yellow onion – 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

Like 1

Comment

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

Like 14

1 Comment

Iraq: Kibbeh

Cooking Time: 90

Asia

Iraq

Iraqi cuisine has a very rich history. In fact, stone tablets found in ancient ruins in Iraq show recipes prepared in the temples during religious festivals date back to 1900 BC – the first cookbooks in the world. Mesopotamia was a highly advanced society, including in the culinary arts. Kibbeh...

Johanna

Like 6

Comment

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

Like 7

1 Comment

Spain: Paella

Cooking Time: 2 hours

Europe

Spain

If I were on death row and given the opportunity to request one last meal, it would be paella. My dad’s paella, to be precise. So you can imagine the pressure to try to recreate it just so. In fact, the pressure was such that I waited until he was...

Johanna

Like 1

Comment

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

Like 1

Comment

Hungary: Chicken Paprikash

Cooking Time: 1 hour

Europe

Hungary

Some of my favorite gifts from abroad are those I can use in my kitchen. Cookbooks, herbs, spices – they allow me to experience a part of your trip by recreating the meals you enjoyed during your travels right at home. When a wonderful colleague brought me this Hungarian paprika...

Johanna

Like

Comment

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

Like 6

Comment

Italian-Style Egg Skillet

Cooking Time: 35

Uncategorized

After finishing this dish last weekend, Courtney immediately demanded the recipe. He couldn’t stop talking about how awesome it was. Funny thing is, it has a heaping cup of “m word” in it. That’s right, MUSHROOMS. I said it – she who cannot be named. Thing is, we’ve had it...

Johanna

Like 1

Comment

Brazil: Moqueca Capixaba

Cooking Time: 1 hour

South America

Brazil

What are the chances that you find a recipe that is not only 100% Whole30 as is, but is also the signature dish of Brazil?! And on top of that, that you have all the base ingredients for in your pantry/fridge? Courtney and I were feeling like our Whole30 meal plan has...

Johanna

Like

Comment

Ingredient: yellow onion

A Full Bengali Feast with Friends

Johanna

Afghanistan: Qabuli Palow (Kabuli Pulao)

Johanna

Iraq: Kibbeh

Johanna

Argentina: Locro

Johanna

Spain: Paella

Johanna

Romania: Sarmale with Mamaliga

Johanna

Hungary: Chicken Paprikash

Johanna

Kuwait: Machboos Laham

Johanna

Italian-Style Egg Skillet

Johanna

Brazil: Moqueca Capixaba

Johanna