bay leaves – Notes From a Messy Kitchen

I’ve enjoyed all 96 of the countries I’ve cooked from so far, but far and away the most fun experiences have been the ones where someone has come and shown me how to make a family recipe. A friend is always a better teacher than a blog or a cookbook,...

Johanna

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Afghanistan: Qabuli Palow (Kabuli Pulao)

Asia

Afghanistan

Qabuli palow (also kabuli pulao) is *the* dish in Afghanistan. It’s served at weddings, parties and pretty much all celebrations, and is considered the country’s national dish. Rice is an indication of wealth, and rice dishes are very important culturally. In fact, reputations can be made or lost on rice,...

Johanna

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Argentina: Locro

Cooking Time: 3 hours

South America

Argentina

I had many ideas for what I might make from Argentina. I considered empanadas, such a delicious classic with a wide variety of fillings to choose from. And thought about making alfajores, a traditional sandwich cookie filled with dulce de leche. But ultimately I landed on locro: A thick, hearty stew comprised...

Johanna

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Romania: Sarmale with Mamaliga

Europe

Romania

There are many varieties of cabbage rolls popular across Eastern Europe, varying primarily by filling and sauce. You may remember, for instance, the balandeliai I made from Lithuania. Romanian sarmale aren’t all that different, although the pickled sauerkraut, bacon and dill makes it slightly more tangy and savory. This time I used...

Johanna

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Kuwait: Machboos Laham

Cooking Time: 2 hours

Asia

Kuwait

I’ve often been asked how I decide which country I’m going to cook from next. It’s usually fairly arbitrary. An ingredient I’m looking to use, a craving, a whim. This week I wanted to get back on the journey. I was researching recipes and discovered that February 25th is the...

Johanna

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Belgium: Rabbit Carbonnade

Cooking Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Europe

Belgium

How do you decide what to make for some of your closest friend’s last supper in D.C.? I know I can’t compete with Rose’s – their favorite restaurant – and they’ve already visited 9 of the countries on this culinary journey (second only to Courtney and my mom). Luckily, Holly...

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Portugal: Caldeirada de Peixe

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Europe

Portugal

I always have to think a bit about what recipes are good for Camp. The cupboards aren’t as stocked as my own, and I’m never sure exactly what equipment I’m going to find. Plus, you’re always cooking for a good sized group – my favorite part about Camp. I decided on...

Johanna

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Canada: Tourtière

Cooking Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Canada

You can imagine how excited I was when our Diversity & Inclusion Committee circulated an invitation for a potluck to learn more about the culture and traditions of our coworkers. You know how some people are visual learners, while others learn by reading or doing? Food is my learning style. As...

Johanna

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The Philippines: Chicken Adobo

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

The Philippines

The Philippines is a large archipelago with more than 7,000 islands, each with its own regional flavors. Filipino cuisine represents a cultural crossroads, with Malay, Hindu, Arab, Chinese and Spaniard influence. One dish that is fairly ubiquitous in Filipino households is adobo, a cooking style that involves a marinade of vinegar, soy,...

Johanna

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Mexico: Pozole

Cooking Time: 75 minutes

Mexico

Pozole means “hominy,” which is the dried corn kernels that make up the backbone of this soup. Hominy is corn that has undergone the alkali process, known as nixtamalization, loosening the hulls from the kernels and softening the kernels themselves, resulting in giant kernels with a slightly chewier texture. You’ve probably had hominy...

Johanna

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Ingredient: bay leaves

A Full Bengali Feast with Friends

Johanna

Afghanistan: Qabuli Palow (Kabuli Pulao)

Johanna

Argentina: Locro

Johanna

Romania: Sarmale with Mamaliga

Johanna

Kuwait: Machboos Laham

Johanna

Belgium: Rabbit Carbonnade

Johanna

Portugal: Caldeirada de Peixe

Johanna

Canada: Tourtière

Johanna

The Philippines: Chicken Adobo

Johanna

Mexico: Pozole

Johanna