Spice Chronicles & Recipes

Spice Chronicles & Recipes

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Bumbu - the Secret to Balinese Cuisine
A step by step guide to understanding and creating Bumbu
 • 
Lisa McLean
11
Welcome to Spice Chronicles
Hello, please come it
 • 
Lisa McLean
More Leftover Alchemy, coconut vinegar, kimchi, rosti, arancini, sweet elixirs
Transforming leftovers into vinegars, sauces, pies, jams and kimchi—how a week’s worth of scraps became meals, preserves, and new delights.
 • 
Lisa McLean
10
No Soup for You? Mulligatawny, Seinfeld, and a Sister’s Tummy
A deep dive into the origins of Mulligatawny soup, including the traditional colonial 1845 recipe and a modern twist on the classic.
 • 
Lisa McLean
5
The Alchemy of Preserved Citrus and a Green with Envy Salad
From Morocco to Malaysia, through my kitchen to yours — citrus transformed, layered with spice, and served with seared tuna and soft herbs.
 • 
Lisa McLean
14
Welcome to Spice Chronicles
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Recent posts

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Leftover Alchemy: From Class to Kitchen to Kindness
How I turned a Sri Lankan feast into sambal samosas, nasi goreng and breakfast on sourdough with a zero waste philosophy
13
Sri Lankan Vambotu Pahi - Brinjal Pickle
A deep, spiced pickle of eggplant infused with tamarind, jaggery, whole roasted spices, and the unmistakable perfume of curry leaves
 • 
Lisa McLean
4
Sri Lankan Beef and Cashew Kofkas + Dipping Sauce Ideas
Crisp golden kofkas to serve with tropical cocktails, fiery sambols, and a generous spread of dipping sauces
5
Apéro Round Up and Poll
Should it stay or should it go?
 • 
Lisa McLean
5
Peppanchillio
A Sicilian Nest of Chilli, Anchovy, Capers and Pistachio Wrapped in Baby Peppers
 • 
Lisa McLean
2
Sweet Sap to Sambal: Cooking with Kithul Jaggery
Three dishes for a Sri Lankan table: two made with smoky-sweet kithul jaggery, and one a modern lunu miris variation, sweetened with dates.
2
Salt and Sunshine, Calamansi Barramundi with Crunchy Longan Salad
Salted calamansi and turmeric lead the way in this bright, spice-warm dish with grilled fish and a cool, crisp salad.
 • 
Lisa McLean
6
There's No Forgetting
Reflections on Anzac Day, Guernica, and the wars we carry
 • 
Lisa McLean
7
Spice Chronicles & Recipes
Spice Chronicles & Recipes
Recipes and stories steeped in spice, from my kitchen, clinic, and life
Recommendations
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Simply Divina- My Tiny Tuscan Kitchen
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Lucy House
On the Acre by Rachel Hardacre
On the Acre by Rachel Hardacre
Rachel Hardacre
Flour Power: by Felicity Spector
Flour Power: by Felicity Spector
Felicity Spector
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Life's a Feast by Jamie Schler
Jamie Schler
Top posts
The Alchemy of Preserved Citrus and a Green with Envy Salad
 • Lisa McLean
14
Ultimate Middle Eastern Mezze
 • Lisa McLean
11
Crispy Kimchi Rice Salad
 • Lisa McLean
14
The Mother of Flavour: A Global Guide to Stock and Broth
 • Lisa McLean
2
Silvio’s Simple Italian Tuna Salad: A Lesson in Restraint and Reverence
 • Lisa McLean
8
Thanks for your interest in my work, I'd love you to subscribe to Spice Chronicles

Indian and Sri Lankan Recipes

View all
No Soup for You? Mulligatawny, Seinfeld, and a Sister’s Tummy
A deep dive into the origins of Mulligatawny soup, including the traditional colonial 1845 recipe and a modern twist on the classic.
 • 
Lisa McLean
5
Leftover Alchemy: From Class to Kitchen to Kindness
How I turned a Sri Lankan feast into sambal samosas, nasi goreng and breakfast on sourdough with a zero waste philosophy
13
Sri Lankan Vambotu Pahi - Brinjal Pickle
A deep, spiced pickle of eggplant infused with tamarind, jaggery, whole roasted spices, and the unmistakable perfume of curry leaves
 • 
Lisa McLean
4
Sri Lankan Beef and Cashew Kofkas + Dipping Sauce Ideas
Crisp golden kofkas to serve with tropical cocktails, fiery sambols, and a generous spread of dipping sauces
5
Sweet Sap to Sambal: Cooking with Kithul Jaggery
Three dishes for a Sri Lankan table: two made with smoky-sweet kithul jaggery, and one a modern lunu miris variation, sweetened with dates.
2
Salt and Sunshine, Calamansi Barramundi with Crunchy Longan Salad
Salted calamansi and turmeric lead the way in this bright, spice-warm dish with grilled fish and a cool, crisp salad.
 • 
Lisa McLean
6
Sri Lankan Koftas with Cashew Curry & Chana Chaat Salad
Fusion cooking for sacred seasons and shared tables
 • 
Lisa McLean
6
Sri Lankan Canned Mackerel Curry: A Family Favourite
A Homestyle Sri Lankan Classic You Won’t Find in Restaurants
 • 
Lisa McLean
3
Potato Pancakes with a Sri Lankan Twist
A Leftovers Experiment Worth Repeating
 • 
Lisa McLean
4
A Tropical Apéro: Sri Lankan Fish Cutlets, Fermented Bloody Mary & the Sound of Changing Seasons
A crisp bite, a bold sip, and a soundtrack to welcome the evening.
 • 
Lisa McLean
6
Misal Pav - A Maharashtrian Classic
The Spicy, Crunchy and Comforting Star of Indian Street Food
 • 
Lisa McLean
6
Sri Lankan Jackfruit and Potato Soup
A Fragrant, Spiced Recipe
 • 
Lisa McLean
5

Balinese Bumbu Spice Series

View all
A Tropical Trio of Tofu, Mussels and Papaya Salad
Silken tofu, wok-steamed mussels, and green papaya salad, all woven from a single spiced broth
 • 
Lisa McLean
Bumbu Vegetables: Indonesian Spice Alchemy
Aromatic, Vibrant, and Nourishing—How Indonesia’s Bumbu Spice Blends Transform Everyday Vegetables into Bold, Flavourful Dishes
 • 
Lisa McLean
12
Balinese Seafood Finale
From Ocean to Table: Celebrating Balinese Seafood Recipes
 • 
Lisa McLean
6
Balinese Bumbu Seafood Week
7 recipes for your Balinese Dinner party
 • 
Lisa McLean
11
Balinese Seafood Week
A week of Balinese Seafood recipes
 • 
Lisa McLean
9
Bumbu Prawn Bliss
A Balinese symphony of aromatic flavours and textures
 • 
Lisa McLean
5
Balinese Bumbu Salmon
Chilli tomato sambal and Balinese Sambal Matah
 • 
Lisa McLean
18
Mango Bumbu Sambal
Anointed with Infused curry leaf and fenugreek oil
 • 
Lisa McLean
9
Bumbu - the Secret to Balinese Cuisine
A step by step guide to understanding and creating Bumbu
 • 
Lisa McLean
11
Balinese Bumbu Spice Blend
One Aromatic Spice Blend, 20 yummy dishes
 • 
Lisa McLean
12

Mediterranean

View all
More Leftover Alchemy, coconut vinegar, kimchi, rosti, arancini, sweet elixirs
Transforming leftovers into vinegars, sauces, pies, jams and kimchi—how a week’s worth of scraps became meals, preserves, and new delights.
 • 
Lisa McLean
10
The Alchemy of Preserved Citrus and a Green with Envy Salad
From Morocco to Malaysia, through my kitchen to yours — citrus transformed, layered with spice, and served with seared tuna and soft herbs.
 • 
Lisa McLean
14
Leftover Alchemy: From Class to Kitchen to Kindness
How I turned a Sri Lankan feast into sambal samosas, nasi goreng and breakfast on sourdough with a zero waste philosophy
13
An Italian-Inspired Easter Table
Simple antipasti, slow-cooked soup, pasta with prawns, and a chocolate salame twist
 • 
Lisa McLean
9
Stirring Instincts: Risotto, Arancini, and the Joy of Leftovers
An intuitive approach to risotto with a gochujang twist—plus leftover alchemy with arancini and rösti
 • 
Lisa McLean
4
Silvio’s Simple Italian Tuna Salad: A Lesson in Restraint and Reverence
An elderly Italian gentleman’s perfectly balanced tuna salad, made with just a handful of ingredients and a lifetime of culinary wisdom.
 • 
Lisa McLean
8
Golden Sofrito & The Cook’s Larder: The Magic of Turmeric, Lemon & Rosemary
A Mediterranean feast featuring golden poached chicken, a vibrant chopped salad, and the pantry treasures that bring depth and brightness to every dish.
 • 
Lisa McLean
9
Ultimate Middle Eastern Mezze
Feta Dip, Labneh Balls and Fermented Tomato Salsa
 • 
Lisa McLean
11
A Greekish parcel of delight
Day 5 Sweet Potato Week, Feta, sweet potato and walnut parcel with balsamic glaze
 • 
Lisa McLean
8
Marcella Hazan's Gnocchi - Sweet Potato
Day 3 of Sweet Potato Week, this experiment worked deliciously
 • 
Lisa McLean
7
Persian Date, Olive & Blood Orange Tapenade with Marinated Walnuts on Spiced Oat Cakes
A bold and aromatic twist on classic tapenade—sweet dates, briny olives, citrusy blood orange, and spiced oat cakes come together for the perfect apéro…
 • 
Lisa McLean
15
Marcella Hazan's left over Onion
A new life for the discarded onion from the classic tomato sauce.
 • 
Lisa McLean
7

Stories and Spicy Tales

View all
There's No Forgetting
Reflections on Anzac Day, Guernica, and the wars we carry
 • 
Lisa McLean
7
Potato Bread and the Rare Magic of My Father’s Cooking
A humble Irish staple, a rare and treasured ritual, and the taste of memories that linger beyond the kitchen.
 • 
Lisa McLean
18
Silvio’s Simple Italian Tuna Salad: A Lesson in Restraint and Reverence
An elderly Italian gentleman’s perfectly balanced tuna salad, made with just a handful of ingredients and a lifetime of culinary wisdom.
 • 
Lisa McLean
8
Seasoning a Clay Pot
How to season, cook with and care for a clay pot
 • 
Lisa McLean
30
Balinese Bumbu Spice Blend
One Aromatic Spice Blend, 20 yummy dishes
 • 
Lisa McLean
12
A Goan Christmas, Mangoes, Memories, and Pickles
The fruit of abundance: mangoes in art, spirituality, and a Goan pickle recipe
 • 
Lisa McLean
3
For the Love of Mangoes - A Summer Tale
A love letter to mangoes: memories, recipes, and the arrival of the rains
 • 
Lisa McLean
7
"It's Raining in Mango"
Mango season in the tropics
 • 
Lisa McLean
5
The Buzz on Honey Bees
Guardians of our Ecosystem and Food Production
 • 
Lisa McLean
5
Teach a child to fish
What could possibly go wrong? How often do you eat fish?
 • 
Lisa McLean
5
Ubiquitous Nasturtiums
Garden, Kitchen, Medicine cabinet, and art studio - How do you like your Nasturtiums?
 • 
Lisa McLean
12
GUT Friendly Ferments
Fermentation magic: The Health Benefits and Potential Risks of Fermented Foods?
 • 
Lisa McLean
12

Treasure Trove

View all
A Tart in Provence
Sun-baked tomatoes, briny olives, and a bow to David Lebovitz
 • 
Lisa McLean
1
The Mother of Flavour: A Global Guide to Stock and Broth
From Korean master stock to French fumet, this is a simmering tribute to the heart of every kitchen, infused with memory, tradition, and the taste of…
 • 
Lisa McLean
2
Roquefort & Labneh Dip with Aleppo Pepper and Marinated Walnut
A Perfect Apéro Snack
 • 
Lisa McLean
6
Balinese Bumbu Salmon
Chilli tomato sambal and Balinese Sambal Matah
 • 
Lisa McLean
18
Fermented Tomato Consommé
A tomato elixir for your gut, taste buds and soul
 • 
Lisa McLean
7
Bumbu - the Secret to Balinese Cuisine
A step by step guide to understanding and creating Bumbu
 • 
Lisa McLean
11
The Quiche Recipe the World Needs Today
A brief diversion from Anna Funder
 • 
Lisa McLean
8
Aromatic Apricot Balls with Lychee and Rose
Aromatic Flavours of Cardamon, Rose water and Lychee
 • 
Lisa McLean
10
What do you call a Glut of Banana's
Summer in the Tropics and Banana Bread Time
 • 
Lisa McLean
8
Onion Gratin and Miso Whiting rolls
Italian inspired Onion gratin and Japanese fish rolls
 • 
Lisa McLean
6
Ubiquitous Nasturtiums
Garden, Kitchen, Medicine cabinet, and art studio - How do you like your Nasturtiums?
 • 
Lisa McLean
12
GUT Friendly Ferments
Fermentation magic: The Health Benefits and Potential Risks of Fermented Foods?
 • 
Lisa McLean
12

Salads

View all
The Alchemy of Preserved Citrus and a Green with Envy Salad
From Morocco to Malaysia, through my kitchen to yours — citrus transformed, layered with spice, and served with seared tuna and soft herbs.
 • 
Lisa McLean
14
Tuna Salad with Olive Oil Mayonnaise and Salsa Verde
A simple, elegant salad where nothing goes to waste, even the tuna oil becomes the mayo.
 • 
Lisa McLean
3
An Italian-Inspired Easter Table
Simple antipasti, slow-cooked soup, pasta with prawns, and a chocolate salame twist
 • 
Lisa McLean
9
Sri Lankan Koftas with Cashew Curry & Chana Chaat Salad
Fusion cooking for sacred seasons and shared tables
 • 
Lisa McLean
6
Silvio’s Simple Italian Tuna Salad: A Lesson in Restraint and Reverence
An elderly Italian gentleman’s perfectly balanced tuna salad, made with just a handful of ingredients and a lifetime of culinary wisdom.
 • 
Lisa McLean
8
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