10 Comfort Foods From Around the World
Whether it’s reading a book, or catching up on that new show everyone’s raving about, it’s always nice to take some time to wind down at home. One self-care treatment I like to do is dig into my favorite comfort foods. Comfort foods are usually high in fat, sugar, and salt, which makes for a unique and delicious combination for a variety of dishes around the globe!
We did some research on different cultures across the globe and found what comfort food is to them.
Colombia
Americans like to claim that they have the best hot dogs. Whether it’s the water that makes the New York City hot dog the hot dog, or the Chicago-style hot dog that’s dragged through the garden, nothing compares to Colombia’s perro caliente.
Characterized by its large size and unique toppings, including mayonnaise, pineapple chunks, crushed potato chips and bacon, perro caliente is the perfect comfort food, or the perfect bite after a night out. The hot dog is also placed on a styrofoam boat, with a quail egg to top everything off. This dish can be found on most busy steets in Colombia, or in the Queens area of New York City.
Morocco
The word tagine has two meanings. First, it refers to a type of North African cookware that is traditionally made of clay or ceramic. While the top of the tagine is shaped like a rounded dome, the bottom is wide and used for both cooking and serving. Second, the word tagine refers to the brilliant blend of sweet and savory spices that are put into this dish. Served over couscous or flatbread, the succulent stew is slowly braised with vegetables, dried fruit and meat (usually lamb).
Vietnam
Best eaten in the early morning or in the night when you want to refresh your mind, pho is the perfect dish to wake up your senses. Consisting of broth, noodles, herbs, and meat (usually beef), pho is a popular street food in Vietnam and in restaurants all over the world. Not to be confused with the equally delicious Japanese ramen, which is usually made with wheat noodles, pho is made with rice noodles.
United Kingdom
A good British roast is a thing of beauty. Usually had on Sundays, roast consists of a joint of beef, though pork and chicken are also acceptable. The cut of meat(s) should also be accompanied with potatoes (mashed, boiled, or a combination of both), as well as vegetables (brussel sprouts, peas, carrots, cabbage, and parsnips). To top your plate off, place a perfectly golden Yorkshire pudding to cap off the end of a perfect weekend.
India
Similar to the Italy’s risotto, khichdi is a soupy mixture of rice and lentils. Light, while being nutritious and filling, khichdi is accompanied by both turmeric and cumin. The perfect dish for any vegan!
Greece
This Mediterranean dish is commonly prepared with eggplant or potato and served casserole-style. Moussaka, which translates to ‘that which liquid is fed’ from Arabic, also contains minced lamb, along with an assortment of spices such as cinammon, allspice, and black pepper. To top this savory dish off, add a simple bechamel sauce with flour, butter, and milk! Serve it with some Greek salad and feta for a perfect combination!
Trinidad & Tobago
Salt fish and bake is a delightful blend of salt fish sautéed with onions, garlic, tomatoes and thyme. Enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, salt fish and bake is best made with dried Atlantic cod, sandwiched in between the bake. Once you try this dish, you’ll be transported all the way to the Caribbean!
United States
Born and raised in the United States, my all time favorite comfort food is grilled cheese! I’m no elitist, so I love my grilled cheese made from Kraft singles along with some white bread, and toasted with butter on the pan! P.S. don’t forget about the Campbell’s Tomato Soup!
Philippines
Argued to be the national dish of the Philippines, adobo is more of a cooking method than it is a dish. This dish mostly involves the cooking of any meat, seafood, vegetable, or fruit in a mixture of vinegar, black pepper, salt, garlic, bay leaves, and soy sauce. Served with an accompaniment of white rice, adobo is the perfect dish for anyone craving a savory meal!
Japan
What’s comfort food without desert? Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of mochigome, which is a sweet rice dough that encapsulates delicious ice-cream! Popular around the world and most likely in your local supermarket, mochi makes for a great treat after any meal to help you doze off.
Love traveling for the best food out there? Visit roadgoat.com to find the best destinations for your next trip, or to map everywhere you’ve ever traveled! 🗺️📍
Originally published at https://www.roadgoat.com on May 2, 2020.
