Lebanon

Lebanon (#39) Kabab bil Batata (Kebabs and Potatoes)

Meat and potatoes Lebanese style!  These recipes were so simple and so full of flavor.  The potatoes were pan fried, then tossed with garlic and cilantro that was sautéed in olive oil then splashed with the juice of a lemon.  It won't be long and I'll be able to pluck a lemon from my backyard for this dish.  The kebabs were made with ground beef, minced onion and lots of spices - allspice, coriander, paprika, cumin and cinnamon.  I served this with Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice.  Traditionally, the kebabs are cooked on an open fire or grill, but I cooked them on my Le Creuset grill pan on the stove and they couldn't have been any better.

El Salvador

El Salvador (#38) White Beans and Pork Rib Soup

I found this recipe on-line at https://deliciouselsalvador.com/.  This is the first time I have used baby back pork ribs in a soup, and it was so much better than using a ham-hock.  The ribs fell off the bone and were a perfect addition to the bean soup.  This was also the first time I have used annatto spice.  It comes from the seeds of the achiote tree and is used in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine as a flavoring and coloring agent.  It’s also used to color cheeses such as Cheddar, and cheese products such as Velveeta.  This dish took about 10 minutes to put together, then you simmer it for 2-3 hours and dinner is on the table.

Martinique

Martinique (#37) Sauce au Chien

One of Martinique’s most popular dishes is fish served with sauce au chien (translation, dog sauce).  There are several variations, just as there is with Mexican salsa, and the one I made was simple and so delicious.  It’s made with finely chopped green onions, parsley, garlic, Scotch Bonnet peppers, and lime zest.  The mixture is salted, and boiling water is poured over it.  After allowing it to sit for 5-10 minutes, equal parts of lime juice and olive oil are whisked in.  I pan-fried tilapia and made rice, then topped them with the sauce au chien.  I’m so glad I discovered this recipe and plan on making it the next time I grill shrimp.
http://www.ricardocuisine.com/recipes/4119-sauce-chien-dog-sauce-

Barbados

Barbados (#36) Stewed Down Pork Chops and Macaroni Pie

I’ve never been to Barbados, but it’s on my bucket list for its Bajan cuisine.  While researching recipes, macaroni pie kept coming up, and also stewed dishes.  A comment on the stewed down pork chops, in Bajan dialect was, “Da dish, good, good, good”.  And it was!  It starts with browning the pork chops in oil, then sautéing onions, garlic, and sweet peppers.  Then add thyme, nutmeg, canned tomatoes and water, and let it simmer for a couple of hours.  The macaroni pie ended my search for the best mac and cheese ever.  It’s made with two eggs and a can of evaporated milk, and also includes finely chopped onions and hot peppers, and lots of cheddar cheese.  This dinner is one of my favorites of the 36 countries and may just be number one when I vote at the end of the year. 

Norway

Norway (#35) Kjottkaker med Brunsaus (Norwegian Meat Cakes with Gravy)

Norwegian meat cakes are the Norwegian equivalent to Swedish meatballs, and are Norway’s national dish.  They are made with a mixture of ground beef and pork and spiced up with ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves.  The mixture is shaped into patties and pan-fried in butter, and served with boiled potatoes and brown gravy.  This dish is a keeper and I’ll definitely be making it again in the near future. 

Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic (#34) Coconetes (Coconut Biscuits)

 
After making the Island Rum cake several months ago, I wanted to find more desert recipes that represented the Caribbean, and I found this one.  It’s the Spanish version of macaroons, found throughout the Caribbean, but is most well known in the Dominican Republic.  It’s an easy recipe with all the typical ingredients for macaroons, but this one is made with brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon.  It wasn’t exactly love at first bite, but I did like the subtle sweetness and the cake-like texture of the biscuits.

India

India (#33) Channa Masala (Chickpea Curry)

 

This easy vegetarian Indian dish is healthy and so flavorful.  Sliced onions are sauteed and combined with chickpeas and cubed potatoes, then lots of spices are added - cayenne pepper, coriander, cumin and garam masala.  Simmer in water and fresh squeezed lime juice for 10-15 minutes, and it's ready for the table.  It's served with a dollop of yogurt, chopped cilantro, sliced tomatoes and warm pita bread.