One of the best things about going to new places has been able to experience their food. Each country features its own unique flavors that are just begging us to like them, but travelling to each country has run out of the question. Thankfully, some of the world's greatest foods are simple enough to make at home. So for your forthcoming date night, girls night, or family night, why don't you surprise your guests with some authentic and exotic new dishes.
Here are 6 foods from around the world that will make anybody's taste-buds dance.
- To make a Simply Sweet Brunch: Finnish Korvapuusti
If you venture up North to Scandinavia you are bound to notice an unusual spice creeping into a lot of your pastries: cardamom! My favorite of these pastries, may be the Finnish Korvapuusti (recipe here). This delicious pastry is the Finn's version of a cinnamon roll. Their take, has the addition of cardamom and is topped with Swedish pearl sugar which means you won't even miss the frosting! Seriously, if one makes these, people will be asking what your secret is!
- For the Lover of Fried Food: West African AkaraThe size of the pots used to fry food around the streets, speaks to the popularity of the delicious fried snacks. One day, I decided to try something new: Acarajé/Akara (recipe here). Inside the first bite I was transported 6,000 miles to McDonald's, where I was eating a McChicken. Except, much as it turned out, Akara is actually made with beans and absolutely nothing remotely resembling chicken! The good thing? These treats are really easy to make! I made them for my family and they were just about all gone before I could even encourage them to the table.
- For a Wine-and-Cheese-Kind-of-Night: Argentine Picada
The simplest out there, the Picada is essentially a cold cuts and cheese platter, but you will sound extremely cool calling it a Picada. Along with good cuts of meat (pepperoni, ham, sausage) and cheese (blue cheese, Parmigiano, pecorino), you can include bread, olives, peanuts, and a dip of your liking. It's simple, delicious and all concerning the presentation.
- For the Experimental Health Chef: Burmese SaladsMy friend from Myanmar explained they turn pretty much anything into salad. She recommended one salad in particular that wouldn't completely surprise an American's tastebuds. The essentials are rice, potatoes, tamarind juice, omega-3 fatty acids, and, for those who are daring, dried prawns. You can also add in noodles and other vegetables that are to your liking. Once you try out this Burmese salad (recipe here), you might want to brave the more intense salads from Myanmar, like the fermented tea leaf salad. Just don't be disappointed when they lack lettuce.
- For a Heavy Duty 3-in 1-Meal with Meat: Hainanese Chicken Ric
When discussing this Singapore national dish with my friend, she described it as, “fragrant.” She explained that consuming food begins with smell, meaning not only does this dish taste good, however it smells great as well. This meal includes rice, chicken and soup! The chile sauce used is fairly simple to make: shallots, garlic, salt, lime juice, and some hot chiles. Then, to make the rice extra flavorful, you can include shallots, garlic, soy sauce, and even cucumber. This recipe is definitely worth a try if you want to experience authentic Asian cuisine; something difficult to acquire in the USA.
- For a Bittersweet Finish: Italian AffogatoYou can typically find this in a Gelateria, but if you have a commercial espresso maker then it's simple enough to make in your own home. All you need is a scoop of vanilla gelato placed in a glass and then pour an espresso shot or two regarding this. This is a great treat when you are aware you will be up late studying for finals or having a Netflix marathon.
And there you have it! Six new foods to help you escape for a night. Hate them, like them, love them if you may, but there is no denying the satisfaction you will get out of taking a risk and trying new things. Heck, you can maybe even try one of these simple out for a date. After all, the say the way to someone's heart is thru their stomach! Bon Appetite!
