5 Delicious Country Recipes You Have to Try

Food is a universal language that brings people together, transcending borders and cultures. Each country has its unique culinary traditions that not only represent their heritage but also tantalize taste buds around the world. Today, we're going to explore five mouth-watering country recipes from various parts of the globe that you absolutely must try. These dishes promise to deliver an authentic taste of the countries they come from, offering you a culinary journey without leaving your kitchen.

1. Mexico: Coq au Vin

While traditionally a French dish, the Mexican version of Coq au Vin has its own unique twist, utilizing local flavors and ingredients.

• Ingredients:
• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 cups of red wine (preferably Merlot)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 strips of bacon, chopped
• 1 cup pearl onions
• 10-12 baby bella mushrooms
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaf, parsley)
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. Brown the chicken pieces in the bacon fat. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside with the bacon.
3. In the same pot, add oil if needed, then sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
4. Add the pearl onions and mushrooms, cook for about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in tomato paste, followed by red wine, chicken stock, and the bouquet garni. Bring to a boil.
6. Return the chicken and bacon to the pot, reduce heat to simmer for about 1.5 hours or until the chicken is tender.
7. Once cooked, remove the bouquet garni, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

🌮 Note: Mexican Coq au Vin might include ingredients like tomatoes and jalapeño peppers for a spicier twist.

2. Italy: Risotto alla Milanese

When you think of Italy, pasta might come to mind first, but risotto holds a special place in Italian cuisine. Risotto alla Milanese, originating from Milan, is renowned for its saffron infusion, giving it a golden hue and a distinctive flavor.

• Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock, hot
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 tsp saffron threads
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Freshly chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Steep saffron in 1/4 cup of the hot stock.
2. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, add onion, and cook until soft.
3. Add the rice, stir to coat, then pour in the white wine and cook until it’s absorbed.
4. Gradually add the hot stock, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Allow the stock to be absorbed before adding more.
5. Once the rice is cooked to al dente, add the saffron-infused stock and stir until absorbed.
6. Remove from heat, stir in the remaining butter and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley.

3. Japan: Okonomiyaki

Japanese cuisine is diverse, but Okonomiyaki stands out for its simplicity and the fun of customization. Known as a savory pancake, it's a street food favorite that allows you to mix and match your favorite ingredients.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dashi stock (or water)
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups thinly sliced cabbage
• 1 cup grated mountain yam (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup tempura bits (optional)
• 4 slices of bacon (optional)
• Okonomiyaki sauce
• Mayonnaise (preferably Japanese)
• Aonori (green laver), katsuobushi (bonito flakes) for topping

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix flour and dashi until smooth.
2. Whisk in eggs, then add cabbage, green onions, and if using, mountain yam and tempura bits. Mix well.
3. Heat a flat griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat.
4. Pour batter into the center of the pan, shaping it into a round pancake. If using bacon, lay the slices on top in a criss-cross pattern.
5. Cook until the bottom is browned, then flip and cook the other side.
6. Brush with Okonomiyaki sauce, drizzle mayonnaise in a zigzag pattern, and sprinkle with aonori and katsuobushi.

4. Brazil: Feijoada

Feijoada, Brazil's national dish, is a rich, black bean stew with various cuts of pork, sausage, and beef. This hearty meal is traditionally served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices, symbolizing Brazil's mixed cultural heritage.

• Ingredients:
• 1 lb black beans
• 1 lb pork ribs
• 1/2 lb beef jerky, chopped
• 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1/2 lb salted pork, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 orange, cut into quarters
• Fresh parsley and coriander for garnish

Instructions:

1. Soak the black beans overnight or use the quick soak method by boiling for 1 minute and letting them sit for an hour.
2. In a large pot, add the soaked beans, meat (except sausage), onion, and garlic. Cover with water and simmer for 1.5 hours.
3. Add sausage, tomatoes, and cook for another 30 minutes.
4. Serve hot with white rice, collard greens, and orange wedges.

5. Greece: Moussaka

Moussaka is a baked dish composed of layers of eggplant, meat sauce, and topped with a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s a delicious representation of Greek cuisine with a rich flavor profile.

• Ingredients:
• 2 large eggplants, sliced
• 1 lb ground lamb or beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 14-oz can of tomatoes
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• Béchamel:
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Salt and drain eggplant slices to remove bitterness.
2. Sauté meat, then add onions, garlic, and cook until soft. Add spices, tomatoes, and wine, simmer until thick.
3. For the béchamel, melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk, stirring until thick. Remove from heat, mix in egg yolks and cheese.
4. Layer the bottom of a baking dish with eggplant, add meat sauce, and repeat. Top with béchamel.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until the top is golden.

Exploring these country recipes not only delights your palate but also provides a cultural immersion through food. Each dish tells a story, reflecting the history, geography, and the people of its origin. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply to explore new flavors, these recipes are sure to bring the world to your dinner table. Enjoy the culinary adventure and the joy of discovering new tastes, textures, and traditions.

What makes Coq au Vin different from its Mexican version?

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The Mexican version of Coq au Vin incorporates local ingredients like tomatoes and sometimes jalapeños, giving it a spicier and slightly different flavor profile from the traditional French dish.

Can I make Risotto alla Milanese without saffron?

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Yes, you can make Risotto alla Milanese without saffron, but you’ll miss out on the unique flavor and golden color. Turmeric could be used as a substitute for color, though it won’t replicate the exact taste.

What if I don’t have a flat griddle for Okonomiyaki?

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You can still make Okonomiyaki using a non-stick frying pan. The key is to cook it over medium heat to ensure it cooks evenly.