşkül
Turkish almond pudding - milk pudding with ground almonds. Ottoman palace dessert.
Mouhallabieh
Lebanese milk pudding - rose-scented milk pudding with pistachios. Light dessert.
Khoresh Karafs
Persian celery stew - lamb with celery and fresh herbs. Light and fresh.
Ebi Tempura (Japanese Fried Shrimp)
Experience the exquisite crispiness of Ebi Tempura, featuring succulent shrimp coated in a delicate, airy batter and fried to a perfect golden hue. This classic Japanese dish is best enjoyed immediately with a side of tentsuyu dipping sauce and grated daikon radish.
Gaeng Som (Thai Sour Curry)
A vibrant and refreshing Thai sour curry, known for its distinct tangy flavor and lack of coconut milk. This light and invigorating dish is perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Gỏi Gà Bắp Cải (Vietnamese Chicken and Cabbage Salad)
A vibrant and refreshing Vietnamese salad featuring tender shredded chicken and crisp shredded cabbage, tossed in a zesty nuoc cham dressing and garnished with fresh herbs, crunchy peanuts, and crispy fried shallots. Perfect as a light appetizer or a satisfying main course.
Keşkül (Turkish Almond Pudding)
A rich and creamy Turkish almond pudding, traditionally served in the Ottoman palaces. This elegant dessert features ground almonds and a delicate sweetness, making it a light yet satisfying treat.
Khoresh Karafs (Persian Celery Stew)
A fragrant and refreshing Persian stew featuring tender lamb, crisp celery, and a vibrant blend of fresh herbs. This light yet flavorful dish is a delightful departure from heavier stews.
Miến Gà (Vietnamese Chicken Glass Noodle Soup)
A comforting and light Vietnamese soup featuring tender shredded chicken and slippery glass noodles in a fragrant, clear chicken broth. This dish is known for its delicate flavors and is often enjoyed for its restorative qualities.
Mouhallabieh (Lebanese Milk Pudding)
A delicate and fragrant Lebanese milk pudding, subtly flavored with rose water and topped with crunchy pistachios. This light dessert is a perfect ending to any meal.
Sayur Asem
Sayur Asem is a refreshing Indonesian sour vegetable soup, traditionally flavored with tamarind. It's a light and healthy dish packed with various vegetables.
Shio Ramen (Salt-Based Ramen)
A delicate and light ramen characterized by its clear, salt-seasoned broth. This is the purest expression of ramen flavor.
Ceviche Clásico
Peruvian lime-cured fish - fresh fish 'cooked' in tiger's milk with onion and ají. A national treasure.
Ceviche Clásico Peruano
Peru's iconic national dish. Fresh, raw fish is 'cooked' by the acidity of lime juice, then combined with thinly sliced red onion, fiery ají amarillo, and fresh cilantro. It's a vibrant and refreshing dish, traditionally served with slices of boiled sweet potato and kernels of choclo (Peruvian corn).
Maria Mole
Brazilian soft candy - a light, airy, pillowy marshmallow confection with a delicate coconut flavor. Perfect as a sweet treat or party favor.
Moqueca Capixaba (Capixaba Fish Stew)
A lighter, brighter version of the classic Brazilian fish stew from Espírito Santo, this Moqueca Capixaba omits coconut milk and dendê oil, focusing on fresh fish, vegetables, and the subtle warmth of annatto oil. Traditionally cooked in a clay pot, it's a testament to the region's culinary heritage.
Sopa de Pescado (Venezuelan Fish Soup)
A light and flavorful coastal-style fish soup, brimming with tender vegetables and fresh fish. This comforting soup is a staple in Venezuelan coastal regions, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Mehallabia
A classic Egyptian milk pudding, Mehallabia is a delicately creamy and light dessert made with rice flour, milk, and sweetened to perfection. Often flavored with rose water, it's a refreshing end to any meal, especially popular during Ramadan.