Expand your culinary horizons with these global flavour basics
Your pantry cupboard is the gateway to your favourite world flavours, without the long flights and jetlag. Simply stock up on some tried-and-tested pantry staples and you’ll soon be embarking on a journey of taste.
It’s time to spice up dinnertime and exercise your sense of adventure! As they say, variety is the spice of life, and if there’s one way you can achieve this within the comfort of your own home, it’s in the kitchen.
We bring you an easy cheat sheet for a global round trip featuring the famous flavours of Asia, India, France, Italy, the Mediterranean, Mexico and Morocco. Plus, exactly what to buy to make your own at home.
ASIA
From Vietnamese scrambled eggs, Korean bo ssam to pad Thai, every great Asian dish is ruled by the tantalising combination of four flavours: sweet, salty, sour and spicy.
Whether you’re craving a bowl of noodles, stir fry or curry it’s quick and easy to achieve Asian-inspired flavour by stocking up on these pantry staples: fish sauce, tamarind, dried chillies, galangal, sesame oil, lime leaves and rice vinegar.
Get the Asian-style slow-cooked pork shoulder recipe here.
Find more Asian-inspired recipes here.
Find more Thai-inspired recipes here.
INDIA
Some like it hot! Indian cuisine is a the perfect combination of heat and richness. Whether you prefer mild korma, filling biryani or spicy rendang, the result will be satisfying.
Achieve easy Indian-inspired flavour by stocking up on dried or fresh beans, chillies and spices including cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, garam masala, ginger, garlic and turmeric.
Get the Indian corn dhal with chickpea fritters recipe here.
FRANCE
Famous for its use of butter, cheese, salt, provincial herbs and fresh produce such as leeks, mustard and olive oil, French cuisine relies heavily on fresh, seasonal produce. The French are also famous for their lighter-than-air pastries. Hello croissants, madeleines, macarons, crêpes Suzette and, of course, the decadent and creamy éclair!
Get the ricotta madeleines recipe here.
Find more French-inspired recipes here.
ITALY
Perfect al dente pasta? World-famous Italian cuisine is characterised by one thing: simplicity! Whether you’re after pasta, risotto or pizza, ensure your Italian larder is stocked with canned tomatoes, pasta, arborio rice, cannellini beans, artichokes, olives, pine nuts, capers and garlic.
Get the tomato caponata pasta recipe here.
Find more Italian-inspired recipes here.
MEDITERRANEAN
Will that be a meze platter to share? Mediterranean cuisine is flexible; like French and Italian, it also relies on the fresh seasonal produce.
Make sure you have fresh or frozen fish, grains, wine, olive oil, olives, feta, brinjal, baby marrows, lemon juice, fresh green herbs, flatbreads and yoghurt for easy Mediterranean-inspired flavour.
Get the slow-cooked lamb-and-pomegranate flatbread recipe here.
Find more Mediterranean-inspired recipes here.
MEXICO
Who doesn’t double dip nachos? Fresh, zesty, spicy and colourful typify the bold characteristics of Mexican cuisine.
Make sure you’re full up on avocados, beans (canned or dried), cheese, chillies, sour cream, citrus, fresh tomatoes and tortillas for a quick Mexican-inspired feast during the week.
Get the cheesy chicken quesadillas recipe here.
Find more Mexican-inspired recipes here.
MOROCCO
A melting pot of flavours and cultures, Morocco is most renowned for its couscous-based tagines.
For a quick weeknight, Moroccan-inspired meal check your pantry for couscous, dried fruit, honey, olives, olive oil and spices such as saffron, cumin, coriander, ginger, paprika and pastes such as harissa.
Get the Moroccan fish couscous recipe here.
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