The history of global cuisine is as rich and multi-layered as the food itself. For the most part, it is a story of problem solving. Different parts of the world enjoy different types of weather and landscape, meaning different plants and animals can be hunted, gathered and domesticated. The result? The incredible variety of world food that we see today.
In recent times, a wave of migration to the United Kingdom has exposed us to new types of cuisine. Tikka masala, chow mein, fajitas – just a century ago, these would have been virtually unheard of in most British households. Now, they are considered quite unremarkable.
But there are still many flavors and textures that are not yet so familiar. And these are worth exploring. If you wish to broaden your culinary horizons, it is worth trying some, or all, of the following five dishes:
Empanadas
This dish could be mistaken at first sight for a Cornish pasty. It is made by folding dough over filling and crimping on the other side. You’ll find empanadas served all over the Spanish-speaking world, and they come in more varieties than you can reasonably count.
Birria and Mole
Here we have a pair of Mexican dishes, which complement each other well. Birria is a type of Jaliscan stew, traditionally made from goat meat. Mole (rhymes with holy, as in guacamole) is a sauce that is loaded with sweetness and spice, and can be cooked in large batches to t
ake your chilli to the next level.
Key Lime Pie
This dessert originated in Florida. You’ll want to use the freshest, freshest lime available, and use condensed milk to make sure the filling is super-sweet.
Sushi
Sushi is something that British diners are developing a taste for – even if not at the same stage as some other types of international cuisine. If you’re going to try sushi, head to a bar and order an assortment of items from the conveyor belt. Be adventurous!
Biryani
This is a classic mixed rice that can be cooked in one dish. It is the most popular dish in the Indian subcontinent, by some accounts. It takes some time to get the technique downand you’ll enjoy rewards in the kitchen for the rest of your life.
General Tips
To get the most out of each new dish attempt, it makes sense to do as much preparation as you can. Get the station clean, tidy and organized, and make sure you have access to all the appropriate cookware. A selection of quality saucepans it’s a necessity, just like a quality chef’s knife is.
The fresher your ingredients, the better. There is nothing worse than a floppy, sad coriander. In fact, you can look into starting a small herb garden, containing your favorite herbs from around the world!