Food from around the world

Warm Honey and Chilli Glazed Chicken Salad...

“Breakfasts From Around the World”. It was an eye-opener, educating me in what people eat in different parts of the world in the morning. From large feasts to simple breads, this email was literally delectable. It was an insight into how culture plays a large role in determining the eating habits of people globally.

For the rest of us, it is a day to remove our chef’s hat, don a sombrero and enter the kitchen to cook up a Mexican storm, of course with a jug of Margarita in tow. Here are 3 of my Mexican favorites

Its flavors predominantly lie in the sweet yet piquant taste of tamarind with a hint of salty oyster sauce and finally the kick of fiery chillies.

First mentioned in Tamil literature in the 6th century, the dosa has come a long way spreading its wings across all continents, courtesy of its simple yet full-bodied flavors. A must try for every epicurean palate.

But to me, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, is a dish best served on its own. It is a testament to the greatness of a cuisine that is created from the simplest of ingredients; it is proof that bold flavors are not just achieved by tossing together numerous expensive ingredients, but in fusing simple ingredients that complement each other.

The essence of a bruschetta is the use of fresh ingredients, especially the olive oil. The bread soaks in the pungent flavors of freshly squeezed olive oil to give a bruschetta its earthy taste. In fact, most areas in Tuscany serve a bruschetta without any toppings; simply fresh olive oil and garlic.

The essence of Italian cuisine is in its simplicity. Chefs dating as far back as the 14th century emphasized on the quality of food rather than the quantity of ingredients. Hence most authentic Italian dishes would only consist of 4-5 ingredients. In fact, it was an Italian food writer, Archestratus, said that while cooking Italian food flavors should not be masked by excessive seasoning and spices.

That however, does not seem like the only way to enjoy beer on St. Patrick’s Day, cook up a feast using the favorite ingredient of this holiday;beer. A good beverage to use while cooking as it includes ingredients that we use on a daily basis; grains, herbs, water and yeast. In order to help you decide, I have compiled a list of the top 5 things to cook with beer on St. Patrick’s Day.

With this recipe too, it is evident that the emphasis of Middle-Eastern cooking is on spices and aromas. While biting through the pita pockets, you would still be able to taste the lingering flavors of the cardamom seeds, which enhances the whole experience of eating.

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For a wholesome meal, I drew my inspiration from Thai salad dressings, which is heavily dependent on the ‘Salt of South-East Asia’; fish sauce, but incorporated marinated chicken, a mix of crunchy vegetables and chilli covered peanuts..

My personal favorites are salads which have bold flavors yet featherlite at the same time. I enjoy balancing the crisp texture of iceberg lettuce with the nutty flavors of almonds and the sweet yet tart taste of either lemons or oranges.

Since the flavors of this pasta are heavily dependent on individual palates, it is best to taste the sauce to adjust the spices. I enjoy spicy food, hence always add extra chillies to my dishes. Serve it warm or eat the leftovers of Penne Arrabbiata straight out of the fridge, it is a hearty dish for everyone to enjoy.

The flavors of the glaze along with the baby bok choy give this dish a very nutty flavor. The sweetness of the hoisin sauce is balanced by the pungent aroma of the sesame oil. The light salad complements the Asian flavors of the fish, making it a wholesome meal

The earthy tinge brought about by the fenugreek and gorgonzola complemented the sharp flavors of the emmenthal. The sauce itself is heavy hence the filling of the ravioli had to be kept light and airy. Served hot with a smooth creamy sauce can delight the palate of every epicurean out there.

Following these rules, the best place to gauge a part of Malaysian culture is to eat at their local mamak stalls. Why I say “a part”, is because three races live harmoniously side by side in Malaysia; Chinese, Indian and Malays, each with their own distinct cuisines and habits. Mamaks represent the cuisine and lifestyle of the Indians that migrated to Malaysia centuries ago.

After this, you will not need to rush to the supermarket to get a bottle of Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce, this homemade sauce will do the trick. The crispness of the chicken followed by sweet flavors and a final kick of spiciness makes this a great treat for the palate.

With one bite the fish should just melt in your mouth. It’s creamy texture combined with the flavors of the coconut and basil takes the concept of fried fish to another level. Dipped in the sauce and eaten with the earthy salad, my foray into cooking with fish turned out to be quite a success.

Auguste Escoffier, Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup, Chicken Soup, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Flemish Hochepot, French Petite Marmite, Sesame Oil

Known as one of the healthiest cuisine’s in the world, Vietnamese food puts more emphasis on fresh vegetables, herbs and seafood rather than oil and spices. What better way to put an end to the heat?

Pleasing to the eye, exciting for the palate and satiating for the stomach, yet another recipe to add to my list of favorites. No celebration can be complete without this pie henceforth.