This global pandemic and the accompanying essential restrictions have limited us in many ways, but it does not have to extinguish our ‘wanderlust’. There are so many ways we can explore our world from the comforts of our home, whether that’s learning a new language, using Zoom to catch up with perhaps forgotten friends across borders, or even cooking up a foreign treat from your very own kitchen! Food is such a vital component of traveling and gives insights to other cultures, but it also gives us connections in these strange times. Mealtimes act as the family ‘hub’, and it doesn’t have to stop there. You can reach your friends and family living in different households by synchronising your meal times! Try exploring a dish together with the beauty of Facetime, compare notes, have a virtual dinner party, and have a laugh. Cooking can be fun!
So how about you use your lockdown to broaden your culinary horizons and explore some world food! To inspire you, I’ve put together a list of mouth-watering dishes from all over the world.
Let’s begin our food world tour…
Peru
The national Peruvian dish Ceviche is the perfect dish for anyone who loves raw seafood! In essence, it’s raw fish marinated in a citric juice, either lime or lemon, and then seasoned with aji, chilli, onions, salt, and coriander! This dish has little prep time and no cooking so it is fantastic for less seasoned chefs but be sure to find fresh raw fish as this will completely elevate the final result.
India
Are you looking to introduce some vegetarian options into your diet? India has an unusual cheese, paneer, that can be used as a meat substitute in a variety of curries, for instance, try making a Paneer Masala! Paneer is a soft cheese that doesn’t melt, which is why it makes such a good substitute for meat in cooking. A masala curry is tomato-based with an abundance of herbs and spices including coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom pods, ginger, and chilli powder. Serve alongside basmati rice!
Morocco
There are countless variations of tajine, a dish that’s named after the special conical pot it’s cooked in, but my recommendation would be a lamb and prune tagine! It’s the perfect combination of savoury and sweet and is sure to impress the rest of your household. Add lots of fragrant spices like ginger, saffron, cinnamon, and pepper to really bring the Moroccan flavour into your home. This is quite a simple recipe with little prep so perfect for any key workers or those having to home school their children!
United Kingdom
The UK veer towards hearty ‘pub’ meals, and none are more popular than the quintessential Steak & Ale Pie. The name is pretty self-explanatory, it consists of a filling of braising steak, brown ale, and an assortment of vegetables, usually carrots, celery, and mushrooms, then seasoned with herbs. Then a rough puff pastry completes it.
Mexico
When it comes to experimental food, Mexico is one of the more adventurous epicures. Their access to spices and vivacious energy combines to make some truly amazing dishes. Mole Negro is a complicated recipe for those looking for a challenge, with about twenty ingredients! Originating from Oaxaca, a region in Mexico, the sauce includes chocolate, chilli peppers, onions and is usually served on chicken.
Jamaica
There is no Jamaican dish more iconic than Jerk Chicken, frequently accompanied by rice and peas. The secret to a great jerk chicken rests with the marinade, where all the incredible flavour comes in! Of course, you can take short cuts and buy jerk seasoning, but if you would like to make the sauce from scratch you’ll need to include key components like allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, and garlic!
Greece
For those who do not know what a Moussaka is, I often compare it to a lasagne! Except it uses lamb mince instead of beef, and then potato and aubergines (eggplant) replace the pasta! There are variations with how it’s cooked, but the ingredients tend to be consistent. For instance, some recipes use thinly sliced potato whilst others recommend mashing.
Spain
If there’s ever any dish that’s going to make you feel like you’re on holiday, it’s a Paella! What’s so amazing about this dish is you can tailor it to fit you, there are so many ways to customise it! Generally, there’s the original that has rice, chicken, green beans, and saffron, but there’s also the now better-known seafood paella! Or even a mixture… who knew chicken and seafood would be such a good combination! There’s so much you can experiment with, google recipes and see what appeals to you (hint: Jamie Oliver adds chorizo to his chicken paella)!
Japan
When most people think of Japanese cuisine I am sure the first thing that comes to mind is sushi, but one of my personal favourites is a Chicken Katsu Curry. The dish consists of sticky rice, chicken in breadcrumbs, and an aromatic curry sauce. To make the sauce you’ll need ginger, turmeric, coconut milk, curry powder, and maple syrup.
How diverse will your culinary repertoire be by the end of this pandemic, and how many countries’ will you have explored through food? Isolation can be… well… isolating, and what better way to bring people together than food!
Take care.
Written by Jade Touron