What if I told you that you could travel around the world without even leaving your apron? Yes, it’s possible. Thanks to the magic of flavors and spices, you can embark on a culinary journey directly from your kitchen. So, prepare your pots and pans and your imaginary passport, because we’re going to tour the globe with just a few strokes of the spoon. Ready?
Why cook dishes from around the world?
It’s true, we could settle for pasta with butter or a frozen pizza. But where’s the adventure in that? By cooking dishes from around the world, not only do you expand your culinary horizons, but you also immerse yourself in fascinating cultures. And who knows? Maybe you’ll discover your next favorite dish in a Mexican or Indian recipe. In short, it’s the perfect opportunity to travel without leaving your kitchen, especially if you’re craving some escapism but don’t have plane tickets on hand.
The best recipes to travel around the world from home
Asian cuisine: a trip to Bangkok with Pad Thai
Ah, Pad Thai! Just the name evokes bustling streets, street vendors, and that irresistible smell that makes your head spin. This Thai dish is a classic, with its stir-fried rice noodles, crispy shrimp, crunchy bean sprouts, and roasted peanuts. All drizzled with a squeeze of lime for a punch of freshness. And the best part? It’s so easy to prepare!
Key ingredients:
- Rice noodles
- Shrimp or chicken
- Roasted peanuts
- Soy sauce, fish sauce
- Bean sprouts
- Eggs
Pro tip: Don’t skimp on the tamarind sauce, it gives that unique slightly tangy flavor that makes Pad Thai so special. And if you really want to do it like in Bangkok, eat it with chopsticks, it’s more fun!
Mediterranean dishes: a getaway to Spain with Paella
Head to Spain with the famous Paella. This colorful rice dish, garnished with seafood or chicken, is the pinnacle of culinary comfort. What’s great about Paella is that you can customize it based on what you have on hand. Rice, saffron, mussels, shrimp, chorizo, and voilà, you have a feast worthy of the sunny beaches of Valencia.
Ingredients for a perfect Paella:
- Paella rice (or round grain rice)
- Saffron
- Seafood (shrimp, mussels)
- Chicken or chorizo
- Chicken broth
- Peppers, tomatoes
Chef’s tip: The key to a good Paella is in the broth. Let the rice slowly absorb all the flavors for a rich and flavorful dish. And if you don’t have saffron (we know it’s expensive), you can substitute turmeric for color.
Latin American Recipes: Enjoy Tacos al Pastor
No culinary journey is complete without a little detour to Mexico! Tacos al Pastor are a must for those who like a bit of spice. The meat is marinated with spices, grilled, and then served in soft tortillas with pineapple for a divine sweet and savory touch.
For successful Tacos al Pastor:
- Pork or chicken
- Fresh pineapple
- Spices (chili, paprika, cumin)
- Tortillas
- Onions, fresh coriander
Pro tip: To really get that authentic taste, grill the meat in a pan until it’s slightly crispy. And don’t forget the guacamole on the side, because everything is better with guacamole, right?
African Cuisine: Discover Senegal’s Poulet Yassa
The Poulet Yassa is a classic of Senegalese cuisine, both spicy and tangy thanks to its lemon and onion marinade. If you’ve never tasted this dish, be prepared to be surprised by the complexity of its flavors. It’s a dish that simmers slowly, and the result is definitely worth the wait.
Ingredients for a memorable Poulet Yassa:
- Chicken
- Lemons
- Onions (lots of onions!)
- Chili
- Dijon mustard
Friendly reminder: The secret to Yassa is to let the chicken marinate for at least a few hours, or even overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Tips for a successful culinary journey
Essential utensils
You don’t need a Michelin-starred kitchen to make international recipes. Here are a few essentials to have on hand:
- Wok: Perfect for stir-frying veggies or noodles, a wok is essential for Asian cuisine.
- Paella pan: Yes, a regular pan can work, but a real Paella pan makes all the difference in achieving that crispy texture at the bottom of the rice.
- Mortar and pestle: To grind spices or make homemade pesto, this tool is your best friend.
Spices never to forget
If you want your dishes to have that authentic flavor, you’ll need the right spices. Here are some essential ones:
- Cumin: Used in many cuisines, from Mexico to Morocco.
- Saffron: The key ingredient for a successful Paella.
- Chili: To add a kick to your Tacos or Poulet Yassa.
- Curry: Essential for Indian or Asian dishes.
Table: Essential spices according to destinations
Destination | Main spices | Iconic dishes |
---|---|---|
Mexico | Cumin, chili, paprika | Tacos al Pastor, Enchiladas |
Spain | Saffron, paprika | Paella, Tortilla |
Senegal | Chili, pepper, mustard | Poulet Yassa |
Thailand | Cilantro, tamarind, Thai basil | Pad Thai, Tom Yum |
Let your imagination run wild!
What’s great about world cuisine is that you can experiment as much as you want. Don’t have Paella rice? Use basmati rice. No chili for your Tacos? Substitute it with homemade barbecue sauce. The most important thing is to have fun in the kitchen and let your taste buds travel.
And there are always alternatives if you want to take the experience further. Why not get a book of international recipes or subscribe to a culinary box to receive ingredients from around the world every month? You’ll see, it’s a real pleasure to discover flavors you didn’t even know existed!
Take action!
So, are you ready to embark on your own culinary world tour? Grab your pan and heat up your spices, it’s time for a feast from around the globe. Don’t forget to share your creations on Instagram or Facebook, to give your foodie friends some ideas. And if you want to go further, download our free guide to the 50 world recipes to absolutely try!
Céline, a crêpe enthusiast, shares her recipes and tips on her blog dedicated to this culinary art. As a passionate blogger, she explores all aspects of crêpes, from traditional to innovative creations. Join her for delicious and inspiring culinary adventures!