Italy
Everyone loves Italian food. Add a chunk of Parmigiano-Reggiano drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar to a cheese board, serve a simple tomato sauce over pasta, and some pine nut cookies for dessert - and that's Italian!Shopping List
- Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Anchovies
- Fresh basil
- Canned whole tomatoes - we recommend San Marzano
- Pine nuts
- Fresh mozzarella
- Aged balsamic vinegar
Spain
Spanish flavors are somewhat new to most Americans. The Spanish term "tapas" has recently been used often to describe small bites or appetizers. Use all of the following ingredients as part of your own tapas party and serve with a glass of sherry.
Shopping List
- Pimentón de la Vera (Spanish smoked paprika)
- Firm chorizo or Serrano ham
- Manchego cheese
- Marcona almonds
- Piquillo peppers
Surrounding Mediterranean Countries
In addition to Italy, there are some other countries that surround the Mediterranean - including France, Portugal, and Greece -- that are sources of seemingly endless culinary inspiration. Each of these countries has a distinct flavor profile that involves using the same - or similar - ingredients in a unique way. For example, with extra-virgin olive oil, you can make a French-style vinaigrette, a simple grilled shrimp dish drizzled with olive oil and lemon that's inspired by Portugal, or, blend with chick peas, and you can make Greek hummus.
Shopping List
- Flavorful extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh oregano
- Roasted red peppers
- Canned chickpeas
- Fresh parsley
India
Depending on where in India you are, you can find a variety of different flavor profiles within this country. Lots of Indian food includes onions, garlic, and fresh ginger, ground together to make a paste, which is then sautéed to release the aromas. Garam masala, which means "hot spices," is an often-found spice blend in the Indian pantry. This is the authentic version of curry powder (which most people in India don't use). Frozen samosas are the perfect snack; look for them in Indian markets. When expected guests drop by, you can pull them straight from the freezer and pop them into the fryer.
Shopping List
- Onions, garlic, and fresh ginger
- Mustard seeds
- Garam masala
- Turmeric
- Frozen samosas
Southeast Asia
You can doctor up boxed, low-sodium chicken broth with a little fish sauce, lemongrass, and fresh ginger. Add some leftover chicken to the mixture, serve over jasmine rice and you've got a delicious meal inspired by the flavors of Southeast Asia.
Shopping List
- Fish sauce
- Lemongrass
- Ginger
- Chili sauce (One to try: Sriracha)
- Coconut milk
- Black (sweet) soy sauce
- Jasmine rice
The American Southwest
One of the more popular American flavor profiles is Southwestern. Try adding a teaspoon of cumin and chopped chipotles (which are smoked jalapenos) to a can of black bean soup. Serve it with grated cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, sliced red onion, and wedges of lime.
Shopping List
- Cumin
- Canned chipotles in adobo
- Red onion
- Fresh cilantro and dried coriander
- Canned black beans
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