Pão de queijo, or Brazilian cheese bread, is a delightful small, round bread roll that’s remarkably crispy on the outside and wonderfully chewy and soft on the inside. What makes it particularly special is that it’s naturally gluten-free, made with tapioca flour (also called manioc or cassava flour) instead of wheat flour. The bread gets…
Shchi is a traditional Russian cabbage soup that has been a cornerstone of Russian cuisine for over a thousand years. The basic version combines fresh or fermented cabbage with meat broth (typically beef), root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, onions, and aromatic herbs. In leaner times or during Orthodox fasting periods, a meatless version called…
Jollof rice is a beloved West African dish consisting of rice cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and a complex blend of spices. The rice absorbs the sauce as it cooks, taking on a distinctive orange-red color and intense flavor. The dish typically includes garlic, ginger, thyme, curry powder, and sometimes Scotch…
Karahi (also spelled Kahari or Kadai) is a rich, aromatic Pakistani/North Indian dish named after the deep, circular cooking pot it’s traditionally prepared in. The dish features chicken cooked in a thick tomato-based gravy with ginger, garlic, and fresh green chilies. The sauce is characterized by its concentrated, intensely spiced flavor profile, typically featuring whole…
Jamaican rice and peas is a beloved staple of Caribbean cuisine, though interestingly, the “peas” in question are actually red kidney beans. This hearty dish combines rice and beans with coconut milk, giving it a rich, creamy texture and subtle sweetness that perfectly complements its savory elements. The dish is flavored with aromatic ingredients including…
Domoda is a rich and hearty West African stew, particularly popular in The Gambia where it’s often considered the national dish. The star ingredient is ground peanuts (groundnuts) or peanut butter, which creates a thick, creamy sauce base. The stew typically combines meat (commonly beef, lamb, or chicken) with a blend of tomatoes, onions, and…
Briam is a traditional Greek vegetable dish that showcases the Mediterranean diet’s emphasis on simple, wholesome ingredients. It consists primarily of sliced summer vegetables – typically eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, and tomatoes – layered in a baking dish and generously drizzled with olive oil. Red onions, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley and oregano are added…
Maafe has its origins in the Manding (Mande) people, who historically inhabited present-day Senegal, Mali, and Guinea. It is believed to have been created centuries ago, when groundnuts (peanuts) were introduced to Africa through Portuguese traders in the 16th century. Over time, peanuts became a staple crop in West Africa, leading to the development of…
Chilean Cheese Empenadas Looking up what Chile was known for I saw a lot of possible options – but one really stuck out to me as it was something I hadn’t tried to make yet and that was empenadas. I did the research and found the correct cheeses you should use and how to make…
Tortilla w/Chorizo and Scallions – not a Mexican tortilla although that does sound tasty, the spanish version which is just scrambled eggs mixed with a variety of ingredients. In this case I added chorizo, tomatoes, peppers, and scallions to make this traditional tapas dish. It wasn’t hard to make (After all you’re just cooking eggs…