Janti Brasali

“It all started in the kitchen- I loved watching my father cook. Since then, I’ve been a chef for most of my life cooking everything from simple nasi goreng to baking black forest cake. But you know, it’s hard to enjoy good food and stay slim. Some years back, I dug deep into Keto. Now, I’m still at it. Why? Well, the Keto lifestyle is healthy, simple, and sustainable. How? The main thing for me is to read labels. And instead of restricting myself, I replace. But if you’re on Keto, you would know that it’s easier to do this for savoury rather than sweet, since sugar and carbs can be more easily avoided in savoury dishes. I still craved for breads and desserts, but Keto-friendly options were limited, so I made my own. And my friends, some of whom are diabetic, also love it. No more high-carbs and sugar in my recipes! Look out for my videos, save my recipes –join me on Asian Food Network, as I guide you along the Keto-friendly food trail."

Janti Brasali is an Indonesian chef and baker. She has written a cookbook called Keto Bun Enhancements, and runs a Keto-friendly bakery, Seriously Keto. Follow her on all socials @jantibrasali .

Keto Braised Pork Belly

When a good Filipino friend of mine asked me to try adobo my first thought was it’s just a stew. Each country has their own version of traditional stew, so I decided to give it a try –and I was impressed. The complexity of the flavours in adobo was intriguing. It has a pleasant tinge of sour that is very distinct. I was sold.

Keto Cauliflower Porridge

Now if you’re on keto, you know how hard it is to avoid rice, especially at reunion dinners. Now, join in the family feast with a cool substitute –keto cauliflower “porridge”! That’s crumbed up cauliflower, boiled and thickened with xanthan gum to give adelicious porridge-like texture. It’s creamy, drizzled with fragrant sesame oil and we think, perfect for the Chinese New Year table and your daily Keto diet.

Keto Stir-Fried Dragon Chives & Beansprouts

If you’re on keto, leafy vegetables are the best for the diet. They’re low in carbs compared to stem and root vegetables, but still tastes delicious. For a Chinese New Year meal, you’ll want to make this, whether your family is on keto or not-it’s that yummy.

Keto Chicken Meatball Shirataki Noodles

Noodles are typically eaten to represent good fortune and prosperity during Chinese New Year. But that’s hard to do while you’re on Keto, so simply replace high-carb noodles with keto-friendly shirataki ones. Make your own meatballs too using friendly-fats in chicken thigh, and join in the meal with your noodle-loving family.

Keto Kong Pao Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

Zoodles, a surprisingly tasty alternative to noodles, is particularly useful if you’re on a keto diet. That’s zoodles, or zucchini sliced into noodles. Here, it’s paired with a devilishly spiced kong pao chicken recipe, or a Chinese-style chicken dish that’s stir-fried using Chinese vinegar, chilies, broth and brown sugar swerve for a hint of sweetness.

Keto Peanut Soup

Peanut Soup is probably the most iconic Chinese New Year dessert. It has always been a crowd-favourite, and now -ketogenic. Simply add sugar substitute Swerve for a sweeter taste, and xanthan gum to give it a lusciously thick and smooth texture. One bowl won’t be enough.

Keto Raspberry Chocolate Bread Pudding

A delightful, spongey keto bread pudding recipe you will love anytime, especially at Christmas. A sweet mix of brown sugar swervere places sugar, and is dusted into a spiced mix of cinnamon and nutmeg that’s all swirled with semi-sweet chocolate chip, raspberries and rich buttery cream.

Keto Sesame Roast Beef with Cauliflower Mash

With the creaminess and seeping sweetness of potato, you might be forgiven if you mistook the side of mashed cauliflower for the usual mash. But it’s not the only star in the plate of warm beef steak-that also happens to be keto diet. The soft sinking bed of vegetables too, wraps tender beef slices in tomato-sour and onion-aromatic juices.