An iconic item everyone knows.. Or so I thought.
Because my bf actually went "What's that?" at the sight of it. #noob
Image credits to Google
It was actually a by-product of breweries - a British company saw its nutritional potential and decided to make it palatable.
Toting it as a jar full of Vitamin Bs and Folic acid, which is beneficial for children,
its popularity spread via traditional village hall clinics in England.
And the rest, they say, is history.
What's interesting is the unique shape of the jar - it's very iconic.
I've always thought it looks like an inverted light bulb.
It is actually in a shape of a Marmite pot - a French term for a large, covered earthenware/metal pot.
These earthenware pots were also the original containers used for the spread, till the 1920s.
Considering that it is a British brand, it seems like an unconventional marketing move. Hahah.
Some people love it, some hate it - very polarising reactions.
Seriously try and Google 'Marmite Reactions'.
This Brit lets his Japanese friends try out Marmite, and some of their facial expressions are seriously classic :B
Awww cats express it best.
The most popular (and most Brit) way of eating it is on bread, but Marmite is actually very versatile!
My first memories of Marmite was since young.
Ahma often mixed a teaspoon of it into our porridge, giving it a richer flavour - similar to chicken stock.
My uncle, who studied in Melbourne, taught us to smear it over buttered toast.
Woah super addictive umami kick there!
But not too much - just a quarter teaspoon is enough.
I made the mistake of liberally slathering it on before - salty to the point of bitterness is not yummy :x
Moderation is always the key ;)
The English have got it right.. They invented it.
My sister has made Marmite Spaghetti before,
by pan-frying garlic, onions, minced chicken, and Marmite - no salt needed.
Add a cup of water, and leave it on low heat to simmer before throwing in the noodles. Taa-daa!
Ever heard of Marmite chicken? It's a popular dish in zi char places in Singapore.
Fried chicken is coated with Marmite and garnished with sesame seeds.
Image credit: Google
For my own Marmite recipe, I'm preparing this!
Pan-fried Marmite Chicken Balls with Cheese Sauce Noodles
You will need:
Minced chicken - I used 100g, which yielded around 12 balls.
Water Chestnuts
Egg
Marmite
Black Pepper
Instant Noodles
Grated Parmesan Cheese - 1 bowl
Plain Flour - 1 cup
Butter - 1/4 stick
Milk or Cooking Cream - 2 bowls
1. Dice the water chestnuts and add into a bowl together with the minced chicken
3. Mix the wet ingredients together with the dry and mix thoroughly.
4. Shape the chicken balls; either with teaspoons or by hand.
Tip: Lightly dust a plate with plain flour to prevent the balls from sticking and crumbling when you pick it up.
5. Cover with cling film and leave in fridge for 15 mins to let the chicken absorb the flavour, and also to let the shape set.
6. Use low heat to pre-heat pan.
7. Add oil, and place chicken balls into pan, turning it around every 3 mins or so till golden brown.
Tip: I like to cover the pan - it minimizes oil splattering and helps to lock in moisture.
8. Leave on paper towels to drain excess oil.
BWAHAHA actually they look like nuggets rather than chicken balls LOLOLOL.
1. Melt butter in a saucepan
2. Add equal parts flour into melted butter slowly; stir in small amounts to prevent over-thickening and clumps.
Cook for 1-2 min to prevent having a raw flour taste.
3. Pour in room temperature milk or cooking cream, and stir until roux (butter-flour) has dissolved and becomes smooth.
4. Add in grated cheese and stir until cheese melts.
Final step: Cook the instant noodles, pour the cheese sauce over and add the marmite chicken on top!
Om nom nom enjoy!
1 heaped teaspoon of Marmite is flavourful enough for the amount of meat I had, with no additional salt required.
Marmite may taste slightly smoky, so if you would like to tone it down abit, add abit of sugar.
Want to try making your own Marmite dishes?
You can get Marmite from all supermarkets in Singapore, and there are 3 sizes available:
115 g bottle retails at $3.69, 230 g bottle at $6.47, 470 g bottle at $12.33.
Even better, get your free sample of Marmite from Sample Store, from 8th August onwards.
While you're at it, join Sample Store's #MyMarmiteMyWay Review Contest !
It's easy, just share a review of your personal experience on how you enjoyed your Marmite free sample on Sample Store,
e.g. what dishes did you make?
Contest ends 30th September 2016, and winners to be announced on Sample Store's Instagram & Facebook page.
3 winners will each win 3 different sized bottles.
Have fun!
