Those of you who’ve had the privilege of exploring the various corners of our cosmopolitan planet know that what people eat varies greatly from region to region. And although there are nowadays many types of food that people all over the world eat, it hasn’t always been this way.
For example, before the Industrial Revolution, it was simply impossible to ship avocados all the way from Mexico to Europe without them going bad along the way. But with the advent of fast, steam-powered ships and electricity also came the invention of refrigeration. Suddenly, it wasn’t only dried foods and spices that could be shipped all around the world, but also exotic fruits—and even meat!
Nowadays, people enjoy a global food supply chain, meaning that your local supermarket probably contains products stemming from dozens of countries. Whether it be quinoa from Peru, soy sauce from Japan, or mangoes from India, people from around the world are enjoying more international cuisine than ever before. Combined with modern mass migration, more people than ever before are able to sample cuisines from other parts of the world without even booking a flight. Multiculturalism may be a controversial topic in some areas of discourse, but certainly not when it comes to food. Who doesn’t love the possibility of enjoying dozens of different regional cuisines in one city?
A Michelin star for your own kitchen
It’s not often that you get to visit a Michelin-starred restaurant. Not only are they often quite expensive, but reserving a table months in advance can be a daunting concept for some. Luckily, Christian Constant, head chef at Le Violon d’Ingres—one of Paris’ top Michelin-starred restaurants—has been kind enough to reveal the secret recipe to one of his signature dishes. This, of course, is the amazing French Cassoulet, a casserole-like dish stemming from the province of Languedoc.
Constant’s take on this French classic involves a complicated mix of five different types of meat and three stages of cooking. But have no fear—if you know your way around a kitchen, you’ll be able to conquer this Michelin-starred dish.
Better than IKEA
For anyone who’s shopped at Swedish furniture giant IKEA, you probably know the situation—you’ve just been through a grueling few hours browsing furniture and possibly even arguing with your partner over what will look better in your new apartment. You’re tired, starving, and just can’t wait to get out of there.
But then comes the best part of any IKEA—the post-checkout Swedish supermarket area! Sure, you could just go for a Swedish-style hotdog, but what about those tasty Swedish meatballs? They really are to die for.
There’s no denying that IKEA’s meatballs are a great way to end any furniture shopping spree, particularly as they also provide the gravy and lingonberry jam to go along with it. But not even this IKEA delicacy can be beaten by the homemade equivalent. So why not try making some Swedish meatballs in a creamy sauce yourself? Add some lingonberry jam at the end and you’re good to go!
Pies of the Old World
The apple pie is a staple dessert of European and American cuisine. But for those of you who didn’t have a Dutch grandma sharing secret family recipes, the only way of trying the Dutch variant of this timeless classic was going to the Netherlands itself. At least, up until now. Luckily, you’re now able to make a traditional Dutch apple pie in the comfort of your own home. Not only is this dish extremely easy to make—it’s also incredibly tasty.
The apples you’re going to want to include in your recipe are of the Granny Smith variety—these will give your pie that extra bit of kick. Aside from the usual suspects like flour, butter, pastry, and sugar, you’ll want to source some freshly ground cinnamon for this Dutch dessert. And of course, don’t forget to sprinkle some lemon juice on top of the apples—that way, they won’t turn brown so quickly.
A scent of the sea
Ah, the seaside. Who doesn’t love to be beside it? Well, if you’re ever fishing on the Atlantic coast of Portugal, it’s possible you’ll catch some Atlantic cod, this being one of the key ingredients in Bacalhau à Brás, one of the coastal nation’s most famous recipes. This dish is quick to make, and will most definitely satisfy any cravings for fish you’ve been having recently.
Aside from salted cod, potatoes cut up into small, matchstick forms make up the other key element of this classic dish. Combined with onion, eggs, parsley, and garlic, and you’ve got yourself a taste of Iberia right in the comfort of your own kitchen. And if you’re fan, be sure to add a healthy serving of black olives to this dish. And that’s how you’ll get the amazing taste of the Atlantic right in your own kitchen. You won’t regret it!
Save
