Since certain ingredients are used as a result of both history and geographic conditions, one of the best ways to educate yourself about a country is to sample its food. As well as treating your taste buds to exotic culinary delights, eating in a new country is a great way to truly immerse yourself in the culture of a new country, and meet new friends.
Chicken is eaten everywhere
The humble fowl really does have widespread international following. From China to Peru you’ll discover that every country on the planet has a different way of preparing chicken. You can stir fry it, or you can let it cook in an oven as a casserole. The chicken is perfect as a dish for curries or as a tempting recovery meal for anyone who has been ill.
French chicken classic
A classic French dish that is easy to prepare is chicken in white wine sauce. Simply buy some chicken breasts, fry them in a deep pan or casserole dish, add equal measures of chicken stock and white wine and then add 4 cloves of whole garlic and place the whole mixture to simmer for around 40 minutes. You can check if the chicken is properly cooked by just piercing the breast with a thin knife and making sure that it’s no longer pink. Mushrooms added in the last ten minutes of cooking time will enrich this recipe. You should also add herbs as well as salt and pepper for extra taste. Reduce the sauce by removing the lid and boiling quickly. This is when you add the cream.
Sample some Andean culture in Peru
In Peru they cook fiery chicken dishes using chillies, cumin and evaporated milk. This unlikely sounding combination is in fact delicious. It’s a one-pot recipe so once you’ve boiled your chicken and shredded it you can then fry the onion, chillies, pecan nuts and garlic and spices. Add evaporated milk to the spices then combine with the chicken. All that’s left to do is enjoy this meal while learning about the Incas and the lost civilizations of this fascinating part of the world.
Try Middle Eastern chicken recipes
Turkey is renowned for its incredible fusion of cultures, astonishing monuments and its mysterious Hittite people. It’s also famous for its beaches and bazaars. Chicken dishes from this country can incorporate cardamom, paprika and nuts. Simply boil your chicken pieces for around 20 minutes and then strain through a sieve. Whiz up the walnuts, onion and the water/stock from the chicken, adding paprika, some crusts of bread and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Smear the paste over the chicken and you’ll have a delicious meal.
Research:
http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/9691/chicken-in-a-creamy-white-wine-sauce.aspx
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/feb/20/martin-morales-aji-de-gallina-peruvian-recipe-chicken
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/australia-food-blog/2013/aug/22/ottolenghi-10-best-chicken-poultry
Lainie Liberti is a recovering branding expert, who’s career once focused on creating campaigns for green – eco business, non-profits and conscious business. Dazzling clients with her high-energy designs for over 18 years, Lainie lent her artistic talents to businesses that matter. But that was then.
In 2008, after the economy took a turn, Lainie decided to be the change (instead of a victim) and began the process of “lifestyle redesign,” a joint decision between both her and her 11-year-old son, Miro. They sold or gave away all of of their possessions in 2009 and began a life of travel, service, and exploration. Lainie and her son Miro began their open-ended adventure backpacking through Central and South America. They are slow traveling around the globe allowing inspiration to be their compass. The pair is most interested in exploring different cultures, contributing by serving, and connecting with humanity as ‘global citizens.’
Today Lainie considers herself a digital nomad who is living a location independent life. She and her son write and podcast their experiences from the road at Raising Miro on the Road of Life.
