The Food Diaries

Hello, fellow foodies! F ew dishes in the culinary innovation spectrum pay as much regard toward fusion cuisine as Korean BBQ Tacos. The bold, tantalizing creation combines spicy, sweet, and savory flavors of Korean barbecue with a classic Mexican taco to create something that will truly part ways with your taste buds. The Rise of Korean-Mexican Fusion: For the last couple of years, Korean-Mexican fusion has been rapidly becoming a phenomenal food trend across culinary borders, as new-wave cooks and food enthusiasts have been experimenting with bold flavors and spices of Korean chili flakes, soy sauce, and sesame oil and combine them with the freshness of cilantro, lime juice, and crispy tortillas. Korean BBQ Tacos personify this exciting trend. Elements of the Korean BBQ Tacos: So, what's the big deal with Korean BBQ Tacos? Basically, this dish traditionally comprises these ingredients:  Tender, juicy Korean BBQ beef (like bulgogi or kalbi), marinated in a sweet and spicy mixture ...

Hello, fellow foodies!   A nd just like the weather, our palates change and start to crave heartier, more comforting flavors. One such dish that meets great ambrosial equilibrium with sweet, savory, warm, and inviting flavors is the Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Tart. A masterpiece in bringing elements that apparently could not get along into an inimitably beautiful whole, this spectacular tart is the star of the show. This tart is founded on roasted beets, and for good reason: the natural sweetness and earthy flavor of these roots are both furthered by time in the oven. The process caramelizes natural sugars and brings out a flavor in them that is nothing short of magical in depth and complexity. With the tangy creaminess from the goat cheese, set up is a pleasant harmony of flavors. Goat Cheese: The Creamy Counterpoint... With its creamy flavor and texture, goat cheese is an ideal contrast to the sweet beets. Crumbling the goat cheese provides textural contrast but also lends a to...

Hello, fellow foodies!   V ery few dishes define a fusion cuisine so much as this one: Indian Butter Chicken Stuffed French Toast. It's not a very bland explanation for an exciting, bold creation that marries rich, creamy flavors from the land of spices—Indian butter chicken—with the warmth and loving comfort of classic French toast, therefore handing out a very unique gastronomic experience. The Inspiration Behind the Dish: One of the most favored dishes from the Indian subcontinent is the Indian butter chicken, tender chicken swimming in rich, creamy tomato sauce. French toast is a classic breakfast food that originated in Europe, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. Combining these two very disparate elements gives birth to a dish recognizable in theory but pioneering in spirit—in content, both familiar and exciting. The Components of Indian Butter Chicken Stuffed French Toast... So what's so special about it? The elements are:  Generous slices of bread, soaked in a mix...

Hello, fellow foodies!   F ew dishes epitomize the very spirit of fusion cuisine like Thai Green Curry Risotto. It is the bold and beguiling creation of creamy, comforting warmth from Italian risotto paired with the vibrant, aromatic flavors of Thai green curry for an ultimately unique gastronomic experience. The Inspiration Behind the Dish: Thai green curry bursts with vivid, perky flavors and creamy coconut milk from Bangkok's streets. At the same time, risotto is rich, velvety, warm, and comforting—the ultimate classic Italian staple. By putting those two seemingly very different ingredients together, we make something that seems at once both very familiar and highly innovative, comforting and exciting. Components of Thai Green Curry Risotto: So, what makes this special? The elements are a creamy Arborio rice-based risotto infused with saffron and white wine, a radiant green curry paste with lemongrass, galangal, and Thai basil, and a mix of sweet shrimp, peppers, and Thai basil...

Hello, fellow foodies!   V ery few dishes across the gastronomic creative world can describe fusion quite like the Peruvian Ceviche Stuffed Avocado. This knockout culinary number brings together the fresh and vibrant flavors of Peruvian ceviche and the creamy, healthful goodness of avocados in one amazing taste sensation. The Inspiration Behind the Dish: Peruvian ceviche bursts forth with the flavors of a sunny dish with succulent seafood, and it hails from the costal regions of Peru. Avocados are a cream-textured food staple, packed with the goodness of nutrition within modern cuisine. Combining both of them brings together something that seems typical yet so new and exciting. Ingredients in Peruvian Ceviche Stuffed Avocados... So, what makes this glory of a dish stand out? Let's see: Fresh and sustainable seafood—halibut or shrimp—marinated in a zesty mixture of lime juice mixed with onions, garlic, and aji amarillo peppers. Creamy and nutritious avocados, cut in half and filled ...

Hello, fellow foodies!   T here could hardly be a dish in the culinary realm that speaks more to the spirit of the Mediterranean cuisine than the Greek Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms. This deliciously filling and spicy piece of creativity bursts from the earthy goodness of portobello mushrooms and the lively, salty flavors of the Greeks, marrying to create a completely different gastronomic experience. Inspiration Behind the Dish: Greek cuisine is rich in fresh vegetables, herbs, and feta cheese, and it is one of the most popular cornerstones of the Mediterranean diet. On a different note, it is the meaty texture and earthy flavor of Portobello mushrooms that make them an ingredient in a wide reach of cuisines. Such combination creates a dish that is both familiar and new, full of flavor and savory. Elements of Greek Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms... What exactly makes this dish special? Its ingredients are: First, large and meaty Portobello mushrooms, cleaned and prepared for stuffing...

Hello, fellow foodies!   F ew desserts can show the fusion of cuisines in the innovation of food like Vietnamese Coffee Crème Brûlée. That is a bold, beguiling creation; it merges rich, smooth flavors of French crème brûlée with vibrant and aromatic Vietnamese coffee flavors to create a gastronomic experience that simply is one of a kind. Inspiration Behind the Dish: The rich, full-bodied Vietnamese coffee from the streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is combined with French crème brûlée, which is as smooth and creamy as this classic dessert could possibly be. Joining these two apparent incompatibilities makes for something both familiar yet innovative, rich, and creamy. The Components of Vietnamese Coffee Crème Brûlée... So what makes this dessert so special? The components are as follows: Rich and creamy custard base infused with the flavor of coffee, made with Vietnamese coffee, cream, and sugar. Smooth and velvety texture with thin caramelized sugar on top Sprinkle some cinnam...

Hello, fellow foodies!   O f recent culinary innovations, very few dishes have captured this fusion cuisine spirit like Middle Eastern lamb kofta tacos. Bold, tantalizing, and rich in gamey flavor, this dish marries a leading specimen of Middle Eastern lamb kofta to the vibrancy of crunchy Mexican tacos in one mouthful, giving way to an epicurean experience without a parallel. The Inspiration Behind the Dish: The Middle Eastern lamb kofta is very gamey in flavor, combined with tender texture. Mexican tacos are full of vibrant, crunchy textures and ultra-bold flavors—both classic staples of Latin American food. Combine the two, and we have a dish that's familiar and fresh, full of flavor and excitement. The Components of Middle Eastern Lamb Kofta Tacos... So, what's really special about this dish? The components are as follows: • Tender and flavorfully spicy lamb kofta made with ground lamb, onions, garlic, and Middle Eastern spices. • Crispy, crunchy taco shells made with corn ...

Hello, fellow foodies!   F ew dishes scream innovation in the culinary world like Japanese Teriyaki Chicken and Waffle Cones. This bold and tantalizing dish marries the sweetness, crispiness of the waffle cones, and the savory and umami flavors of Japanese teriyaki chicken in a reinvented way that will totally differ from the usual gastronomic experience. Inspiration Behind the Dish: Japanese Teriyaki Chicken—sweet and savory—is straight from the streets of Tokyo. Waffle cones with a crisp texture and sweet flavor are a dessert classic. The marriage of two such elements, very dissimilar to each other, will give us a familiar yet somehow innovative result that's sweet and savory. Components of Japanese Teriyaki Chicken and Waffle Cones... So, what exactly makes this dish so special? The components are: Crispy-sweet waffle cones, with a special mix of Japanese-inspired batter; tender and juicy teriyaki chicken marinated in sweet and savory soy sauce, sake, and mirin; toasted sesame s...

Hello, fellow foodies!   F ew dishes strike a balance as well between elegance and flavor in the culinary world as Saffron Crusted Scallops with Smoked Paprika Aioli. This is one classy recipe that is sure to show how what might seem like a bunch of odd elements really do come together to create something truly unforgettable. Scallops: The Star of the Show... Scallops are delicacies which, light touch or no, lose their melting, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Fresh scallops will be the important base in this recipe. Then, the light dusting of saffron-infused flour adds an unobtrusive yet aromatic crust without being overwhelming, thus adding an upscale dimension to the dish and not overpowering the sweetness of the scallops naturally. Saffron—The Golden Nectar... Saffron matches with earthy and floral tones in the scallops, infusing the dish with a delicate flavor. This exceptionally valued spice—considered "red gold"—produces an extremely recognizable aroma with a brilliant yell...

  Hello, fellow foodies!   Orange, pink, and purple are the hues the sky turns to when the sun sets over the horizon in the tropics. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance from flowers that have just unfolded their petals and waves crashing to shore. That is a moment of peace and calm—sit back and enjoy nature. And it will be this dish, in this very blog post, that will take us on a culinary journey: capturing the essence of a tropical sunset with sweetly succulent shrimp and pineapple, spicy mango chutney, laid on a bed of coconut lime rice. Inspiration, The tropical sunset is a view, a natural phenomenon that inspires artists, poets, and chefs alike. The colors of the sky, the flowers' fragrance, and the waves' voice culminate into a sensuality that is simply unforgettable. We move into the kitchen, trying to recreate that very experience of mixing and matching flavors and ingredients that evoke the tropics. Pineapple, shrimp, mango, and coconut are staples of tropical c...

  Hello, fellow foodies!   There's beauty in food because it brings people together despite their vast, different cultures and borders. Fusion cuisine celebrates diversity but takes it one step ahead—flavors and techniques come from all parts of the world. In this blog post, we will take a culinary journey that puts the most striking flavors of India with the bold spirit of Mexico, giving birth to something familiar and at the same time very new—Tandoori Shrimp Tacos, featuring Mango Salsa with a dollop of Cilantro Lime Crema. Inspiration: Tandoori cooking has its origin in the Indian subcontinent, whereby food is marinated in a mixture of spices and yogurt, then roasted inside a clay oven called a tandoor. The method is known for its rich, smoky flavor and tender textures. Tacos are actually a real staple of Mexican cuisine and are generally made from corn tortillas with a variety of fillings like meat, cheese, vegetables, and so on. By merging the two, we finally get a reall...

  Hello, fellow foodies!   Kashmir is a part of the Indian subcontinent, and its beauty, rich culture, and food attract many. Of all the items mentioned in the Kashmiri menu, there is one dish that has won the heart of food lovers worldwide: Gushtaba—a traditional lamb meatball dish. We are going to discuss a bit of history related to Gushtaba, its cultural importance, and the recipe that makes it truly a Kashmiri delight in this blog post. History of Gushtaba: Gushtaba literally means "meat ball" in Kashmiri. Its origin can be dated back to the Mughal period when Kashmir enjoyed the position of being one of the foremost centers of trade and cultural exchange. The same was influenced by the Persian meatball dish called kofta, which was then improvised and tailored according to taste buds. With time, Gushtaba became an intrinsic part of Kashmiri cuisine and is served at special occasions and celebrations. Cultural Significance: Gushtaba, however, is much more than just a dish;...

  Hello, fellow foodies!   Fish and Chips is a centuries-old culinary adventure nestled in British cuisine at the heart of where it belongs and has managed to capture the hearts and tongues of most who partake of this simple delight across the world. Though considered a simple dish, and rightly so, battered, and fried fish comes with fries—note potato fries and not French fries—an option of mushy peas and a taste of history for the British.  It is food that is either taken with someone, seating down to have a good chat, or if not, it was going to take time. Fish and Chips trace their origins to the 16th century, courtesy of the Catholic refugees from Belgium and France, who introduced the idea of frying fish in batter to the UK. It was quickly taken up by the commoners and became a favorite with the people of the North of England, where fish was plenty and cheap. Chips (fries) were probably added to the dish sometime in the 18th century, when northern England's cooks bega...

Hello, fellow foodies!   C hicken Souvlaki is tender, aromatic, and instantly transports one to sun-kissed Mediterranean locales. For skewers, tender chunks of chicken breast or thigh are used, then marinated and grilled. Serve this with creamy tzatziki sauce, crispy pita bread, and a sprinkle of some fresh herbs. This classic street food has been a staple of Greek restaurants and festivals for decades; it spread in popularity globally with variants and interpretations cropping up in kitchens and restaurants around the world. Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces 1/2 cup olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tsp. smoked paprika Salt and pepper, to taste 10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Tzatziki sauce, store-bought or homemade Instructions: 1. Preheat grill to medium-high. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, oregano, lemon juice,...

Hello, fellow foodies!   Barfi is an Indian sweet delicacy condensed and creamy in texture, usually made with milk, sugar, and nuts. Here is a simple recipe to make Barfi at home: Ingredients: 2 cups milk 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup ghee, or clarified butter 1/4 cup chopped nuts like almonds, pistachios, or cashews 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water 1 tablespoon rosewater, optional Instructions: 1. Combine milk, sugar, and ghee in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. 2. Over medium heat, cook constantly until it thickens and reaches 230°F in a candy thermometer. 3. Remove from heat and stir in nuts, cardamom powder, saffron, and rose water (if using). 4. Pour into a greased 8-inch square pan and let cool. 5. Cut into squares or diamonds and serve. Tips: 1. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan so that the mixture does not burn. 2. Stir well to avoid the mixture sticking to the pan. 3. Use sugar and nuts to taste. 4. Barfi can be stored in an airtight c...

Hello, fellow foodies! Jalebi: A popular Indian sweet that involves deep-fried, fermented batter in circular shapes and then soaked in sweet syrup. Shall describe a basic jalebi recipe which can be made at home:   Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoons of sugar 1/2 cup of lukewarm water 1/4 cup yogurt 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast Ghee or oil for frying Sweet syrup (recipe follows) Sweet Syrup: 1. 1 cup sugar 2. 1 cup water 3. 1 tablespoon rosewater 4. 1 cardamom pod, crushed Instructions: 1. Mix in the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl. 2. Add in water gradually; mix well to a make a smooth batter. 3. Add yogurt and yeast and mix well; let the batter ferment for 24 hours. 4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Pipe the batter into spiral shapes with a jalebi maker or in a plastic bag with its corner cut out. 5. Fry the jalebis until crispy and golden brown. 6. Soak the fried jalebis...