cooking

Lamb is as versatile a meat as any—whether fried, chopped, or stewed, it is the star ingredient in countless delicious recipes. One of the first animals ever domesticated, sheep have long been used for food both for their meat and their milk. Lamb meat comes from a sheep that is less than one-year-old. After one year, the meat is called hogget, and after two years the meat is called mutton. Though different countries may vary in their definitions of what these categories of sheep meat are called, lamb is always the most expensive because it is the most tender.Due to the widespread domestication of sheep, lamb recipes can be found all over the world. It is fascinating to see how different cultures have taken this classic ingredient and turned it into something spectacular.

Plums are one of the world’s most delightful fruits. They come in many varieties, and can range from mellow to tart. This versatile fruit is enjoyed by many cultures in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some tasty examples!

Everyone knows that fried chicken and hushpuppies are classic Southern foods, but here are a few lesser-known recipes to give you another taste of the South. Enjoy!

Known for its sweet taste, honey is as versatile as it is delicious. People have taken advantage of this ingredient for thousands of years, in uses ranging from medicinal cough remedies to savory sauces. Honey remains a staple food in cultures across the world.

Despite its intimidating name, the frozen island that is Iceland is becoming a popular getaway destination. Its unique terrain of glaciers, hot springs, and volcanoes are major attractions for both locals and tourists all year round. Even the winter season often proves to be magical. But it’s not just the diverse landscape that makes Iceland feel like a winter wonderland.

There’s nothing better than limes to pack a tangy punch. While you may not be adventurous enough to eat a lime on its own, this member of the citrus family complements a wide range of ingredients. From a cold, creamy drink to a savory soup, these four recipes highlight the way limes are used around the world.

Required in many traditional recipes around the world, saffron is an often overlooked and underappreciated spice in mainstream American cooking. Composed of the dried stigmas (the part of the flower that captures pollen) of the crocus sativus or saffron crocus, saffron stands as the most labor-intensive spice in the world. One pound of dried saffron may require hand-harvested stigmas of 50,000 to 75,000 flowers. No wonder it has the stigma of being so expensive! However, don’t let the price intimidate you; a little saffron goes a long way, and its unique flavor makes it rare and sought-after. Experience saffron around the world by trying some of these recipes.

The avocado is a tree-grown food loved by people the world over. Even the ancient Egyptians loved avocado, applying it daily to their hair to keep their locks healthy and shiny. The avocado is also called the Alligator Pear because of its bumpy green skin. Did you also know that this creamy food is actually a fruit, high in nutrients and incredibly versatile? These recipes will give you a taste for just some of the ways that the avocado is enjoyed in different parts of the world.

Ratatouille

The Four Corners of the Kitchen Hide your dried spices in the back of your cupboard and shove your canned goods into a dark drawer; it’s time to pull out the fresh ingredients that make summer taste so invigorating. Refresh your taste buds with our fresh herb of choice—cilantro. Used in ancient love potions by the Chinese and clinically proven to add extra punch to your detox diet, cilantro pairs beautifully with many flavors. Let cilantro be your tour guide for your culinary trip around the world!

Many Japanese foods that are popular today both in Japan and throughout the world didn’t actually originate in Japan. Gyoza (potstickers) and yakisoba (similar to Chinese chow mein) both originated in China. And tonkatsu (Japanese pork cutlet) is a Western dish adapted by the Japanese.

Rice is just one of those foods. You can find it in the cuisine of almost every country, from Asia to Africa to North America. But just about everyone has a different—and delicious—way of preparing it. Get to know some of your fellow rice connoisseurs by trying these international recipes.