Culinary Journeys:

A Tour of the Best Traditional Foods from Each Country

Nigeria: Jollof Rice

Jollof Rice is a popular West African dish known for its vibrant color and rich flavor. Rice dishes are very common in most West-African cultures and the Nigerian jollof rice is one of many great variations. Jollof rice itself is popular in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal.

Preparation:

• Chop tomatoes, onions, bell pepper, ginger, garlic, scotch bonnet pepper and puree in a blender/food processor.
• Cook the pureed mixture in a pot with hot cooking oil over medium-high heat. Stir together and place a lid over it, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Stir in the spices and seasonings (Paprika, thyme, nutmeg, bay leaf, and salt), then add the rice and vegetable or meat stock and stir together.
• Place a piece of aluminium foil into the pot, covering the entire surface of the rice, then place a lid over the pot. Cook for 20 minutes on low heat (stirring occasionally).
• Remove the lid, bin the aluminium foil and give the rice a gentle stir, then return the lid and cook for another 5 minutes.

Japan: Sushi

Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish made with vinegared rice and various ingredients such as raw fish and vegetables. It is the most famous Japanese dish outside of Japan, and one of the most popular dishes among the Japanese. In Japan, sushi is usually enjoyed on special occasions, such as a celebration.

Preparation:

• Rinse the rice and cook it with water.
• Mix rice vinegar with sugar and salt, and heat until the sugar dissolves.
• Fold the vinegar mixture into the cooked rice.
• Place the rice on a sheet of nori and add fish and vegetables, then roll and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Italy: Pizza

Pizza is an Italian dish typically consisting of a flat base of leavened wheat-based dough topped with tomato, cheese, and other ingredients, baked at a high temperature, traditionally in a wood-fired oven.

It is one of Italy’s world-famous specialities made by skilled hands: the Art of Neapolitan ‘Pizzaiuolo’ has earned status as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Preparation:

• Knead flour, yeast, water, oil, and salt to form dough.
• Roll out the dough and top with tomato sauce, cheese, and other preferred ingredients.
• Bake in a hot oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.

India: Biryani

Biryani is an Indian rice dish cooked with spices and meat or vegetables. It is a layered rice dish with its roots in the Mughal Dynasty in India. Mughals came to India in the 1500s and brought with them their own culture, language, and cuisine. When blended with those of India, this gave birth to many poetic things, biryani being one of them.

Preparation:

• Fry onions in oil until golden.
• Add garlic, ginger, spices, and meat, and cook until the meat is done.
• Add rice and water, and cook until the rice is fully cooked.

Mexico: Tacos

Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a small hand-sized corn- or wheat-based tortilla topped with a filling. The tortilla is then folded around the filling and eaten by hand. A taco can be made with a variety of fillings, including beef, pork, chicken, seafood, beans, vegetables, and cheese, and garnished with various condiments, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, and vegetables, such as lettuce, onion, tomatoes, and chiles. Tacos are a common form of antojitos, or Mexican street food, which have spread around the world.

Preparation:

• Cook ground meat with onions and spices until done.
• Place the meat in tortillas and add vegetables, cheese, and sauces as desired.

China: Dim Sum

Dim Sum includes a variety of small Chinese dishes often served with tea.

Many of the dishes that compose a dim sum-inspired lunch are either steamed or deep-fried, you’ll find everything from steamed pork spareribs, char siu bao (steamed buns with roast pork), and har gaw (shrimp dumplings). Deep-fried treats include mini spring rolls and wu gok, a type of taro turnover. Finally, there’s dessert. Egg custard tarts are a must; you may also have a choice between almond or mango pudding.

All of these delicious foods are washed down with copious amounts of green tea.

Preparation:

• Stuff small pieces of dough with a mixture of meat and vegetables.
• Steam until fully cooked.

France: Croissant

Croissant is a traditional French pastry made from buttery dough. It is typically crescent-shaped, which is the origin of its French name.

Preparation:

• Knead flour, butter, yeast, sugar, and water to form dough.
• Roll out the dough and fold several times to create layers.
• Bake in a hot oven until golden brown.

Turkey: Kebab

Kebab is a traditional Turkish dish made of marinated and grilled meat.

Lamb Turkish Kebabs are a perfect alternative to regular chicken starters. It involves combining a simple spice mix, to make this dish a delight for all meat lovers. To learn how to make it yourself, keep reading.

Preparation:

• Mix meat with onions, garlic, and spices.
• Shape the mixture onto skewers and grill until cooked through.

Lebanon: Tabbouleh

Lebanese tabbouleh is essentially a chopped salad. Authentic tabbouleh is made with lots of fresh parsley leaves, diced tomato, thin slices of scallion, fresh mint leaves, and a bit of soaked fine bulgur.

Preparation:

• Soak bulgur in water until softened.
• Mix with chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions, mint, lemon juice, and olive oil.

10. Algeria: Couscous

Couscous is a traditional Algerian dish made from steamed wheat semolina served with vegetables and meat.

Preparation:

• Steam the semolina over a pot of boiling water until tender.
• In another pot, cook meat with onions and spices like turmeric and saffron.
• Add vegetables such as carrots and squash.
• Serve the couscous with the meat and vegetable mixture.

These ten dishes offer a taste of diverse culinary traditions from around the world, allowing you to experience global flavors from the comfort of your home.