Whether you’re an amateur or a seasoned chef, trying your hand at iconic dishes can bring much more than something tasty. It can elevate your culinary skills and bring a sense of accomplishment.
Here are six iconic dishes from around the world that every home cook should attempt at least once.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a beloved Thai street food that’s sweet and savory. This stir-fried noodle dish typically includes rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, tofu, eggs, and a medley of vegetables, all tossed in a tangy tamarind sauce. The dish is garnished with crushed peanuts, fresh lime, and cilantro. Mastering Pad Thai requires balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, making it a rewarding challenge for any home cook—not to mention a weekday staple once you’ve gotten the hang of it!
Pizza
Most home cooks still reach for their freezer when in the mood for pizza. But making pizza from scratch isn’t as challenging as you might think, plus it’s a lot of fun! The key to perfect pizza is to use high-quality ingredients from start to finish, including the toppings. You should also bake your pie at a high temperature to achieve that perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness. We’d recommend starting with something simple like a nice cheese or Margherita pizza.
Coq au Vin
Coq au Vin is a dish that transforms some of the most humble ingredients into a gourmet delight. This dish features chicken braised with red wine, mushrooms, onions, and bacon. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes tender and absorbs the rich flavors of the wine and aromatics. Traditionally, this dish is served with potatoes or crusty bread, making it a perfect comfort food for a cozy evening. If you’re a big Insta-Pot fan, this typically precarious dish gets a lot easier!
Ramen
Ramen, a Japanese noodle soup, has gained global popularity for its rich, complex flavors. While instant ramen is convenient, making it from scratch is a labor of love that pays off in taste. The broth, often made from pork bones, chicken, or miso, is the star of the show. Toppings can include slices of pork, soft-boiled eggs, nori, and scallions. Mastering ramen involves time and dedication, but the result is a comforting bowl of goodness that warms the soul.
Biryani
Biryani is a fragrant, spiced rice dish with roots in the Indian subcontinent. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate, featuring layers of aromatic basmati rice, marinated meat (often chicken, lamb, or beef), and a blend of spices like saffron, cardamom, and cloves. The dish is often garnished with fried onions, fresh herbs, and boiled eggs. Cooking biryani involves a technique called “dum,” where the pot is sealed, and the contents are simmered gently, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Beef Bourguignon
Beef Bourguignon is yet another classic dish from France that combines beef, red wine, and a medley of vegetables. This hearty stew is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The key to a successful Beef Bourguignon lies in the quality of the wine and the patience to let it simmer slowly. Serve it with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce.
Experts Warn People to ALWAYS Refrigerate These 12 Non-Food Items
We all know our fridge and freezer are great for food and beverage preservation, but did you know you could use your fridge for other things beyond your kitchen pantry? You can store multiple things in your refrigerator to maintain potency, extend shelf life, or preserve them.
Find out more as we list some of the surprising things you can keep in your refrigerator besides food.
Experts Warn People to ALWAYS Refrigerate These 12 Non-Food Items
20 Food to Stockpile (For the Best Chance of Survival)
A well-stocked pantry can provide peace of mind and empower you to handle any situation. Whether it’s a natural disaster, economic instability, or simply unexpected guests, having a stash of versatile essential foods can make all the difference.
Here’s a list of 20 of the best foods to stockpile, ensuring you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
Leave a Reply