Lomo Saltado

If there’s one dish that perfectly captures the heart of Peruvian cuisine, it’s Lomo Saltado. This bold, comforting stir-fry is more than just a meal—it’s a fusion of cultures, textures, and flavors all in one skillet. Imagine tender strips of seared beef tossed with sweet red onions, juicy tomatoes, and the unexpected (but oh-so-perfect) addition of crispy French fries. It’s all finished off with a savory soy-based sauce and served alongside fluffy white rice. Rooted in Peru’s Chinese-immigrant influence, Lomo Saltado is the ultimate chifa dish—a harmonious marriage between East and West. It’s quick, vibrant, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re …

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Plokkfiskur

There’s something profoundly comforting about a dish like Plokkfiskur—a creamy Icelandic fish stew that speaks to the soul of Nordic home cooking. Rooted in simplicity and resourcefulness, this humble recipe transforms everyday ingredients—flaky white fish, buttery potatoes, sweet onions, and a smooth béchamel—into a bowl of pure comfort. I first discovered Plokkfiskur on a chilly afternoon in Reykjavik, where it was served with a thick slice of dark rye bread and a dollop of butter. The flavors were mild yet deeply satisfying, warming me from the inside out like a familiar hug. It’s the kind of dish you make when …

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Kare-Kare

Nothing feels quite as cozy as a pot of Kare-Kare slowly cooking on the stove. Growing up, this iconic Filipino peanut stew was a staple at our Sunday lunches and festive gatherings. Its rich, creamy sauce clings lovingly to each tender piece of oxtail, while a medley of vibrant vegetables brings both color and balance. But the real magic? That side of sautéed bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) — salty, funky, and just the right contrast to the stew’s mellow nuttiness. Kare-Kare isn’t a dish you rush. It’s slow food in the best way: simmered patiently, thickened with toasted rice and …

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Doro Wat

If there’s one dish that captures the soul of Ethiopian cuisine, it’s Doro Wat. This hearty, spicy chicken stew is simmered slowly in a deeply flavorful berbere-spiced onion base, enriched with clarified spiced butter (niter kibbeh) and finished with hard-boiled eggs. It’s bold, comforting, and traditionally served with injera, the tangy flatbread that makes every bite a perfect balance of heat and depth. Whether you’re new to Ethiopian cooking or revisiting a favorite, this is a dish worth savoring. Ingredients For the stew: 1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken drumsticks or bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed 3–4 large red onions, finely …

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Khachapuri

There’s something truly magical about the moment you tear into a freshly baked Khachapuri—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with rivers of molten cheese and a golden egg yolk beckoning from the center. It’s comfort food at its finest, the kind that warms both your stomach and your soul. I first discovered Khachapuri on a rainy afternoon at a cozy café tucked away in Tbilisi’s old town. The aroma of bubbling cheese and fresh bread drifted through the air, and I knew I had to try it. One bite, and I was hooked. Since then, this Georgian staple …

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Egusi Soup

There’s something magical about a bubbling pot of Egusi Soup simmering on the stove. It’s not just a meal—it’s a story passed down through generations, deeply rooted in Nigerian and West African tradition. Growing up, Egusi Soup was the highlight of weekends and celebrations, filling the house with the nutty aroma of ground melon seeds, rich palm oil, and well-seasoned meats. This vibrant, hearty soup is everything you want in comfort food: thick, creamy, and generously loaded with tender cuts of assorted meats, smoked fish, and bold spices. The egusi (melon seeds) add a unique texture that’s unlike any other …

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Paella de Mariscos

There’s something magical about gathering around a sizzling pan of Paella de Mariscos as the aroma of saffron, garlic, and the sea fills the air. This traditional Spanish seafood paella is more than just a dish — it’s a celebration. Inspired by coastal Valencia, where paella was born, this version is brimming with shrimp, mussels, and tender calamari, nestled into golden, flavor-packed rice. I love making this paella on weekends when friends or family are around. The beauty lies in its simplicity — once the sofrito is prepared and the rice is simmering, all it takes is a bit of …

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Gravlax

Elegance defines gravlax, Sweden’s iconic cured salmon. Each slice glistens with dill’s freshness, the gentle warmth of sugar, and salt’s bold depth. Whether you serve it on rye bread with mustard sauce or as part of a smorgasbord, this Scandinavian classic makes any moment feel like a special occasion. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home—no smoking or cooking required! Ingredients 2 fillets of fresh salmon (about 500g each), skin-on, pin bones removed 4 tbsp coarse sea salt 3 tbsp granulated sugar 1 tsp freshly ground white or black pepper 1 large bunch of fresh dill, roughly chopped Zest of …

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Bacalhau à Brás

If you’ve ever wandered through the cozy alleyways of Lisbon or dined at a Portuguese family table, you’ve likely encountered Bacalhau à Brás—that golden, comforting mix of shredded salted cod, crispy matchstick potatoes, and silky scrambled eggs. It’s one of those humble dishes that feels like a warm hug from a Portuguese grandmother you didn’t know you had. This recipe is close to my heart because it transforms pantry staples into something utterly delicious. The flavor of the salt cod, mellowed by soaking, combines beautifully with sweet onions, garlic, and perfectly fried potatoes, all wrapped together in softly scrambled eggs. …

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Brudet

If there’s one dish that captures the essence of the Croatian coast, it’s Brudet. This rustic fish stew hails from the sun-drenched Dalmatian region, where the sea is generous, and every meal tells a story. Brudet is not just a recipe—it’s tradition in a pot. Crafted with a mix of fresh, firm fish and gently simmered in an aromatic tomato and white wine broth, Brudet delivers rich, layered flavors and the heartwarming essence of coastal cuisine. The magic happens when the fish gently cooks without stirring, allowing it to absorb the rich, garlicky sauce. Every home along the Adriatic has …

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