8 Easy International Recipes To Bring Global Flavors To Your Kitchen

Unique versions of a dish and Easy international recipes are the perfect way to break free from the monotony of everyday meals. If you’re tired of the same dishes each week, these recipes offer unique versions of dishes from around the world, waiting for you to try. This article will guide you through easy international recipes to spice up your home dining experience. Let’s get cooking!

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Key Takeaways

• You can make dishes from around the world like Japanese Okonomiyaki, Filipino Sinigang, Lebanese Manousheh, Moroccan Zaalouk, Georgian Khachapuri, Polish Pierogi, Nicaraguan Nacatamales, and Brazilian Pão de Queijo right in your kitchen.
• These recipes include a mix of main courses and side dishes with options for vegetarians. They use common ingredients and simple cooking methods.
• Each recipe offers a unique taste and unique versions of a dish from its country of origin. For example, Okonomiyaki is a customizable Japanese pancake; Sinigang is a tangy tamarind stew from the Philippines; and Pão de Queijo are cheesy bread balls from Brazil.
• Cooking times vary but most of these dishes can be prepared quickly. Some might need more time to cook or rest like Nacatamales which take 3-4 hours to cook.
• These easy international recipes help you explore different cultures through food without leaving home. They are suitable for cooks at any skill level.

Exploring unique versions of a dish from Asian Flavors

Asian cuisine holds a treasure trove of unique and enticing flavors. From the savory pancakes of Japan to the tangy tamarind stew from the Philippines, there’s an array of dishes waiting to be discovered.

Get ready for a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds across continents!

Japanese Okonomiyaki (Savory Pancakes)

Japanese Okonomiyaki, aka savory street food pancakes, are a true comfort from Japan. Imagine mixing your favorites like flour, grated potato, and red cabbage into one skillet wonder.

• You start with the basics: grab some flour, eggs, and grated potatoes. ¹
• Add in finely chopped red cabbage for that crunchy texture.
• Pickled pink ginger and scallions bring a burst of flavor.
• For a twist, throw in some crispy noodles if you’re feeling adventurous – Hiroshima style!
• Get your skillet hot and ready. This mix needs to cook well.
• Flip it like a pro. Both sides need to be perfect golden brown.
• Now, the fun part – topping time! Drizzle generously with mayonnaise and okonomi sauce.
• A sprinkle of seaweed flakes and bonito flakes will make it authentically Japanese. ²

This dish is all about what you like – okonomi means “how you like,” after all. Make it your canvas, add ingredients that speak to you. It’s not just making food; it’s creating art on a plate. Happy cooking!

Filipino Sinigang (Tamarind Stew)

Filipino Sinigang is a sour soup, and it’s one of the best easy international recipes to warm your heart. It was called the best vegetable broth by TasteAtlas in 2021. ³

• Start with tamarind. This gives the stew its sour taste.
• You can choose Beef, shrimp, or fish are also good.
• Add water spinach, known as kangkong. This green is common in sinigang.
• Throw in some string beans. They add crunch.
• Eggplant is a must. It soaks up the flavors.
• Don’t forget daikon radish. It adds a slight bite.
• Tomatoes go into the pot next. They help make the base tangy.
• Long green peppers give a bit of heat.
• Boil everything together. First, boil the tamarind to get the broth going.
• Put in your choice of meat and let it get tender.
• Add all your vegetables one by one.
• Season with fish sauce for that umami depth.

People in the Philippines love this during rainy days. They eat it with rice and salted fried fish on the side for extra taste.

Middle Eastern and African Inspirations

Discover the rich and aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern and African cuisine, elevating your culinary repertoire with vibrant and unique versions of a dish that are as tantalizing as they are delicious. From the delicate blend of spices in Lebanese Manousheh to the hearty indulgence of Moroccan Zaalouk, these easy international recipes promise an exotic journey for your taste buds without leaving your home.

Lebanese Manousheh (Flatbread)

Lebanese Manousheh tastes like a trip to Beirut in your own kitchen—another one of the easy international recipes you can master quickly! You make this flatbread for breakfast and top it with amazing things.

1. First, grab lukewarm water and mix it with active dry yeast. This wakes the yeast up. ⁴
2. Now add all-purpose flour, a bit of sugar, and some salt into the yeast mix. This is your dough base.
3. Knead the mixture until smooth. Think soft pillows, not rocks.
4. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1.5 to 2 hours. It doubles in size because of yeast magic.
5. Punch down the dough gently after it rises—like letting air out of a balloon, but softly.
6. Divide it into pieces and let them rise again for 20 minutes more.
7. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit—a hot oven means crispy edges.
8. Stretch each piece into a round shape, kind of like making pizza bases but smaller and thinner.
9. Spread za’atar mixed with extra-virgin olive oil on top or go with cheese if you’re feeling cheesy.
10. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes until golden and bubbly—watching bread puff up is half the fun here.
11. Serve hot with a side of olives, fresh cheese, maybe some jams or even salad like tabbouleh or fattoush. ⁵

Making Manousheh turns your kitchen into a Lebanese cafe every morning—minus the plane ride!

Moroccan Zaalouk (Tomato and Eggplant Stew)

You’ve traveled across the world and are about to experience the rich flavors of Moroccan Zaalouk. Move beyond your comfort zone and savor the vibrant taste of this traditional tomato and eggplant stew, seasoned with paprika, cumin, garlic, and herbs. Explore every bite as you’re guided through its sensory journey.

1. The stew brings you warm or cold goodness, laced with smoky roasted eggplants, evoking an alluring aroma. ⁶
2. Encased in a blend of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, it is further heightened with a sprinkling of cayenne pepper and lemon juice.
3. Serving versatility allows it to complement any meal – from being a dip to standing alone as a side dish.
4. Its nutritional profile comes packed with 206 kcal, 18g carbohydrates, 15g fat, and 8g fiber per serving.
5. This wholesome delight can be conveniently stored in the refrigerator or frozen for future indulgence.

European Classics with a Twist

Explore the succulent global flavors of Georgian Khachapuri, a delectable cheese bread that will transport you to the cobblestone streets of Tbilisi. Delve into the enticing essence of Polish Pierogi, stuffed dumplings that embody the heartwarming charm of traditional European cuisine.

Georgian Khachapuri (Cheese Bread)

Georgian Khachapuri is a globally adored cheesy bread dish with a delectable egg topping. Get ready for about 2 hours of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking time. ⁷ Each serving contains approximately 458 calories, 45g carbohydrates, and 23g protein.The cheese filling includes Farmers cheese, shredded mozzarella, feta cheese, and optionally unsalted butter.The dough is made using all-purpose flour, salt, dry active yeast, granulated sugar, water, milk, and olive oil. ⁸ For a simpler version using pizza dough, check out the linked video.

Polish Pierogi (Stuffed Dumplings)

Polish Pierogi, also known as stuffed dumplings, are traditional comfort food filled with potatoes and cheese. They are a favorite for many families, and a staple in Polish cuisine. The dish is suitable for novice cooks and has gained popularity on social media, with 2.2K reactions, 216 comments, and 7K shares when shared by “Tried and True Recipes” on Facebook. ⁹

The recipe is often compared to Russian dumplings with noted differences. It’s a hearty meal that can be customized with various fillings such as meat, sauerkraut, or fruit for a sweet version.

1. These dumplings offer a delightful combination of creamy potatoes and rich cheese encased in dough.
2. Pierogi are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish.
3. The process of making pierogi involves boiling the dumplings before they’re pan-fried for a crispy texture.
4. This dish is beloved for its simplicity, heartiness, and the nostalgic feeling it brings to those who enjoy it.
5. Pierogi can be enjoyed year-round but are especially popular during holidays like Christmas and Easter in Poland. ¹⁰
6. The filling options range from savory to sweet, making pierogi suitable for various preferences and occasions.

Vibrant Latin American Dishes

Get ready for a culinary adventure to Latin America as we delve into some vibrant and mouth-watering dishes. From the savory delights of Nicaraguan Nacatamales wrapped in banana leaves to the cheesy perfection of Brazilian Pão de Queijo, you’re in for an exquisite treat that will transport your taste buds south of the border.

Nicaraguan Nacatamales (Banana Leaf Tamales)

Looking to explore the global flavors of Nicaragua? Here’s your chance! Nacatamales are a traditional Nicaraguan dish, often savored for Sunday breakfast. ¹¹ Each nacatamal weighs about 10 ounces and is wrapped in banana leaves. ¹¹

Now, let’s explore the preparation of this delightful dish:

1. The process takes at least 24 hours, with cooking time averaging 3-4 hours.
2. Fillings typically include pork or chicken in adobo, rice, potatoes, tomatoes, and seasonings. ¹²
3. Vegetarian versions have gained popularity recently.
4. To serve, pair it with pita bread or freeze for later enjoyment – simply reheat by boiling for around 20 minutes.

Seize the opportunity to bring a world of taste into your kitchen with these Nicaraguan delights!

Brazilian Pão de Queijo (Cheese Bread)

You’ve just traveled from Nicaraguan Nacatamales to Brazilian Pão de Queijo. Get ready to indulge in the delightful traditional Brazilian cheese bread, rich with history and flavor.

Here’s what you need and what you do:

1. Yuca Starch (Tapioca Flour): The main ingredient, historically used due to wheat flour scarcity in the 18th century in Minas Gerais, Brazil. ¹³
2. Key Ingredients: Grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled Queso Fresco (or aged white cheddar), full-fat milk, vegetable oil, eggs, tapioca flour, kosher salt. ¹³
3. Preparation: Mix the ingredients and roll them into bite-sized pieces.
4. Baking: Bake at 350°F for approximately 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
5. Quantity: The recipe yields approximately 30 pieces which can be frozen for 3-4 months.
6. Texture: It offers a delightful combination of crunchy exterior and soft, chewy interior.

Get ready to experience this global flavors and unique versions of a dish right in your own kitchen!

Conclusion

Ready to start a culinary adventure? These easy international recipes will take your taste buds around the globe, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you crave the savory flavors of Japanese Okonomiyaki or the vibrant spices of Moroccan Zaalouk, these diverse dishes promise an unforgettable journey through global cuisine. Whether you crave the savory flavors of Japanese Okonomiyaki or the vibrant spices of Moroccan Zaalouk, these diverse dishes promise an unforgettable journey through global cuisine.

So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to excite your senses with these exciting recipes!

FAQs

1. What are some easy international dishes I can make at home?

You can cook a world of flavors right in your kitchen! From Indian curries, samosas and chutneys to Japanese cuisine like spam sushi and fried rice… It’s an adventure waiting to happen on your dinner table.

2. Can you suggest some unique food recipes from around the globe?

Absolutely! How about trying Hungarian meat pies, Korean Bibimbap or Spanish Paella? Maybe even venture into making Vietnamese spring rolls or Malaysian Chow Mein. For dessert, why not try Malabi – a sweet treat from Israel!

3. Are there any international lunch options that are quick to prepare?

Yes indeed! You could whip up Thai salads with hard-boiled eggs and peanut sauce for a light meal. Or perhaps you prefer Mexican cuisine? Tacos filled with chili con carne take no time at all.

4. What ingredients will I need for these global recipes?

Well, it varies by recipe but common ingredients include tomato sauce for pasta dishes like spaghetti; celery and bay leaf for soups; cream sauce for risotto; tofu in Asian cuisines; sausage in American pancakes… The list is endless really!

5. Are there any unusual international foods I should try cooking?

Oh, where do we start? There’s Lutefisk from Norway if you’re feeling brave… Or how about Bola-Bola from the Philippines? And let’s not forget the American classic – Nick Tahou Hots’ Garbage Plate!

6. Where can I find nutrition facts for these international recipes?

Most online recipe platforms provide nutrition facts alongside their instructions – handy if you’re watching your calorie intake while enjoying these global flavors.

References

1. ^ https://theeverykitchen.com/okonomiyaki-savory-japanese-pancakes/ (2017-04-24)
2. ^ https://www.wandercooks.com/okonomiyaki-japanese-savoury-pancakes/
3. ^ https://panlasangpinoy.com/pork-sinigang-na-baboy-recipe/
4. ^ https://www.worldvision.org/charitable-giving-news-stories/recipe-for-manoushe-lebanese-flatbread (2018-02-15)
5. ^ https://maureenabood.com/lebanese-manoushe-zaatar-flatbread/
6. ^ https://tasteofmaroc.com/moroccan-zaalouk-recipe/
7. ^ https://simplyhomecooked.com/khachapuri-georgian-cheese-bread/ (2020-09-23)
8. ^ https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/khachapuri-georgian-cheese-bread.html (2024-09-12)
9. ^ https://www.facebook.com/triedandtruerecipeswatch/posts/recipehttpstherecipecriticcompierogispierogi-are-delightful-dumplings-stuffed-wi/729145975433863/
10. ^ https://www.plattertalk.com/pierogi/
11. ^ https://www.quericavida.com/recipes/nacatamales/f02a0ae8-e434-4108-80b6-cb3ac66b9703
12. ^ https://jeanetteshealthyliving.com/instant-pot-nacatamales/ (2018-01-19)
13. ^ https://braziliankitchenabroad.com/brazilian-cheese-bread/