5 New & Different Ways to Cook Meat

The fine art of cooking meat has never stopped evolving. From the earliest campfire cooking circles to the high tech kitchen appliances and WiFi pellet grills of today, found at Manly Bands, it’s clear that humans love coming up with new and interesting ways to get that mouth-watering taste of meat. Amazingly, as far as … Read more

Best Homemade Gyro Recipe

Homemade Gyro Homemade Gyro Ingredients 1 medium onion, quartered 1-pound ground lamb 1-pound ground beef 5 garlic cloves 2 teaspoons salt 1 heaping teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary 1 heaping teaspoon cumin powder ½ teaspoon ground black pepper Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes Equipment 9 x 5-inch loaf pan For the … Read more

Most Popular Mexican Foods

Mexico is among the countries with the best cuisine in the world. Famous Mexican cuisine is characterized by flavorful ingredients such as corn, chili peppers, tomatoes, cocoa, and vanilla. Mexican food also has a reputation for being spicy. The food is an important aspect of the culture, social structure and popular traditions of Mexico. Here are some of the most popular Mexican food:


Tortilla

Tortilla means “little cake” in Spanish. In Mexico, Central America, as well as in English, it refers to a flatbread made from corn or wheat originally made by Mesoamerican peoples. Mexican tortillas are most commonly prepared with meat to make dishes such as tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, however, there are many alternate versions without meat.


Burrito

A burrito is definitely one of the most popular Mexican food. It consists of a flour tortilla wrapped or folded around a filling. Mexican rice, refried beans, and meat are the most common fillings of a burrito. But other combinations of ingredients such as lettuce, salsa, sour cream, avocado, and cheese may also be used. The flour tortilla of a burrito is usually lightly grilled or steamed to soften it.


Carne Asada

Carne asada literally meaning “roasted meat.” It is a roasted beef dish which mainly consists of thin cuts of beef. The meat can be marinated or lightly salted and then grilled. Carne asada is often used as the main ingredient in tacos and burritos. But it can also be eaten as a stand-alone. This dish is commonly prepared in the northern parts of Mexico.
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Quesadilla

Quesadilla is made of round tortilla, folded in half and filled with Oaxaca cheese, then cooked until the cheese has melted. Quesadillas are served with green or red sauce and chopped onion and acidified cream on top, to add taste to cheese. Other ingredients are also used instead of cheese in traditional Mexican quesadillas, including cooked vegetables, potatoes, chorizo, pumpkin flowers, mushrooms, and different types of cooked meat. In addition to the fillings, quesadillas are often served with toppings such as sour cream, avocado or guacamole, chopped onion, and parsley. Salsas may also be added as a topping. The northeast part of Mexico has a variation of quesadilla wherein wheat flour tortillas are used.


Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles is a popular traditional breakfast dish which features lightly fried corn tortillas cut into quarters and topped with green or red salsa. Scrambled or fried eggs and pulled chicken are usually added on top, as well as cheese and cream. Chilaquiles are often served with refried beans.


Taco

A taco is another type of food in Mexica. It is a traditional Mexican dish composed of a corn or wheat tortilla folded or rolled around a filling. A taco can be made with a variety of fillings, including beef, chicken, seafood, vegetables, and cheese, allowing for great versatility and variety. A taco is often accompanied by garnishes such as salsa, cilantro, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce and is generally eaten without utensils.
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Birria

Birria is a spicy Mexican meat stew usually made with mutton lamb or goat. It is made using a base of dried roasted peppers and served with corn tortillas, onion, cilantro, and lime. Birria is served by combining a bowl of broth with freshly chopped roasted meat and eaten by filling a corn tortilla with the meat, onions and cilantro, seasoning with freshly squeezed lime juice, and then dipping it into the broth before eating it. The broth itself is also eaten with a spoon or by drinking from the bowl. It is often served during festive periods, such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, birthdays, and weddings. Birria is a favorite Mexican food and is common Mexican food establishments.


Tostada

Tostada literally means “toasted”. It refers to a flat or bowl-shaped tortilla that is toasted or deep fried. The Tostada initially has its origin in the need to avoid waste when tortillas went stale, no longer fresh enough to be rolled into tacos, but still fresh enough to eat. The old tortilla is submerged in boiling oil until becomes golden, rigid and crunchy. It is served as a companion for different kinds of food, mostly seafood, and spicy stews such as Birria. Tostada has other variations just as when salsa, beans, cheese, chopped lettuce, sliced onions, and meat are spread onto the tostada, making it like a pizza.

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Most Popular Turkish Foods

Popular Turkish Food Dishes
Turkish cuisine is fast making a name for itself on the worldwide culinary platform. The combination of flavours and ingredients are blended together to form dishes historically influenced by a number of cultures including the Greeks, Ottomans, middle eastern, and Balkans. Traditional dishes will vary from region to region so on this list, we bring you the most popular Turkish food dishes from across the country.


1. Corba: Delicious Soup


It may be hard to believe, but the simple soup dish is very popular in Turkey so do not be surprised to find some Turks eating it for breakfast. Popular choices are lentil or tomato soup but if you are adventurous with your culinary preferences try tripe, sheep brain or tongue soup. Black cabbage soup is traditional to the northeast of Turkey, in the black sea region.


2. Kumpir : Baked Potato


Kumpir is another form of street food that is popular in the beachside resorts and cities. It is simply a jacket potato with a crisp outer skin and soft inside, mashed up with butter. Choose a variety of fillings to top it off, including cheese, sausage, pickles, and Russian salad. If you are in Istanbul, the most popular area to eat it is Ortakoy.


3.Pide or Lahmacun


Pide is a popular dish in lokantas, that are Turkish restaurants serving cheap and traditional food. A thin crust of pastry is covered with toppings including cheese, egg, diced meat, chicken or tuna, and then it is put it into a high heat stone oven. The nearest equivalent western food is pizza. Another version which is lighter is lahmacun. Both are traditionally served with salad. This is an ideal option for vegetarians as many fillings are available.


4.Kofte : Meatballs


Kofte is the Turkish version of meatballs. Sold in a wrap as street food or served on a plate with rice and salad in restaurants. There are many different types of kofte and their taste will vary depending on the region that recipe originates from. Çiğ kofte is unusual as it is raw meatballs originating from the south east of Turkey and these are traditionally eaten as a snack or appetizer.


5.Baklava : Sweet Pastry


Possibly the most popular Turkish dessert is baklava which will suit anyone with a sweet tooth. Taking it influence from the Ottoman Empire, it is layers of filo pastries, filled with nuts and then covered with a sweet honey or syrup. Purchase baklava from most supermarkets or pastry stores. More about baklava here.


6.Street Kebabs

There are more than 40 different types of kebabs in Turkey but the most popular is the traditional street kebab. Large skewers of rotating chicken or beef are cooked slowly before the cook slices stripes from the outside of the skewer, places them in a pastry wrap, and then fills it with lettuce, onions, and tomatoes. A street kebab is especially delicious with a glass of Ayran. (Yogurt, salt and water.) Read more about Kebabs here.


7.Mezes : Appetizers


Mezes are appetizers, traditionally eaten before a meal or on their own as a snack. Popular mezes include acılı ezme, a hot paste made from peppers, patlıcan salatası (cold aubergine salad) and cacik (yogurt, cucumber and garlic). Mezes are also the traditional food served in the Meyhanes of Istanbul. More about this cultural tradition.


8.Gozleme


Cheap, tasty and very filling, Gozleme is a popular street food sold at local markets. Traditionally considered the working man’s food, it is layered pastry filled with a variety of fillings including spinach, cheese, potatoes and parsley. Cooked on a large grill and normally accompanied with tea or Ayran, it is a perfect choice for lunch and ideal for people travelling on a budget.


9.Menemen


Menemen is not often seen on restaurant menus but most kitchens will make it for you, as it is quick and easy. Peppers, onions and tomato sauce are fried in a pan and then eggs are scrambled into the mixture. It is served with fresh bread and delicious with homegrown olives.