If Italians still cannot travel to Europe, Europe comes directly to the homes of all travelers… passing through the kitchen! Italy, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Spain: traveling has never been so simple thanks to a few good ingredients.
There are organized travel itineraries to discover the food and wine traditions of each country, and then there are typical dishes that allow you to explore the world in just one bite, discovering small towns and internationally renowned metropolises. Thanks to the ranking of the 5 among the most popular dishes on the continent, Musement emphasizes how geographical borders are not a barrier for those who nourish their soul by letting themselves be carried away by unusual and unforgettable travel experiences, even through taste.
Tomato Pasta – Italy
Italy is synonymous with pasta. With tomato sauce, a basil leaf, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it will no longer be necessary to cross the peninsula to savor the Mediterranean taste of the country of great excellences, gastronomic and beyond. White, red, and green: just like the Italian flag, only a few ingredients are needed to complete the recipe that best represents the culinary culture of the Bel Paese. A true celebration of authenticity and those simple flavors that, perfectly combined, offer a sensory journey like no other.
Moules Frites – Belgium
Dying to visit Belgium but stuck at home? Here come to the rescue the Moules Frites, one of the tastiest recipes of the country. No prejudices though: mussels paired with fries may seem an insult to all respectable cuisines until you actually have them in your mouth. The recipe, born in Lille, in northern France, is simple and does not require great culinary skills. There are few steps to follow to boil the mussels, marinate them in wine or butter, fry the potatoes and complete the dish with a bit of sauce… your palate will certainly appreciate it!
Smørrebrød – Denmark
Danish fast food to discover the Scandinavian country. The smørrebrød, literally “buttered bread”, is one of the dishes not to be missed during a trip to the north, so why not try to reproduce it directly from your own kitchen? A classic of the tradition of this nation, buttered bread is considered a great way to use what remains in the fridge. Among the most famous ingredients are liver pâté and sild, pickled herring with sauce. Loved by young people and turned into super trendy food, before getting to the stove you will only need to remember a few tips: for each ingredient, its specific bread. Some examples? Salmon and shrimp are served on white bread. Tartar sauce with black bread, preferably garnished with egg yolk and horseradish.
Bitterballen – Netherlands
They are famous worldwide and arouse as much success as distrust. The Bitterballen are a raw and surprising dish to enjoy in Amsterdam, but also comfortably seated on your own couch. The meatballs are a typically Dutch dish that represent ‘gezelligheid’, a word that means comfort, sociability, and conviviality in full. There is no party where they are not offered and they can be found in practically any bar. For an authentic dutch home made experience, just get beef or veal, butter, parsley, and nutmeg. Optionally, a pinch of curry or small vegetable pieces and a layer of mustard: in the Netherlands, even street food is surprising!
Paella – Spain
A crossroads of tastes and traditions, Spain has pleased all gourmets with a single dish: the Paella. Rice, saffron, spices, vegetables, meat and even fish in its original Valencian version. The recipe is known as one of the dishes that proudly represents Spanish cuisine worldwide. Famous in every corner of the globe, few know that paella has changed over time giving rise to many variants depending on the area of Spain where it is eaten. The secret to reproducing the most authentic version in your own kitchens? High-quality raw materials and lots of passion.
