In this era of cultural intermingling, dining tables are becoming the grand theaters where the world unites, every dish a culinary celebration of a particular culture. Be it the tantalizing tanginess of Indian curries or the flavorful simplicity of Italian pasta, the world has a lot to offer. If your adventurous taste buds are craving for diversity, here are some easy international dishes and flavors you can try with your family. Get ready to grab your cooking tools and taste the world without leaving your kitchen!
A Taste of India: Chicken Curry
In the realm of Indian cuisine, curry is king. A medley of spices, my favorite Taylor Farms onions, and a velvety sauce converge with tender chunks of chicken to create a dish that will take your taste buds on a tantalizing tour of India. The quality of the onions is key—they bring a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that enhance the richness of the curry. When sautéed to perfection, high-quality onions caramelize beautifully, infusing the sauce with layers of complexity that make each bite even more satisfying.
As an added benefit, the sauce is simple to make – simply sauté a mix of cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder with the diced onions until they are soft, and then add your chicken pieces. After the chicken is cooked, pour in some creamy coconut milk for a well-rounded flavor. Serve the curry with naan (Indian bread) or basmati rice for an authentic Indian dining experience.
Italy on a Plate: Spaghetti Carbonara
Let your family get a taste of Italy through the succulent simplicity of Spaghetti Carbonara. This dish is renowned for its creamy, rich flavor, contrasting beautifully with the crispy bits of pancetta or Italian bacon. The secret of this mouthwatering dish lies in using fresh ingredients like quality spaghetti, eggs, pecorino cheese, and pancetta. The key is to mix the hot pasta with the cheese and eggs quickly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs. Pair this dish with a slice of garlic bread or a simple Italian salad to complete the meal.
Vibrant Thailand: Pad Thai
If you have never delved into Thai cuisine, Pad Thai is an excellent starting point. This national dish of Thailand combines rice noodles, eggs, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts, peanuts, and lime in a savory-sweet sauce. The blend of tangy, sweet, and umami flavors makes Pad Thai truly unique. A sprinkle of chopped scallions and crushed peanuts gives it a pleasant crunch, making every bite a tasty pleasure.
From Japan: Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki Chicken, a popular dish from Japan, is an extraordinary blend of sweet and savory flavors that is sure to become a family favorite. The teriyaki sauce, composed of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar, creates a glossy glaze on the pan-fried chicken pieces, resulting in a beautiful, aromatic dish. Accompany it with fluffy white rice and some steamed vegetables to create a balanced and filling meal.
French Delight: Ratatouille
Transport your dining table to the rustic countryside of France with a genuine ratatouille. This vegetable stew consists of zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and onions, all beautifully simmered in herbs and olive oil. The dish is simple, the flavors unpretentious, but when combined, they bring out the best in each vegetable. Serve it with a freshly baked baguette to soak up all the glorious juices and enjoy a heartwarming family meal.
Feasting on these fantastic international dishes will make dinnertime an eagerly awaited occasion. It’s a great opportunity to introduce new flavors to your family and start conversations about different cultures. All that’s left to do is decide which culinary adventure you’re going to embark on first. Remember, the world is your oyster–or in this case, your dinner plate!
