Explore the rich and diverse flavours of global cuisine from the comfort of your kitchen with “Around the World in 8 Dishes.” Discover iconic recipes like Kung Pao Chicken from China, Tiramisu from Italy, and Coq au Vin from France. Embark on a culinary journey and expand your culinary horizons with these delicious and authentic international dishes.Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will take you across continents and tantalize your taste buds? Buckle up and get ready to explore global flavours from your own kitchen. In this article, we’ll travel to eight different countries, discovering vibrant dishes that represent the essence of their respective cultures. So, put on your apron, grab your cooking utensils, and let’s get started!In this gastronomic journey, we will explore the vibrant cuisines of eight different countries, each offering a unique culinary tapestry that reflects the essence of its culture. From the aromatic spices of India to the delicate refinement of French cuisine, and from the bold flavours of Mexico to the comforting traditions of Italy, we will uncover recipes that will inspire your inner chef and bring a taste of the world to your own kitchen. So, prepare your ingredients, ignite your passion for cooking, and let the culinary exploration begin!Let’s begin our journey in the land of pasta and pizza, Italy! One dish that captures the heart and soul of Italian cuisine is Pasta Carbonara. This creamy and indulgent Roman classic will transport you to the cobblestone streets of Italy with every bite. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
8 ounces of spaghetti or fettuccine
4 ounces of pancetta or bacon, diced
3 large egg yolks
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper
Salt (for the pasta water)
Fun fact: Although Pasta Carbonara is now a staple in Italian cuisine, its exact origins are unclear. Some believe it was created by charcoal workers (carbonari) who used ingredients readily available to them.
Method:
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Meanwhile, cook the diced pancetta or bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, Pecorino Romano cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
Toss the cooked pasta with the crispy pancetta or bacon in the skillet.
Remove the skillet from heat and quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture. Toss the pasta rapidly to coat it evenly. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs without scrambling them.
If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
Serve immediately, garnished with an extra sprinkle of grated cheese and black pepper.Thailand: Tom Yum Soup
Our culinary journey now takes us to the vibrant flavours of Thailand. Get ready to experience the perfect balance of spicy, sour, and fragrant notes in a bowl of Tom Yum Soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised and cut into pieces
3 kaffir lime leaves
3 slices of galangal or ginger
2 Thai chillies, sliced (adjust to your spice preference)
8 ounces of shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 ounces of mushrooms (such as straw mushrooms or button mushrooms), sliced
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of lime juice
Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
Fun fact: Tom Yum Soup is often hailed as the national dish of Thailand and is known for its medicinal properties and ability to clear sinuses due to the liberal use of aromatic herbs and spices.
Method:
In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal or ginger, and Thai chillies. Simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse.
Add the shrimp and mushrooms to the pot. Cook until the shrimp is pink and cooked through.
Stir in the fish sauce and lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Remove the soup from heat and discard the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal or ginger slices.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Immerse yourself in the bold and aromatic flavours of Thailand with a steaming bowl of Tom Yum Soup. Get ready for a taste sensation that will transport you to the bustling streets of Bangkok!India: Chicken Tikka Masala
The next stop on our culinary adventure is India, a country known for its rich and diverse cuisine. Get ready to savour the aromatic spices and flavours of Chicken Tikka Masala, a beloved dish that has gained worldwide popularity. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup of plain yoghurt
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons of ground cumin
2 teaspoons of ground coriander
1 teaspoon of garam masala
1 teaspoon of turmeric
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
1 cup of tomato puree
1 cup of heavy cream
Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
Salt to taste
Fun fact: Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish with disputed origins. Some claim it was invented in India, while others believe it was created in the United Kingdom by Bangladeshi chefs.
Method:
In a bowl, combine the yoghurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well.
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor.
Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and cook until charred and cooked through.
In a separate pan, heat a little vegetable oil and add the tomato puree. Cook for a few minutes until the puree thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add the grilled chicken pieces to the sauce and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. Accompany with steamed rice or naan bread.
Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of India with the complex flavours of Chicken Tikka Masala. Get ready for a culinary journey that will awaken your senses and leave you craving more!
