Regional Cuisine Recipes

Simple lettuce salad dressed in a homemade vinaigrette of olive oil, white vinegar, garlic, basil, and scallions. A fresh, classic side salad with no-fuss dressing.

In other parts of Central Asia this dish is made with red beans and I have it made with beef, horse, camel, chicken, and venison for the meat instead of the lamb. It is excellent anyway it comes.

Kurkkusalaatti is the classic Finnish cucumber salad with sour cream, fresh dill, and a touch of vinegar. Salt-pulled cucumbers stay crunchy, never watery. Pure Nordic summer on a plate.

Korean-style steamed napa cabbage (ho baechu) tossed with sesame oil, garlic, sesame seeds, and meat sauce. A quick, fragrant banchan side dish ready in 30 minutes.

Finnish fish chowder layered with salmon, clams, shrimp, bacon, potatoes, and red cabbage in a milk broth. A hearty Nordic soup that freezes beautifully.

Stacked Southwestern tortilla wedges layered with chicken, guacamole, refried beans, salsa, sour cream, and melted cheddar. A fun shareable appetizer or snack.

Ham and broccoli stir-fry in a savory oyster sauce with rice wine, ginger, and toasted walnuts. A quick Chinese-inspired wok dish served over gingered rice.

Crispy baked chicken legs served with homemade mango ginger chutney and toasted coconut carrot rice. A tropical-meets-comfort dinner with bold, layered spices.

Homemade gyros with ground lamb, allspice, coriander, and savory threaded on skewers with bacon and broiled crispy. Served build-your-own style in pita with yogurt and tomatoes.

Tender chicken pieces stir-fried with carrots and celery in tangy plum sauce, finished with ginger, sherry, and Chinese pickles. Glossy cornstarch gravy coats every bite.

Feta and scallion omelet seasoned with paprika and fresh dill, folded soft and fluffy. A quick brunch omelet with a Russian-style salty-cheese filling that comes together in minutes.

Chinese barbecue pork (char siu) with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Oven-baked pork loin strips with a sweet, sticky glaze.

Hungarian-style paprika gravy with sour cream, beef stock, green peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. A rich, velvety sauce for schnitzel, dumplings, or roasted meats.

Traditional Scottish haggis from scratch, with toasted oatmeal, sheep heart and liver, suet, and warm spices packed into a stomach casing. The Burns Night centerpiece, served with neeps, tatties, and a nip of whisky.

Highland sausage roll wraps minced venison and pork belly with port-soaked seasonings and tea-plumped prunes inside golden puff pastry. A rustic Scottish showstopper.

Saffron kulfi pops simmer whole milk with sugar until reduced by half, then bloom saffron threads in hot water and freeze in cones or cups. Authentic Indian frozen dessert without an ice cream maker.