Yummy international foods to try &/or recipes

[LuvOrlando]

I am looking for some new stuff to try and make. If you have anything you think would be good please post it's name, the main flavor(s) and a recipe if you have it.

I just finished off the last of the Baklava from my Friday trip to The Village in NYC (Mamouns) and desperately wish I could mimic the stuff, but it's doubtful. I've had the Greek version and it's not the same. Then there is the Greek cucumber sauce and seasoned meat in gyro which I couldn't possibly duplicate which is equally delicious. Next a good NYC bagel, why are these bits of dough so elusive away from NYC? Oh, and something I regret not finding on my last trip, Jamaican style Plaintains made with cola... I know South American's have some too but the Jamaican ones are the kind I adore. Then there is the yumminess that can only be found in supremely well whipped smooth ricotta cream carefully placed in a freshly made non mushy Cannoli, no chocolate chips or dried fruit please. German butter cookies.... a good knish. The list is endless.

Ummm, I am hungry and my belly misses living in NYC, Friday was such a tease suggestions for my next trip & recipes please.

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Can't believe there are no replies yet!!

For a quick breakfast nothing is easier than a Jamaican spiced pattie. They are usually stuffed with chicken or beef and make an easy handheld, mess-free breakfast. Don't know why these aren't more popular all around.

Sticking to the islands you can try jerk pork or chicken with rice and beans and fried plantains with festival to tops it off.

I learned and important lesson for making Jamaican-style rice and beans (or more properly rice and peas) --- only one Scothc Bonnet pepper (aka habañero) is needed to make a good sized pot. Make a couple small cuts into the pepper and throw it into the pot whole. After cooking, remove the pepper and discard. For my first batch of rice and beans I diced three Scotch Bonnets and stirred them in. WAY TOO SPICY!!!!

Continuing around the Caribbean, stop off for that Cuban treasure Ropa Vieja (literally "Old Clothes"). Simmer flank steak with salt, pepper and cumin until very tender. Shred the flank steak and simmer it in a tomato based sauce with onion, green pepper, and garlic. Serve with rice and garbanzo beans.

 

[TinkPinkPoem]

Baklava is quite complicated but if you are in to give it a try I will give you a recipe.

I am looking for some new stuff to try and make. If you have anything you think would be good please post it's name, the main flavor(s) and a recipe if you have it.

I just finished off the last of the Baklava from my Friday trip to The Village in NYC (Mamouns) and desperately wish I could mimic the stuff, but it's doubtful. I've had the Greek version and it's not the same. Then there is the Greek cucumber sauce and seasoned meat in gyro which I couldn't possibly duplicate which is equally delicious.

You mean tzatziki? It's very easy!

All you need is:

2 cups of yogurt - full fat strained yogurt
3-4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 large cucumber, cut into small pieces and dried
Extra virgin olive oil- at least 1 tablespoon
A little vinegar
A little salt

Put the yogurt into a bowl. Add the cucumber and garlic and stir. Then pour the olive oil and gently fold the yogurt over it and stir until evenly mixed. Add the vinegar and the salt.

It's a very simple recipe and you add or subtract ingredients according to your taste. I prefer 3-4 cloves of garlic as it has a pretty strong taste. Adding more olive oil will result in a lighter yet more "oily" texture.

Enjoy!