Quick and Easy International Dinner Recipes for Every Night of the Week

Quick and Easy International Dinner Recipes for Every Night of the Week

Quick and Easy International Dinner Recipes for Every Night of the Week

Here are some easy international dinner recipes that bring the flavors of the world to your table without requiring complex ingredients or techniques:

1. Italian Caprese Pasta Salad

Origin: Italy
Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and cool.
2. Toss pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
3. Serve warm or chilled.

2. Mexican Tacos de Pollo

Origin: Mexico
Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup chopped onions and cilantro
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet.
2. Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and top with salsa, onions, and cilantro.
3. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

3. Indian Chickpea Curry (Chana Masala)

Origin: India
Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden.
2. Add tomatoes, curry powder, and cumin. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in chickpeas and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Serve with rice or naan bread.

4. Chinese Egg Fried Rice

Origin: China
Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (day-old is best)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet.
2. Scramble the eggs and set aside.
3. Stir-fry the vegetables, then add the rice and soy sauce.
4. Mix in the scrambled eggs and cook for 2 more minutes.

5. French Ratatouille

Origin: France
Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 eggplant, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme or oregano)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté the vegetables until tender.
2. Add tomato sauce and herbs. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Serve with crusty bread or over rice.

6. Greek Spanakopita Quesadillas

Origin: Greece (with a twist!)
Ingredients:

• 4 large tortillas
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Layer spinach, feta, and mozzarella on one side of a tortilla.
2. Fold it in half and cook in a dry skillet until golden on both sides.
3. Slice and serve with tzatziki sauce.

7. Moroccan Lentil Stew

Origin: Morocco
Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 4 cups vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions and carrots in olive oil.
2. Add lentils, spices, and broth. Simmer for 30 minutes until lentils are tender.
3. Serve with flatbread.

8. Japanese Teriyaki Salmon

Origin: Japan
Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions:

1. Marinate the salmon in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and ginger for 15 minutes.
2. Pan-sear or bake the salmon until cooked through.
3. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables.

9. Middle Eastern Falafel Wraps

Origin: Middle East
Ingredients:

• 6 falafel (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 pita breads
• 1/2 cup hummus
• 1 cup chopped cucumber and tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Warm the pita bread and spread hummus inside.
2. Add falafel and chopped vegetables.
3. Wrap and serve with tahini sauce.

10. Thai Peanut Noodles

Origin: Thailand
Ingredients:

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili paste
• 1 cup shredded carrots

Instructions:

1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
2. Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, and chili paste into a smooth sauce.
3. Toss the noodles with sauce and carrots. Serve warm or chilled.

Tips for Easy International Recipes:

1. Stock Essential Ingredients: Keep versatile staples like soy sauce, olive oil, canned beans, and spices on hand.
2. Use Pre-Cooked Options: Utilize rotisserie chicken, canned lentils, or frozen vegetables to save time.
3. Adjust for Taste: Tailor spice levels and flavors to your preference while staying true to the cuisine.

These recipes bring a taste of global cuisines to your kitchen without requiring hours of prep!