The world is a diverse place full to the brim with exciting cuisines and spectacular flavors. As an adventurous cook, it's your mission to explore these new tastes and bring them into your home kitchen. Here are 5 international dishes that will satiate your culinary wanderlust.
1. Peking Duck - China
Originating from Beijing, Peking Duck has a history of over a thousand years. Known for its thin, crispy skin, the preparation of this dish is an art in itself.
- Ingredients: Duck, honey, vinegar, fresh ginger, green onion, garlic, hoisin sauce, cucumber, and Chinese pancakes.
- Cooking method: The duck is hung and blanched, then brushed with a glaze and left to dry. It's then roasted until the skin is beautifully crispy.
2. Pad Thai - Thailand
One of the most famous Thai dishes, Pad Thai, is a stir-fried noodle dish that's both savory and sweet, with a hint of spice.
- Ingredients: Rice noodles, eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, lime, fish sauce, tamarind paste, and chili pepper.
- Cooking method: The noodles are soaked until soft then stir-fried with eggs, tofu, and seasonings, before being topped with fresh ingredients.
3. Moussaka - Greece
This Greek casserole dish is hearty and rich, layered with eggplant, tomato, minced meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce.
- Ingredients: Eggplant, potatoes, ground lamb, tomatoes, onion, garlic, red wine, cinnamon, allspice, flour, butter, milk, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cooking method: The vegetables and meat are cooked separately, then layered and topped with béchamel sauce before being baked until golden.
4. Tagine - Morocco
Named after the earthenware pot it's cooked in, Tagine is a slow-cooked stew that's full of spices and flavor.
- Ingredients: Lamb, carrots, onion, garlic, preserved lemon, dried apricots, honey, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, and coriander.
- Cooking method: The ingredients are slow-cooked in the tagine pot until tender and flavorful.
5. Ceviche - Peru
Ceviche is a seafood dish popular in coastal areas of Latin America. It's made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices.
- Ingredients: Fresh fish, lime, onion, chili peppers, cilantro, and sweet potato.
- Cooking method: The fish is marinated in citrus juice until 'cooked' then mixed with other ingredients.
Cooking these dishes might be a challenge, but the adventure is in the journey. So roll up your sleeves, fire up your stove, and take your taste buds on a global tour.
