10 Global Recipes to Try

Bring the world to your kitchen with these 10 global recipes! Explore diverse cultures, exciting spices, and family-favorite dishes—all from home. Stock key ingredients, embrace authentic techniques, and customize flavors to make each dish your own. Let’s get cooking!

 

1.  Thai Green Curry

  • Ingredients: 2 tablespoons green curry paste, 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk, 2 chicken breasts (sliced), 1 cup eggplant (cubed), fresh basil.
  • Spices: 1 stalk lemongrass (smashed), 2 kaffir lime leaves.
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes.

  • Temperature: Medium heat.

  • Where to Cook: Skillet or large saucepan.

Steps:

  1. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add curry paste and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in coconut milk, bring to a gentle boil, and add chicken.
  4. Simmer for 10 minutes, then add eggplant and lime leaves. Cook until tender (another 5-7 minutes).
  5. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

2. Mexican Tacos

  • Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 12 small corn tortillas, 1/2 cup salsa, 1 avocado (sliced), 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
  • Spices: 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt to taste.
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes.
  • Temperature: Medium heat for beef, low heat to warm tortillas.
  • Where to Cook: Skillet or frying pan.

Steps:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef until browned (5-7 minutes).
  2. Mix in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Cook for 2 more minutes.
  3. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
  4. Assemble tacos with beef, salsa, avocado, and cilantro.

3. Indian Butter Chicken

  • Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs (cubed), 1 cup tomato puree, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 onion (chopped), 3 tablespoons butter.
  • Spices: 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek powder.
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including marination).
  • Temperature: Medium heat.
  • Where to Cook: Deep skillet or saucepan.

Steps:

  1. Marinate chicken in garam masala, turmeric, and salt for 15 minutes.
  2. Sauté onions in butter over medium heat until golden. Add tomato puree and spices, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in cream and cooked chicken. Simmer for 10 more minutes.
  4. Serve with naan or rice.

4. Mediterranean Falafel Wraps

  • Ingredients: 12 falafel balls, 4 pita breads, 1/2 cup tahini sauce, lettuce, and diced tomatoes.
  • Spices: 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, salt to taste.
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes.
  • Temperature: 375°F for baking or medium heat for frying.
  • Where to Cook: Baking tray or skillet.

Steps:

  1. Fry or bake falafel as per package instructions or homemade recipe (bake at 375°F for 20 minutes).
  2. Warm pita bread on a dry skillet for 1 minute on each side.
  3. Layer pita with lettuce, tomatoes, falafel, and drizzle with tahini sauce.

5. Japanese Teriyaki Chicken

  • Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon grated ginger.
  • Spices: Sesame seeds for garnish.
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes.
  • Temperature: Medium heat.
  • Where to Cook: Skillet or frying pan.

Steps:

  1. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and ginger.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, add chicken, and cook until golden (about 7 minutes per side).
  3. Pour the sauce over chicken and simmer until thickened (3-5 minutes).
  4. Serve with rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

6. Moroccan Couscous with Vegetables

  • Ingredients: 1 cup couscous, 1 zucchini, 1 carrot, 1/2 cup chickpeas, 1/4 cup raisins.
  • Spices: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon cumin.
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes.
  • Temperature: Medium heat.
  • Where to Cook: Skillet and saucepan.

Steps:

  1. Cook couscous according to package instructions.
  2. Sauté zucchini and carrots with spices in olive oil for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Mix couscous, veggies, chickpeas, and raisins.

7. Greek Spanakopita (Spinach Pie)

  • Ingredients1 lb spinach (washed and chopped), 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled), 1/2 cup ricotta, 1 egg, 8 sheets phyllo dough, 1/4 cup olive oil.
  • Spices: 1 teaspoon dill, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes (10 prep + 30 bake).
  • Temperature: 375°F.
  • Where to Cook: Oven and baking dish.

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. In a bowl, mix spinach, feta, ricotta, egg, dill, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  3. Grease a baking dish and layer 4 sheets of phyllo, brushing each with olive oil.
  4. Add the spinach mixture, then layer the remaining 4 phyllo sheets on top, brushing with oil between each sheet.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

8. Chinese Egg Fried Rice

  • Ingredients3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old), 2 eggs, 1/2 cup peas, 1/2 cup carrots (diced), 2 green onions (chopped), 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
  • Spices: 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, salt to taste.
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes.
  • Temperature: Medium-high heat.
  • Where to Cook: Wok or large skillet.

Steps:

  1. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add beaten eggs and scramble for 1 minute. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, sauté peas, carrots, and white parts of green onions for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add rice and stir-fry for 3 minutes. Mix in soy sauce, scrambled eggs, and white pepper.
  5. Garnish with green onion tops before serving.

9. Middle Eastern Shakshuka (Poached Eggs in Tomato Sauce)

  • Ingredients1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 onion (chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 4 eggs, 1/2 cup bell peppers (chopped).
  • Spices: 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes.
  • Temperature: Medium heat.
  • Where to Cook: Skillet with lid.

Steps:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in tomatoes, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes.
  4. Make small wells in the sauce and crack eggs into each. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until eggs are set.
  5. Serve with crusty bread or pita.

10. Italian Margherita Pizza

  • Ingredients: Pizza dough, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil leaves.
  • Spices: 1 teaspoon oregano, black pepper to taste.
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes.
  • Temperature: 475°F.
  • Where to Cook: Oven and baking tray.

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 475°F.
  2. Roll out pizza dough and spread tomato sauce evenly.
  3. Top with mozzarella and bake for 10-12 minutes until bubbly.
  4. Add fresh basil before serving.

 

Exploring global flavors is an exciting journey that connects you to cultures and traditions far beyond your own. These recipes are just a starting point—feel free to experiment and make them your own. 

 

Disclaimer: Always check for dietary restrictions or allergies before trying new ingredients. Adapt recipes as needed to suit your health and taste preferences.

Tips for Cooking Global Recipes

 

  1. Stock Key Spices and Ingredients: Invest in pantry essentials like cumin, turmeric, soy sauce, olive oil, and dried herbs.
  2. Research Authentic Techniques: Watch videos or read about traditional cooking methods for the cuisine you’re exploring.
  3. Substitute Thoughtfully: If an ingredient is unavailable, use appropriate substitutes without altering the essence of the dish.
  4. Adjust to Your Palate: Make it your own by balancing spice levels or adding familiar touches.