Suspended cuisine is a unique and creative approach to cooking that involves suspending food in mid-air, using various forms of suspension techniques. This culinary method has become increasingly popular in recent years, and is being incorporated by top chefs and culinary enthusiasts around the world.
One of the most exciting aspects of the suspended cuisine trend is that it allows us to explore different cultures and cuisines through the use of suspension methods. In this article, we’ll be exploring how you can master the art of suspended cuisine right in your own home, while taking a trip around the world through food.
Getting Started with Suspended Cuisine
Before you can start experimenting with suspended cuisine, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the different methods of suspension that are used in cooking. The most common techniques used include:
– Fishing line: This is one of the simplest methods of suspension, and involves using invisible fishing line to hang food in mid-air. This technique is ideal for creating “floating” effects, such as suspended fruit bowls or dessert platters.
– Skewers: Skewers are often used to create shish kebabs, but they can also be used to create suspended food displays. Simply skewer small pieces of food (such as berries or chopped vegetables) and hang them from a horizontal support beam.
– Balloons: Balloons are a fun and whimsical way to create suspended displays, and can be filled with water, air, or even helium to achieve different effects. You can suspend food using balloons by either attaching the balloon to the food item or by wrapping the food around the balloon itself.
Once you’ve chosen a technique, the sky’s the limit when it comes to what you can create with suspended cuisine. Let’s take a look at some of the exciting dishes you can create using this method.
A World Tour in Suspended Cuisine
Asia
Asian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and inventive presentation, making it the perfect cuisine to showcase via suspended cuisine. Here are some suspended Asian dishes you can try at home:
– Sushi: Sushi can be arranged in a variety of suspended displays, such as sushi donuts or sushi towers.
– Dim sum: Dim sum, a popular Chinese cuisine, is perfect for suspended displays. Try creating floating dumpling platters, or hanging baskets of steaming buns.
– Noodle bowls: Noodle bowls are a staple of many Asian cuisines, and can be suspended in mid-air for an impressive display. Try creating a “noodle waterfall” by suspending a series of bowls filled with noodles and various toppings.
Europe
European cuisine is known for its sophistication and elegance, making it ideal for more intricate suspended displays. Here are some suspended European dishes you can try at home:
– Cheese platters: Cheeses of all kinds can be suspended using the fishing line method, creating a visually stunning display that practically begs to be tasted.
– Fruit displays: Fruit baskets take on a different dimension when suspended in mid-air. Experiment with different varieties and colors of fruit for an eye-catching display that’s also healthy.
– Seafood platters: Seafood pairs perfectly with suspended displays, especially when using skewers. Try suspending tiny shrimp cocktails, oysters, or even lobster tails.
Africa
African cuisine is not as widely known as other cuisines, but it has much to offer in terms of flavor and creativity. Here are some suspended African dishes you can try at home:
– Couscous: Couscous is a staple of North African cuisine, and can be suspended in a variety of interesting ways. Try creating floating couscous towers or suspending small couscous balls in mid-air.
– Grilled meat: Grilled meats such as lamb, beef, and chicken are popular throughout Africa, and can be suspended using skewers or even balloons. Try creating a “meat chandelier” for a truly unique dining experience.
Suspended cuisine is an exciting way to explore different cultures and cuisines, all while creating visually stunning and delicious dishes. Whether you’re a culinary expert or a novice cook, there’s no reason not to experiment with this innovative culinary trend. So grab your fishing line, skewers, and balloons, and get started on your suspended cuisine journey today!