Simple Food

After your body has gone through the rigours of massage it is advisable to eat simple food that is easily digestible. Your digestive system is also much more responsive when you are feeling calm. At The Serai in east Bali, the chef creates tasty recipes that require little cook- ing. These dishes are healthy post-massage snacks that are light without being insubstantial.

Tuna with Coriander and Ginger Dressing, and Spinach Noodles (one serving)
1 (6-8 oz): tuna steak, I recipe: Pepper Mix (see below), I tbsp: vegetable oil 90 gms (1/4 lb): spinach noodles, I recipe: Coriander and Ginger Dressing (see below), small bunch : chopped coriander

Pepper Mix : Mix together the following: I tbsp Cajun spice, I tbsp whole black sesame seeds, I tbsp (less if dried) fresh oregano, I tsp garlic powder, I tbsp (less if dried) roasted ground coriander seeds, I tsp roasted ground fennel seeds. Coriander and Ginger Dressing : Mix together the following: 4 slices ginger, 450 mis (3/4 cup) olive oil, 30 mis (I tbsp) rice wine vinegar, 30 mis (I tbsp) Mirin (rice wine), I clove garlic, salt and pepper to taste.

Method Coat the tuna steak in the Pepper Mix and pan fry in hot vegetable oil for approximately two minutes each side. Blanch the noodles, for about two minutes in boiling water. Drain them well. Serve the tuna on top of the noodles and coat with the Coriander and Ginger Dressing and chopped coriander.

Rucola (Rocket or Arugula) Salad (one serving) 1/2 cup : Parmesan cheese, grated, handful : fresh rucola leaves, 1 recipe : Balsamic Dressing (see below)

Balsamic Dressing Mix together 150 mls (6 tbsp) olive oil, 50 mls (2 tbsp) balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tsp pureed fresh garlic, salt and pepper to taste.

Method Arrange the grated Parmesan cheese in a rectangle shape roughly 8 cm by 4 cm (4 inches by 2 inches) on greaseproof paper. Bake in a preheated 350 °F (170 °C) oven until the cheese is golden brown, about 10 minutes.While the cheese is still hot, wrap it around a wine bottle or soft drinks can so it dries in a cylindrical shape; remove when it is cool and firm. Arrange the rucola leaves in the cheese basket; drizzle with the Balsamic Dressing.

Silken Tofu (one serving) 75 gms (1/2 cup) :blanched buckwheat soba noodles,
1 recipe : Japanese Ponzu Sauce, half : small red chilli, sliced, 1 tsp: sesame oil 1 tsp: lime juice, 3 slices: silken tofu (about 1/2 cup), half: leek, sliced, fried in, vegetable oil, until crispy, pinch: ground, black pepper, small bunch: chopped coriander, Ponzu Sauce Ponzu is a Japanese citrus sauce available in Asian-style grocery stores. Mix one part Ponzu with one part Mirin (rice wine) and one part soy sauce, some crispy fried garlic (do it with the leeks), 1 tbsp olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.

Method Soak the noodles in half of the Ponzu sauce, then add the sesame oil and lime juice and half the chopped coriander. Place the sliced silken tofu on top of the noodles and garnish with the crispy leeks, ground black pepper, rest of the chopped coriander and the remaining Ponzu sauce.