Bhutan - Ema Datshi

Situated up high in the Eastern Himalayas, the Kingdom of Bhutan has a distinct way of looking at the world - favouring happiness and sustainability over material goods. This week I made Ema Datshi (Chilli Cheese Stew) which is a unique and interesting dish that reflects its nation’s rare outlook on life.

Benin - Lamb in Peanut Sauce (Mouton aux Arachides)

For the West African country of Benin, I cooked a delicious lamb in peanut sauce stew (Mouton aux Arachides).

Belize - Garnaches

On the northeast coast of Central America lies the small country of Belize. Belize is home to many diverse cultures, landscapes and animals. This week we enjoyed a popular Belizean street food, called Garnaches.

Belgium - Liege Waffles

Beer, fries, chocolate and waffles! What more could you ask for? Belgium is famous for them all. This week I enjoyed delicious Belgian Liege waffles and learnt about the historic tradition of cat throwing.

Belarus - Pork Stew (Machanka) and Potato Pancakes (Draniki)

After hundreds of years of foreign control, from the Lithuanian Empire to the Soviet Union, the people of Belarus have made considerable efforts to preserve their unique and distinctive culture. This week I celebrated that culture by cooking Machanka (Pork Stew) with Draniki (Potato Pancakes).

Barbados - Fried Fish with Peas n' Rice

Barbados is the land of the flying fish! They appear on their water, on their coins and on their plates. To celebrate the culture and cuisine of Barbados, this week I cooked fried fish with peas n’ rice.

Bangladesh - Potato Curry (Dum Aloo)

Home to the famous Bengal tiger and the world largest mangrove, Bangladesh is rich in diverse wildlife and interesting vegetation. In celebration of Bangladesh and its fascinating culture, this week I cooked a warm and filling potato curry (Dum Aloo).

Bahrain - Shrimp Balls

Shrimp Balls!? Sounds crazy right? But this interesting dish, known as Chebeh Rubyan, is a classic in the Arab country of Bahrain.
 

The Bahamas - Fish Chowder with Johnny Cakes

From enchanting and mysterious underwater caves, to swimming pigs and pristine beaches, The Bahamas has a lot to offer. To celebrate the island culture of The Bahamas I made a wonderful Fish Chowder served with Johnny Cakes.

Azerbaijan - Khan Plov (Chicken Pilaf)

Happy Novruz! In Azerbaijan, the new year and the beginning of spring is celebrated from March 20th to 26th. In the spirit of this holiday, I made Khan Plov (Chicken Pilaf), a traditional Novruz Azerbaijan dish.

Austria - Sacher Torte

Austria: the land of world-renowned coffee, cake, architecture, composers, and beautiful green rolling hills that are alive with the sound of music!

Australia - Kangaroo Tail Stew and Beer Damper

Home sweet home. This week I cooked food from my home country, the land down under, Australia. Peter and I eat kangaroo quite often but cooking kangaroo tail was a fun new experience.

Armenia - Dolmas: Stuffed Cabbage and Capsicum

This week I made Armenian Dolmas, which are stuffed vegetables. In the past I have made Greek style stuffed capsicums but the Armenian version were steamed/boiled which resulted in quite a different flavour. Both Peter and I don’t really like the the vine leaf dolmas, so we were both a bit sceptical about cabbage dolmas but they were delicious! 

Argentina - Empanadas with Chimichurri Sauce

Argentina, a land of cowboys and cattle. This week I embraced their love of meat and made the classic Argentine dish, beef empanadas with chimichurri sauce.

Antigua and Barbuda - Curried Chicken Salad Sandwich

Antigua and Barbuda’s delicious island food is perfect during this ridiculously hot February weather. This week I made their refreshing Curried Chicken Salad Sandwich.

Angola - Chicken Stew

Angolan food is an interesting blend of African and Portuguese cuisines. This week I cooked Angola’s national dish: Muamba de Galinha, which is a traditional chicken stew.

Andorra - Trinxat with Romesco Sauce

This week's meal comes from the small country of Andorra. Until this project, I had never heard of Andorra. I have travelled to both France and Spain but I missed the fact there is a tiny country squished between the two.

Algeria - Bil Zbib (Dessert Couscous)

I love making desserts and over the years they have become my specialty. They are fun to make and delightful to eat! This week I made a simple and delicious dessert from Algeria.

 

Albania - Tave Kosi

Thank you all for such an amazingly positive response from last week's post! I am excited to continue my world food journey, this week with Albania.

Afghanistan - Borani Banjan

Happy New Year! 

Many years ago, I was inspired after watching ‘Julie & Julia’ to take on a cooking project. But it has taken me until now to finally decide on an idea and take the plunge. While in Thailand in November, after just returning from a fantastic Thai cooking course, I decided that I wanted to cook a meal from every country in the world. So, my love of food and my love of travel has spawned the 'Abroad Cooks' project.

I plan to spend the next few years pushing my small apartment kitchen to the brink by cooking my way through the world's food from A to Z. I hope to learn more about cooking and food, as well as bettering my knowledge of the world's cultures. 

First on the menu is: