Ancient Chinese 5 Spice and New American Cuisine

I just posted a great roast carrot recipe that only has three ingredients, yet still manages a deliciously complex, aromatic flavor. The secret? Chinese 5 spice. What better example of new American cuisine than this humble roast carrot recipe. New American cuisine is all about using local, sustainable foods, cooked utilizing the techniques and flavors brought here by people from all over the globe.

Chinese 5 spice is a perfect example. Brought here by Chinese immigrants to California in the 1850's, this spice mix was invented thousands of years ago, and is suppose to season food in perfect balance with the five elementary flavors of Chinese cuisine (and all cuisines for that matter); sweet, sour, bitter, salty and savory. The most common blend is equal parts ground cinnamon, star anise, fennel, cloves, and pepper. Some versions also use ground ginger and other spices.

This spice blend's ability to give even the most common dishes a delicious and exotic flavor with just a pinch is one reason it has spread all across the country. Give this ancient flavoring a try in this wonderfully simple roast 5 spice carrot recipe. This easy side dish will pair perfectly with all most any holiday meal.

Carrot Photo © John Mitzewich