International recipes to try at home

Food is a universal language that unites people. It allows us to experience different cultures and traditions, all through the flavors and aromas of a dish. Exploring international recipes is a great way to expand your culinary horizons and experience new flavors from around the world.

You don’t need to be a professional chef or have access to exotic ingredients to make these dishes. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to try something new. Whether you’re looking for something spicy, savory or sweet, there’s something here for every taste.

So, in this article we are going to explore 4 international recipes that you can try at home. These recipes represent a variety of cultures and cuisines, each with their own distinct flavors and ingredients.

Pad Thai (Thailand)

At the top of our list of international recipes is Pad Thai which is a popular Thai dish that has gained worldwide recognition for its delicious flavors and unique texture. Made with rice noodles, stir-fried with eggs, tofu, shrimp or chicken, and a variety of vegetables, it’s a perfect mix of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.

In addition, the dish is usually served with crushed peanuts, bean sprouts and slices of lemon to add freshness and crunch.

The origins of Pad Thai date back to World War II, when the Thai government encouraged people to eat rice noodles as a way to boost the country’s economy. The dish was made with simple ingredients like rice noodles, eggs and fish sauce, but it quickly gained popularity and became a staple in Thai cuisine.

Making Pad Thai at home is easier than you might think. The key to making great Pad Thai is to have all the ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.

So, you’ll need rice noodles, protein (shrimp, chicken, or tofu), eggs, vegetables (like bean sprouts, scallions, and carrots), and a sauce made with fish sauce, tamarind paste, and sugar.

Once everything is ready, the cooking process is quick and easy. The result is a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Tacos al Pastor (Mexico)

Tacos al Pastor is a classic Mexican dish full of flavor and spice and one of the best international recipes. The dish is made with thin slices of pork that are marinated in a combination of dried chili peppers, spices and pineapple, then cooked on a skewer until crispy and caramelized.

The meat is then thinly sliced and served on soft corn tortillas topped with fresh cilantro, chopped onion and a splash of lime juice.

Tacos al Pastor is believed to have been brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants living in the country in the early 20th century. They brought with them a style of shawarma cooking that was adapted to create the iconic Mexican dish we know today.

So, making Tacos al Pastor at home might seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. While you don’t have access to a skewer to cook the meat, you can still get the same crispy, caramelized texture by cooking the meat in a hot skillet or on a grill.

The key is in the marinade, which infuses the meat with flavor and tenderizes it for a juicy, delicious result.

Goulash (Hungary)

When it comes to international recipes, Goulash is a hearty and comforting dish that originated in Hungary but is now enjoyed across Central Europe and beyond. The dish is a thick stew made with meat, onions and paprika, along with other vegetables and spices.

Goulash, traditionally served with potatoes or egg noodles and is perfect for cold weather or whenever you crave a hot, filling meal.

Goulash’s origins can be traced back to Hungary in the 9th century, where it was originally made by livestock farmers. The dish, designed to be cooked over an open fire, with whatever ingredients were available, making it a simple and versatile meal for travellers.

So, making Goulash at home is easy and doesn’t require any special equipment. You’ll need a few key ingredients, including meat, onions, paprika, and some veggies like carrots and bell peppers.

Then, when ready, just serve with a side of potatoes or egg noodles and enjoy! Goulash is the perfect meal to feed a crowd or for weekday leftovers.

Moussaka (Greece)

Last on our list of international recipes is Moussaka which is a traditional Eastern Mediterranean dish with roots in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine. The dish consists of layers of eggplant, ground meat (usually beef or lamb) and a creamy béchamel sauce.

In Greece, it is traditionally made with eggplant, potatoes and ground meat. While in Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries it is made with sliced meat and a spicier tomato-based sauce.

Making Moussaka at home might seem daunting, but it’s actually quite easy with a few key ingredients and a little patience. You’ll need eggplant, ground beef or lamb, tomato sauce, and a creamy béchamel sauce made with butter, flour, and milk.

So, once the ingredients are prepared, just layer them on a baking sheet and bake until everything is cooked through and the top is golden brown.

Plus, Moussaka is a hearty, flavorful meal, perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing meals for the week. It’s also a great way to introduce new flavors and ingredients to your culinary repertoire.

So, try making Moussaka at home and enjoy the delicious taste of the Eastern Mediterranean!