International Cuisine: Recipes from Around the World

Exploring international cuisine is like taking a culinary tour across the globe from the comfort of your kitchen. Each region brings its unique flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques to the table. Here’s a selection of recipes from different parts of the world to broaden your culinary horizons.

1. Italy: Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 4 oz (115 g) pancetta or bacon, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pancetta or bacon and cook until crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese.
5. Toss the hot spaghetti with the pancetta or bacon, and garlic. Remove from heat and quickly mix in the egg and cheese mixture, adding a bit of reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

2. Japan: Chicken Teriyaki

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 2 tablespoons sake (or white wine)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add ginger and garlic, and cook for about 1 minute.
4. Pour in the teriyaki sauce and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Slice the chicken and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

3. Mexico: Beef Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Taco shells or tortillas
• Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa (for toppings)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until browned and cooked through.
2. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spices are well incorporated.
3. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Fill taco shells or tortillas with the seasoned beef and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa as desired.

4. India: Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons tikka masala spice mix
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, and tikka masala spice mix. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
4. Add garlic and ginger and cook for another minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Add the baked chicken and heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

5. France: Ratatouille

Ingredients:

• 1 eggplant, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
2. Add eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook until vegetables start to soften.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors are well combined.
5. Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy as a side dish or main course.

6. Greece: Greek Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 4 oz (115 g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss gently to combine.
4. Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

These recipes offer a delicious glimpse into various culinary traditions around the world. Enjoy experimenting with these international dishes and bring a taste of global flavors to your dining table!