Cooking doesn't have to be complicated to be delicious. With these 5-ingredient international dishes, you can enjoy flavors from around the world in a simple, quick, and tasty way. Perfect for busy days or when you want something delightful without too much fuss. Let's get started!
1. Italy: Caprese Salad
This Italian salad is fresh and easy to make. It's a mix of ripe tomatoes, soft mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, all brought together with a splash of olive oil.
Ingredients:
- Fresh ripe tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Layer: Put slices of tomatoes and mozzarella cheese on a plate, one after the other.
- Add Basil: Put fresh basil leaves between the tomato and cheese.
- Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the top.
- Season: Sprinkle a little salt if you like.
- Enjoy: Eat this fresh, tasty salad.
2. Spain: Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
This Spanish dish is all about shrimp cooked with lots of garlic in olive oil. It's usually a bit spicy and very flavorful.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp (cleaned)
- Garlic cloves
- Olive oil
- Red chili flakes
- Parsley (to make it look nice)
Instructions:
- Garlic: Cook thin slices of garlic in olive oil until they are golden.
- Shrimp: Add shrimp and a pinch of red chili flakes to the oil. Cook until the shrimp are pink.
- Parsley: Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Eat: Serve these tasty shrimp right away.
3. Japan: Tamagoyaki (Japanese Omelette)
This is a sweet and soft omelette made in layers. It's usually enjoyed for breakfast or as a side dish in Japan.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Soy sauce
- Mirin (sweet cooking rice wine)
- Oil (for the pan)
Instructions:
- Mix: Beat eggs and add sugar, soy sauce, and mirin.
- Cook: Put a bit of oil in a pan. Pour a small amount of the egg mixture and cook until it sets. Roll it up and push it to one side. Add more egg mixture and roll again. Keep going until all the egg is used.
- Shape and Cut: Once done, press it into a block shape and cut it into pieces.
- Serve: Enjoy your sweet and layered omelet.
4. Mexico: Pico de Gallo
This is a fresh, uncooked salsa from Mexico. It's made with tomatoes, onions, and spicy peppers, perfect for adding a zesty kick to meals.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime
- Jalapeño (adjust for spice)
Instructions:
- Chop: Cut up the tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro into small pieces.
- Mix: Put everything in a bowl and mix.
- Lime: Squeeze lime juice over it and mix again.
- Season: Add a little salt to taste.
- Enjoy: Use this fresh salsa with chips or on top of other dishes.
5. Greece: Tzatziki
This Greek sauce is creamy and cool, made with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic. It's often served with grilled meats or as a dip.
Ingredients:
- Greek yogurt
- Cucumber
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Fresh dill (or mint)
Instructions:
- Cucumber: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out the extra water.
- Mix: Stir the cucumber into the Greek yogurt.
- Flavor: Add finely minced garlic, a splash of olive oil, and chopped dill or mint.
- Season: Put a little salt in it.
- Chill: Put it in the fridge for a bit to let the flavors mix.
- Serve: Enjoy this cool, creamy dip with your favorite dishes.