Shiitake Mushroom Umami Paste
Inspired by: Foraged mountain flavors Flavor: Earthy, rich, savory Ingredients: Rehydrated shiitake, garlic, lemon juice, cumin Use for: Topping for veggie dumplings (if grain-free), roasted roots, mushroom patties
Cabbage-Herb Relish
Inspired by: Pickled or fresh cabbage sides in Kyrgyz and Kazakh meals Flavor: Crunchy, zesty Ingredients: Finely shredded cabbage, garlic, dill, lemon juice Use for: Cold plates, wraps, root veggie dishes Note: No vinegar; citrus…
Coriander-Lemon Dressing
Inspired by: Regional love for fresh herbs Flavor: Bright, citrusy, slightly peppery Ingredients: Ground coriander seed, lemon juice, parsley, garlic Use for: Lettuce or cabbage wraps, marinated mushrooms, warm veggie salad
Dried Fruit-Onion Chutney (No Vinegar or Sugar)
Inspired by: Central Asian sweet-savory chutneys served with plov Flavor: Tangy, slightly sweet Ingredients: Chopped Medjool dates or dried apricot, onion, lemon juice, cinnamon Use for: Roasted squash, sweet potato, raw collard wraps
Beet-Garlic Purée
Inspired by: Rural mountain region beet dips Flavor: Sweet, savory, earthy Ingredients: Roasted or raw beet, garlic, lemon juice, black pepper Use for: Wraps, squash, cabbage rolls
Raw Herb-Mint Chutney
Inspired by: Pamiri and Kyrgyz mountain herbs Flavor: Fresh, cooling, herbal Ingredients: Cilantro, mint, green chili, lemon juice, garlic Use for: Raw veggie dip, dressing, salad enhancer
Tomato-Cumin Sauce
Inspired by: Uzbek and Kazakh stews and sambals Flavor: Earthy, warm, tangy Ingredients: Tomato, cumin, garlic, onion, chili, lemon juice Use for: Wraps, veggie bowls, mushroom kebabs
Carrot-Onion Sauce (No Oil)
Inspired by: Base layers in Uzbek plov and stew dishes Flavor: Sweet-savory Ingredients: Grated carrots, onion, garlic, cumin, lemon juice Use for: Cauliflower rice, stuffed peppers, roasted roots
Garlic-Herb Sauce (Fat-Free, Dairy-Free)
Inspired by: Yogurt-herb sauces traditionally used with meat and rice Flavor: Creamy, garlicky, fresh Ingredients: Zucchini or cauliflower base, dill, parsley, garlic, lemon juice Use for: Cabbage rolls, raw veggie drizzles, squash dishes
Adjika-Inspired Pepper Sauce (Oil-Free, No Vinegar)
Inspired by: Tajik and Uzbek-style adjika Flavor: Spicy, smoky, slightly sweet Ingredients: Roasted red bell peppers, tomato, garlic, chili, lemon juice Use for: Roasted vegetables, wild mushroom skewers, wrap spreads