European Gastronomy: Discover the Delicious Italian Cuisine

On a trip to Italy you can prioritize visiting its monuments, living the Roman Empire history in first person or touring its postcard landscapes. But this country, of course, also stands out for its gastronomy, expanded to any point on Earth!

Photos By: Unsplash

Pasta and pizza are the most famous dishes. However, Italian gastronomy is characterized by its elaborations with abundant vegetables, fruits, meats, fish, rice, pasta and breads. Other typical dishes, besides pizza and pasta, are risotto, lasagna and carpaccio.

Among the traditional desserts are its famous gelato, better known as ice cream, tiramisu and babà of Naples. Finally, among the typical Italian drinks are lemoncello, grappa and sambuca. Here are some of its typical dishes:

Risotto

This typical Italian food is prepared with rice and Parmesan cheese, however, nowadays there are many risotto recipes with different ingredients. Originally from the northwest of Italy, and due to the abundance of rice, this dish is already famous practically all over the world. And a well-made risotto is when you can appreciate its typical creaminess. To achieve that creaminess, arborio rice is the best option to make risotto. In this link: https://riceselect.com/product/arborio you can get all the information about arborio rice to get the perfect dish.

Pizza

The origin of pizza has a lot to do with bread in Italy, since in ancient Rome it was customary to make bread in a circular shape and cut into portions. Years later, other ingredients such as tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese were added to this flour dough, but nowadays pizza can be made with a wide variety of ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, even meat or chicken, fish, seafood and sausages.

Carpaccio

Carpaccio is now an internationally famous recipe. What is so special about this dish? Well, it is made with raw meat. And since Mediterranean trends in cuisine over the last decades, it has become pretty fashionable to eat raw meat. Now, the magic to make this dish delicious is to cut the meat very thinly and to accompany it with ingredients such as cheese, onion, basil and olive oil.

Lasagna

Although the preparation of lasagna varies according to the region where it is prepared, it consists of a type of pasta in the shape of a square sheet that is placed in the form of a block and filled with meat, fish or vegetables. Between each sheet it also has béchamel sauce, and to finish it off, abundant cheese to give it its usual gratin look. If you have not yet decided to make it, go ahead and try it, it is one of those dishes that are not to be missed and starting with the homemade meat lasagna will be ideal.

Caprese salad

Since Italy is not all about flour, you should try their classic caprese salad with such basic ingredients as tomato, fresh mozzarella, a few basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. As simple as it may seem, the combination of these ingredients results in a salad that stands out for its fresh taste and its colors that remind us of the Italian flag. Also, it came as a special taste in the typical Argentinian empanadas. The caprese empanada is becoming more and more popular.

Arancini

Typical dish of Sicilian gastronomy, although its ingredients are typical of any Mediterranean country cuisine. They are round croquettes of rice pasta that have an orange color due to the use of saffron, are served hot and are taken as any dish of the day. The arancini are a typical dish of the city of Messina, where it was probably invented.

Pasta carbonara

One of the typical Italian dishes is pasta alla carbonara. This Italian food is a pasta dish originating from Lazio, and more specifically from Rome. The original recipe is based on eggs, cheese (Pecorino Romano or Parmesan), extra virgin olive oil, pancetta or guanciale and black pepper. Spaghetti is the pasta generally used; however, fettuccine, rigatoni or bucatini can also be used. Many people say the word carbonara comes from carbone, which in Italian is the name for charcoal (carbonari), and it is believed that the name of the dish has its origin in the typical dish of the charcoal makers in the Apennines. Others mention

that the name charcoal is due to the use of black pepper in the preparation of the sauce, which may be reminiscent of charcoal.

Peruvian Gastronomy

Peruvian gastronomy is the ideal excuse to tour Peru and get to know the dishes that characterize each of its places and regions!

Photos By: Unsplash

Its culinary history dates back to the Inca culture with its variety of potatoes, corn and spices. Later, the Spaniards introduced products such as grapes, olives, chicken, meats and dairy products and, finally, in the 19th century, with immigration came Asian and Italian influences: Peruvian cuisine has all these nuances and is recognized for the delicate balance of the fusion between them.

Every place where you can taste Peruvian gastronomy offers exquisite dishes, whether it is the best restaurant or a small street stall. In short, this cuisine combines the experience of traditional and migrant ingredients, the contributions of modern gastronomy and current and ancient cooking techniques.

Undoubtedly, Peruvian cuisine is one of the most acclaimed in the world thanks to the creative quality of its chefs, the generosity of a territory rich in first-class raw materials, a culinary history open to renewal and the sum of different cultures.

In Peru, the most famous dishes are:

● Chaufa rice in the first place. If you are wondering how this dish tastes,
follow the recipe here: carolinarice.com/recipes/arroz-chaufa/
● Wantán soup.
● Chi jau cuy.
● Alpaca roll.

1. Features of Peruvian gastronomy that make it famous

Fusion food

Foreign recipes in which original ingredients are substituted by autochthonous ingredients or the other way around, Peruvian recipes to which some ingredients are added or changed by traditional products from other cultures.

Some examples of Peruvian dishes that are the result of fusion:

● Nikkei, a sophisticated combination: Japanese immigrants were called Nikkei in Peru and Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine kept that name. With elegant and exquisite recipes, this style combines -in a sublime balance-ingredients from Japanese cuisine, such as rice and fish, with typical Peruvian products, such as chili peppers and grains.

● Peruvian cuisine with a Mediterranean accent: Italian immigration brought to Peru the characteristic ingredients of Mediterranean recipes: vegetables, pizzas and pastas.

2. Traditional ingredients and ancestral customs

Peru has a great variety of dishes by region. Whether you go to the coast, the jungle or the mountains, you will always be delighted with its delicious recipes! Among its ingredients, Peruvian gastronomy has fresh raw materials of excellent quality and great variety: fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables, potatoes, peppers, corn, spices, avocados, quinoa, aguaymanto and much more, which offer high nutritional value and special flavors.

It is worth mentioning that the return to the past, especially to Andean cuisine, is a
trend. Another element that is a hallmark of some preparations is pisco, the country’s
cultural heritage drink.

Peruvian food has centuries of history and development and forms a fundamental part of the Inca heritage, but at the same time was enriched by Spanish, African, French and Chinese-Cantonese culture.

3. Characteristic dishes in each region

Just like Mexican and other ancient and varied gastronomic cultures, Peruvian cuisine has characteristic dishes for each region. Every time you visit a new city when traveling to Peru, you will see new recipes, variations of famous dishes and in general a unique seal, which will delight you and will remain engraved in your memory. Let’s see, then, what Peruvian food is like in each region.

The highlands: powerful and nutritious dishes

It covers the area of the Andes Mountains and crosses the country from north to south. Here, visitors find an excellent gastronomy with flavors and colors that make each presentation unique.

One of the most representative dishes of the region is the pachamanca, made with a variety of meats, such as chicken, pork, beef, sheep and guinea pig, seasoned with aromatic herbs and cooked in earth ovens.

The coast: fresh and simple recipes

The Peruvian coastline – bathed by the Pacific Ocean – is the source of an infinite
number of flavors, as well as beautiful beaches. Although each coastal city has its own gastronomy, fish, aji amarillo, aji rojo, seafood, potatoes and rice are present in most of its recipes. Undoubtedly, the most popular dish is ceviche, a delicacy of Peruvian gastronomy with a simple preparation: basically, it consists of pieces of fresh fish that are left to marinate in a container with lemon juice for approximately 20 minutes, to which red onion, coriander or cilantro, chili bell pepper and salt are added to give it intense aromas and flavors.

The jungle: foods with special flavors

Amazonian gastronomy has a distinctive characteristic: sophisticated and exuberant
flavors that mix unique ingredients such as tropical fruits and river fish like paiche.

All You Need to Know About Thai Gastronomy

Thai cuisine is a harmonious blend of Southeast Asian traditions and flavors characterized by strongly flavored dishes in which not only the spiciness stands out, but also in each dish a balance is sought between the fundamental senses of taste with sweet, salty, sour and sometimes bitter nuances that make Thai cuisine one of the richest and Thailand a paradise for those who love good food!

Photo By: Stock Images

Thai cuisine is one of the main attractions of the country and an important part of its culture.

Here are some of the most famous recipes that have made Thai cuisine known all over the world and that you cannot miss.

Khao Pad  

Rice is one of the basic ingredients that can never be missing. In Thailand, the jasmine variety is used. In fact, “eat” in Thai is Kin Khao which literally means to eat rice.

An ideal dish for beginners is Khao Pad, Thai-style fried rice. There are an infinite number of versions prepared with different types of meat or seafood and vegetables, the most widespread is fried rice with chicken, Khao Pad Kai a simple and delicious dish that is always liked.

If you follow this link mahatmarice.com/products/jasmine-white-rice/ you will find all the information about jasmine rice: nutrition facts, dietary considerations and how it is prepared.

Pad Thai  

Pad Thai is one of the most well-known dishes of Thai cuisine and indispensable for both locals and foreigners that can be enjoyed anywhere in the country and that you can’t miss during your trip.

There are many versions and recipes of Pad Thai for all tastes depending on the area of Thailand where it is prepared, combining sweet, sour and salty nuances with a surprising texture and flavor.

It is a stir-fry of noodles or rice noodles that are fried with egg, seasoned with palm sugar, tamarind paste and fish sauce, accompanied by tofu and some vegetables such as chives and to complete its flavor prawns, shrimp, chicken or pork. It is served with some lime slices, fresh bean sprouts, dried chili powder and crushed roasted peanuts to taste.

Tom Yum  

Thailand’s most famous soup, Tom Yum with its blend of aromas and flavors, will not leave you indifferent. It is usually made with prawns (Kung), flavored with coriander and ginger, citrus nuances of lemongrass and lime, a sweet point with palm sugar and not forgetting the spicy chili that characterizes Thai cuisine.

There are also versions with different ingredients such as chicken, fish or squid and made with and without coconut milk. It is a real pleasure for the senses!

Poh Piah  

Thai-style spring rolls are one of the most popular appetizers. It is a dish with influences from Vietnamese cuisine but very typical in Thai cuisine. The spring rolls recipes are very common throughout Asia, but each country has its different versions and in Thailand they are prepared in a very characteristic way.

Thai rolls can be filled with different ingredients. The most common are soy noodles, bean sprouts, vegetables and chicken but can be made with pork, shrimp or tofu. Once these ingredients are fried, they get a crunchy texture on the outside that contrasts with the soft and delicious inside filling. This is a dish that is not spicy and is accompanied by different sauces such as sweet and sour, chilli sauce, sweet or peanut sauce.

Mango Sticky Rice  

It is the traditional dessert par excellence in Thailand and is usually liked by everyone. The main ingredients are ripe mango, peeled and sliced, accompanied by white glutinous or sticky rice, better known as sticky rice, bathed in coconut milk and sugar. g

It is advisable to learn some basic Thai words and phrases that will be very useful, pork (Muu), chicken (Kai), beef (Nua), prawns (Kung), seafood (Ta-lee) and remember to indicate the level of spiciness, in Thai is Pet, if you do not want spicy Mai Pet, little Pet Noi and a lot of Pet Mak.

Thailand has an infinity of street food stalls where you can enjoy authentic street food and restaurants with a great value for money to enjoy one of the best cuisines in the world.

The 5 Most Typical Dishes with Rice in Spain  

There are many rice dishes, but these five are typical of the Mediterranean region!

Photos By: Stock Images

Different preparations that through vegetable or animal raw materials pick up the flavor and even enhance it, making each spoonful a set of combinations and gastronomic history.

1. Valencian Paella  

Paella is not only one of the best known rice dishes in Spain, it is also the most famous dish abroad and a preparation of magical flavor with a very special liturgy. Among the canonical ingredients of the most elementary Valencian paella are rice, water, tomato, olive oil, rabbit and chicken meats suitably salted, saffron for the yellow color, garrofón -a legume that must be rehydrated- and green beans of the ferradura type. It is also usual to add paprika, snails, rosemary for aroma, garlic in the sauce, duck meat, pork ribs or other vegetables, such as tavella or artichokes in season.

One of the most widespread versions of paella is paella marinera, which eliminates vegetables and meat and adds seafood, as well as fish stock. As is logical, paella marinera is typical of coastal towns where cuttlefish, squid, crayfish and other crustaceans are widely consumed.

There are similar recipes you can make instead of paella, using almost the same ingredients, for example, this recipe with white or brown rice: successrice.com/recipes/spanish-rice/.

2. Cuban-style rice  

From colonial times, this dish has been very common in any Spanish family. In the same dish, a portion of boiled white rice, a couple of spoonfuls of fried tomato and a fried egg that keeps the yolk liquid are unmixed. To these three elements some slices of fried plantain are added, giving an interesting contrast between sweet and salty.

The most typical form of presentation is to mold the white rice with a cup or bowl. Once cooked, it is usually molded with a glass or cup so that it looks like a kettledrum. Some variants of the dish are made substituting the egg for sausages, chorizo or another meat product. If you want a vegetarian version you can include some cooked chickpeas and then sautéed with garlic, which will add a healthy portion of fiber and vegetable proteins.

3. Arroz a banda  

Arroz a banda consists of a preparation that starts with a broth made with morralla and other humble fish. These marine products lacked value and were the food of the fishermen who invented the dish. Over time, the broth was made with higher quality ingredients and selected fish, becoming one of the most consumed and appreciated rice dishes in the Mediterranean, especially in Alicante, where it originated.

This broth added to a fried garlic, ñora and fish heads is the basis for cooking rice in a paella, once the rice has absorbed the broth is presented to the diners, usually with the accompaniment of aioli, which in addition to providing a blow of intense and different flavor, served as a caloric supplement.

4. Black rice  

The black rice, in Valencia or Catalonia, is another of the Mediterranean fish and seafood rice dishes that are most in demand at family and friendly gatherings. The adjective ‘black’ is due to the fact that during the cooking of the rice in broth, cuttlefish or squid ink is added, which changes the pearly white color of the rice grains to a dark gray tone. As it is a dry rice dish, it is cooked in paella and less frequently in an earthenware casserole. Like arroz a banda, it has a base of morralla and a fried sauce of chopped onions and garlic, to which pieces of cuttlefish, squid and prawns are added.

The black rice is not exclusive of Spain, it is also common in Italy under the name of riso al nero di seppia, although it is in the Grao of the city of Castellón and in some towns of the coast of Alicante and Gironés where it is most celebrated.

5. Baked rice  

Baked rice is a dish that uses the leftovers of the stew and the broth from the same preparation. Among its main ingredients, in addition to rice, there are various pork products -chorizo, sausages, bacon, ribs or balls of minced and spiced meat-, potatoes, chickpeas, tomato slices and a head of garlic that serves as both an ornamental and aromatic element.

This dish is cooked in an earthenware casserole resistant to the high temperatures of the oven. It is very popular throughout the Valencian Community, but it is more typical in inland towns such as Onteniente, Játiva, Cheste or Muro de Alcoy.

The Best Tips for Making Mexican Food + Spicy tuna and Avocado Burritos Recipe

Mexican cuisine encompasses a wide variety of recipes from the different regions of Mexico!

 

Photos By: Stock Images

Commonly, this type of food uses beans, rice, tomatoes, chilis and tortillas in many dishes. Proteins, such as beef, chicken and seafood, are also common ingredients in Mexican recipes. Mexican food is generally flavorful and well-seasoned. To prepare Mexican food, it is preferable to use fresh ingredients that are in season.

Mexico is a large country with many regions. Each of these has a distinct cuisine based on the ingredients that are available there. For this reason, Mexican food recipes generally taste better when fresh ingredients are used. This type of cuisine uses many vegetables, herbs and spices, which can usually be purchased at a farmer’s market or supermarket. Many large cities have Mexican markets that contain some of the more obscure ingredients that can be ordered in native dishes.

A tradition of Mexico  

Many Mexican dishes are served with rice and beans. Refried beans made with lard are very popular, but whole black beans are also common in Mexican cooking. Mexican rice is usually cooked with tomatoes, onions and seasonings, resulting in a fluffy rice dish with lots of flavor. Rice and beans can also be used as a filling for tacos or burritos. You are probably how they taste, so this recipe mahatmarice.com/recipes/rice-and-beans-tacos-dorados/ is for you to try.

Beans and rice are staples of Mexican cuisine, but many Mexican food recipes also call for a type of protein. Chicken and beef are commonly used, and there are many recipes that call for seafood, such as shrimp or fish. When cooking Mexican food, the protein is often marinated for maximum flavor. If the proper ingredients are not available to make an authentic Mexican marinade, meat that is pre-seasoned and marinated can often be purchased at a Mexican butcher or grocery store.

Tortillas are often part of Mexican recipes. These can be made from flour or corn, and can be used to make dishes such as tacos, burritos and enchiladas. Tortillas can also be served in the same way that other cuisines serve bread with a meal. Homemade tortillas generally taste the best, but high-quality tortillas can also be purchased at a Mexican bakery or market.

Several authentic Mexican food dishes have a spicy flavor due to the use of chilis, such as jalapeños and habaneros. When preparing a dish that calls for hot peppers, care should be taken not to touch the face or eyes after handling them. If a recipe is too hot for a person’s taste, the cook can cut off the top of a bell pepper and remove the seeds for a milder flavor. Chilis can also be roasted to enhance their flavors.

Spicy tuna and avocado burritos: easy and healthy recipe  

This fresh and delicious spicy tuna and avocado burrito recipe is great for a light lunch, for dinner or even to take to the park on a family picnic day. You can also enjoy them for a savory snack or take them to the office if you don’t have much time at lunchtime.

Ingredients  

  • 9 oz of tuna in water (crumbled).
  • 1 avocado.
  • 3 onions.
  • 1 small cucumber.
  • 4 leaves of lettuce.
  • 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise.
  • 4 flour tortillas.
  • 1 Lemon.
  • 1 Jalapeño bell pepper.
  • Salt.
  • Ground black pepper.

How to make tuna and avocado burritos  

  1. First drain the tuna in water and place it in a bowl. Finely chop the onion, garlic and chili if you opted for the spicy version. Add these ingredients to the tuna along with the mayonnaise. Season with salt, a little pepper and stir well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.
  2. In the meantime, peel the avocado, remove the stone and mash it with a fork. Add salt, pepper and a spoonful of lemon juice. Peel the cucumber and cut it into thin julienne strips. To assemble the burritos, heat the flour tortillas in the microwave for about 40 seconds. Put some lettuce leaves, a couple of spoonfuls of tuna, the avocado puree, the cucumber julienne strips and roll them up to form the burrito.

Cook’s Tips: this dish can be eaten warm since the tortillas are only heated a little. You can serve them for a light lunch or even better for dinner. They are perfect for the spring season with a cold light beer or with a seasonal fruit juice.

There is a Type of Cheese for Each Dish

Cheese enjoys a great presence in the kitchen, where it is used in the preparation of numerous and very diverse recipes, from serving as an accompaniment to taking on an absolute leading role!

 

Photos By: Stock Images

This food is present in numerous dishes around the world, to which it gives a counterpoint of texture and delicious flavor.

In the market there can be found a great variety of cheeses, so one can choose one or the other depending on the type of dish that is going to be prepared. Cheese is used in many recipes, as in the cheesecake and berries dessert, or in delicious baked potatoes with cheese. In this article you will learn the perfect type of cheese to use for each recipe you make at home.

Salads

For this type of preparation, fresh cheeses with a soft texture goes very well, such as Burgos, fresh mozzarella or feta cheese, as they have a mild flavor and a low consistency.

Another option are cheeses at an intermediate point of maturity, made into cubes and combined with different types of fruit, such as peach or orange. One of the best options for a salad is Edam, which is a soft cheese ideal for serving with various nuts.

Fondues and fillings

To prepare fillings, semi-cured cheeses are the best option, such as Manchego, Gouda, Emmental, Cheddar or Edam. All of them are ideal for this purpose because they withstand frying and melt little by little inside a soufflé, a quesadilla or an empanada.

To elaborate a fondue, it is recommended using very fatty cheeses that melt well, as is the case of Gruyere, Cheddar or Emmental. In addition, they can be used both to make all kinds of fillings, to top off a sandwich or a simple meal such as chicken and rice with broccoli. To try the recipe of chicken and rice with broccoli follow this link https://minuterice.com/recipes/cheesy-chicken-and-rice/.

Pasta

Cheeses with a high fat content and a semi-hard or hard consistency bind well with pasta. The ideal way to use it is to grate them and add them at the last moment,without gratin. Among the cheeses most commonly used for this purpose are cured goat cheeses, cured Manchego cheeses and Parmesan.

A tip: it is recommended to grate the cheese at the moment of use, so that it does not lose much of its aroma.

Gratin

The star cheese when preparing a gratin is semi-cured mozzarella, which is always present in pizza or pasta dishes with a thin layer of melted cheese on top. Grated Parmesan is another interesting option. Brie and Camembert cheese can also be used, which bind very well in gratins over meat, cooked cauliflower or potatoes. In most cases, it is enough to use the grill, about 10 centimeters away, so that the cheese is perfectly au gratin.

Sauces

When cooking, use semi-cured and creamy cheeses, since their milk and fat content makes them melt easily when in contact with a heat source, giving a unique flavor and aroma to each dish. One of the preparations in which cheese is not usually missing is in soufflés.

When using them, keep in mind that they should be added towards the end of cooking, and, over low heat, stir so that they melt slowly. If this is not done, there is a risk of lumps forming.

Pastry

One of the cheeses that gives the best results in confectionery is Mascarpone. Who has not tried tiramisu? Other spreadable cheeses are also very interesting, since they have a mild flavor, a high fat content, which makes them very versatile, and a creamy texture, ideal for numerous preparations. Among the most commonly used cheeses, to accompany jams, or to make mousses, flans and creams.

As a dessert

The vast majority of cheeses can be eaten as dessert regardless of their ripening point. In most preparations, the aim is to achieve a contrast between the flavor and aroma of the cheese and the rest of the ingredients. Thus, for example, you can prepare a toast with apricot jam and a little Cabrales or Roquefort cheese. If we do not like the cured cheese, mix it with cream to obtain a cream with a softer flavor.

The Basics of Making a Beautiful Unicorn Cake 

Unicorn cakes cover a wide variety of flavors, ingredients, and aesthetic qualities!

Photos By: Unsplash

That said, every unicorn cake shares one thing in common: it recreates the colors and beauty of a unicorn! Not only is a unicorn cake a great choice for a child’s birthday party, but it’s also a great opportunity to flex your baking skills. 

However, baking is not always an easy task. The last thing you want is a bad burn or injury (in which case you may need to contact the experts at ThriveMD) while you’re trying to make a beautiful creation. So, in today’s post, we will look at the basics you need to know to make a beautiful unicorn cake!

What Is A Unicorn Cake?

There are many different versions of the unicorn cake, but it is always a cake decorated with the features of the mythical horse-like creature. This means that, in addition to the body of the cake, you will need to consider the extra features and designs, including eyes, ears, a mouth, a tail, and (of course) a horn. The colors usually include white, pink, and purple, but you always have the ability to mix things up!

What You Need To Make A Unicorn Cake

Fortunately, if you know how to make a basic cake, you can easily add a few extra steps to turn it into a unicorn cake. But first, you will need to collect all of the right baking materials and ingredients, including:

  • Food coloring
  • Baking or cake pan
  • Pre-made cake mix
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Baking parchment
  • Flour
  • Ice cream cone (or fondant)
  • Frosting
  • Sprinkles
  • Unicorn cake premade accessories (optional)

Naturally, this is not a comprehensive list. You will likely need various other tools and ingredients to customize the unicorn cake to your liking. However, these are the most important elements to get your unicorn cake started out on the right foot!

Steps To Make A Unicorn Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Add parchment to the baking pan, then grease and flour the plan.
  2. In a bowl, whisk your premade cake mix or mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter, egg whites, milk, and extracts. 
  3. Move the finished batter to the baking pan. Bake for approximately 30 minutes and let it cool for 10 minutes.
  4. Add coloring, frosting, and sprinkles to all sides of the cake. To make a horn, you can either use an upside-down ice cream cone or a homemade fondant horn. Ears can also be made using plastic inserts or fondant. Premade toppers can make the final design touches much simpler.

As you can see, the process for making a unicorn cake is not altogether unique. Most of the steps resemble the same steps you would follow with any other cake. The key is adding on the extra decorations to make it look like a unicorn and taste great at the same time!

We hope you found this guide on the basics of making a beautiful unicorn cake useful! If so, be sure to check out some of the other posts on Better Baking Bible today!