essential Recipes
17 delicious essential recipes from around the world
Türk Pilavı
Turkish pilaf - buttery rice cooked to perfection. Accompaniment to everything.
Toum
Lebanese garlic sauce - intensely garlicky emulsion. Essential with chicken.
Manakish bi Zaatar
Lebanese zaatar flatbread - soft bread with zaatar and olive oil. Breakfast essential.
Toum
Lebanese garlic sauce - fluffy emulsified garlic spread. Shawarma essential.
Tahdig
Persian crispy rice - the prized golden crust from the bottom of the pot. Crunch you fight over.
Torshi Makhloot
Persian mixed pickles - mixed vegetable pickles with herbs. Condiment essential.
Kongnamul Muchim (Seasoned Soybean Sprouts)
A classic and essential Korean banchan (side dish), Kongnamul Muchim features blanched soybean sprouts seasoned to perfection, offering a refreshing crunch and savory flavor.
Ají Colombiano
A vibrant and fresh Colombian hot sauce, perfect as a condiment for any meal. This recipe features the bright flavors of cilantro and scallions balanced with a tangy lime dressing.
Asado de Costilla (Argentine Grilled Beef Ribs)
A centerpiece of any Argentine Asado, these beef short ribs are slowly grilled over wood embers, allowing the smoke and fat to render into incredibly tender and flavorful meat. This recipe focuses on the traditional, minimalist approach, highlighting the quality of the beef and the primal method of cooking.
Dulce de Leche Venezolano
A rich, creamy, and deeply caramelized milk-based spread, a staple in Venezuelan kitchens, often referred to as 'Arequipe'. It's a slow-cooked delight perfect for desserts, pastries, or simply enjoyed by the spoonful.
Guiso Criollo (Venezuelan Sofrito Base)
A fundamental Venezuelan sofrito base made with ripe tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and garlic. This aromatic mixture is the foundation for countless traditional dishes, adding depth and flavor.
Hogao (Colombian Tomato and Onion Sofrito)
Hogao is the quintessential Colombian sofrito, a flavorful and aromatic base sauce made from slow-cooked tomatoes, onions, and scallions. It's the foundation for countless Colombian dishes, from hearty stews and rice dishes to fried eggs and plantains.
Pebre
Pebre is a vibrant and essential Chilean salsa, a fresh and zesty condiment made from finely chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and ají verde. It's a staple accompaniment to nearly every Chilean meal, from grilled meats to empanadas.
Pollo en Brasas (Venezuelan Rotisserie Chicken)
A quintessential Venezuelan rotisserie chicken, marinated in a vibrant blend of garlic, spices, and citrus, then grilled to achieve incredibly tender meat and crispy, flavorful skin. This dish is a beloved national fast food, perfect for gatherings.
Berbere Spice Blend
Ethiopia's signature spice blend, Berbere, is a complex, aromatic, and often fiery mix essential for many Ethiopian dishes. This recipe provides a foundational version that can be adjusted to your preference.
Berbere Spice Mix
The essential Ethiopian spice blend, known for its complex aroma, vibrant color, and distinctive heat. This homemade version allows for customization of spice levels and freshness.
Koeksister Syrup
A classic, intensely sweet, and fragrant spiced syrup, essential for dipping freshly fried, hot koeksisters. The syrup must be thoroughly chilled to create the signature contrast in temperature and texture.