With going out to eat off the table for the near future, many Americans are opting to
bring the dining out experience home with flavors from around the world. While recreating international cuisine may seem intimidating, there are many recipes on the internet that simplify even the most complicated dishes. Utilizing international recipes breaks up the monotony of hamburgers and grilled chicken, and brings some zest to the kitchen. So turn on the stove and turn up the flavor – it’s time to add some pizzazz to your isolation menu!
Tex-Mex Fiesta
When life gives you limes… you make margaritas! Take a trip to the southwest border
with cuisine inspired by the earthy flavors of Mexico. Even if you’re not Tex or Mex, these inspirations are perfect for lunch or dinner and sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. And what would a fiesta be without delicious homemade salsa, rich with succulent tomato, fresh cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño.
For your Salsa, you’ll need:
- 1 28 oz can whole tomatoes (with ½ reserved liquid)
- 1 jalapeño, chopped
- ¼ cup onion, chopped
- ½ lime, juiced
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Combine all ingredients into a blender or food processor. Pulse 4-7 times until you
reach your desired consistency. Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving. And just like that, it really is easy to have homemade salsa ready for chip dipping. You can even remove the outdoor chaise lounge covers and serve everything poolside.
Take-In
It’s a dilemma that is all too familiar: you’re craving Chinese food but also dreading
having to pay up for take out or delivery. Luckily, many of your Chinese restaurant faves can be made at home in the same amount of time (or less) than pick up or delivery would take. Lomein is a quick and easy dish to whip up for dinner and is a hit with kids and picky eaters alike. For those craving a snack fix, spring rolls and won tons are the way to go. Once your meal is ready, head outside, uncover your patio furniture and enjoy your dinner sit-down, restaurant style.
Meatless Mediterranean
Transform your Ho-hum Monday into a Mediterranean feast with a menu that combines the
basics of healthy eating and the traditional flavors and cooking methods of the Mediterreanean. Rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats, these Mediterranean meals are best shared by the company of family and friends. Greek style orzo salad is a
great pick for lunch, and there are even nachos made with a mediterranian twist. And is any mediterranean meal really complete without homemade hummus?
For your Hummus, you’ll need:
- 1 15 ounce can of chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) with liquid
- 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of tahini
- 1 ½ tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 clove of garlic, coarsely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
Start by draining and rinsing the chickpeas, reserving the canned liquid. Combine all
ingredients into a food processor fitted with the blade attachment or blender. Process the hummus continuously until it becomes smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to integrate any large chunks.
Bon Appétit
If Julia Child could do it, so can you. There’s more to French cuisine than escargot and crepes, ranging from easy beginner dishes to the extraordinary feats of culinary expertise the culture is renowned for. However, all French delicacies have two things in common: fresh, local ingredients and a profound respect for masterful skill. From French Onion Soup to Boeuf Bourguignon, there are an endless assortment of dishes to sample when it comes to french dining. A simple ratatouille prepared with fresh vegetables from your garden will have your heart and stomach swooning. With all flights to the French riviera grounded for the foreseeable future, you’ll have to let your taste buds do the traveling for you.
Southern Comforts
There’s a reason food hailing from the southern US is called “comfort food.” It’s like
a hug from your granny or a fishing trip with papa. It’s rich indulgence is always served with a side of cornbread. Southern cuisine is a great choice for staying in and spending some quality time around the dinner table. Shrimp and grits is a Southern foodie staple, and tastes even better when accompanied by some homemade cornbread. If you have a fryer set up in the backyard or even the countertop variety, now is the perfect time for trying your hand at traditional fried chicken. Just don’t forget the greens amidst all of the deep fried goodness!
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