• Food and Gastronomy -> International cuisine and ethnic cooking

• 0 Comment

What is the most underrated international cuisine?

Jose Ullett

Hey friend,

Great question! There are so many delicious international cuisines out there that deserve more attention, but if I had to pick one as the most underrated, I would say it's Ethiopian cuisine.

Ethiopia is a country with a rich culinary history that dates back thousands of years. Their cuisine is heavily influenced by their geography, climate, and culture. Ethiopian food is very flavorful, nutritious, and often vegetarian-friendly. In fact, Ethiopia is one of the few countries in the world that has a predominantly vegetarian cuisine.

One of the most iconic dishes in Ethiopian cuisine is called injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread made from teff flour that is used as a utensil to scoop up a variety of stews and curries. These stews, known as wots, are typically made with meat, vegetables, and a blend of spices such as berbere (a fiery spice blend) and mitmita (a spicy chili powder). One popular vegetarian wot is shiro, which is made with ground chickpeas and spices.

Another dish that is becoming more popular outside of Ethiopia is doro wot, a spicy chicken stew that is usually served at special occasions. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and simmered with onions, tomatoes, and a spice blend until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender. The dish is usually served with injera and garnished with hard-boiled eggs.

In addition to injera and wots, Ethiopian cuisine also includes a variety of other dishes such as kitfo (minced raw beef), tibs (sauteed meat or vegetables), and ful (a fava bean stew). Ethiopian cuisine also includes several fermented dishes such as t'ej (honey wine) and the popular coffee ceremony, where coffee is brewed and served with popcorn and frankincense.

Despite its unique flavors and health benefits, Ethiopian cuisine remains underrated in many parts of the world. One reason for this might be the lack of Ethiopian restaurants outside of major cities. It can also be difficult to find some of the key ingredients such as berbere, teff flour, and niter kibbeh (a spiced clarified butter) outside of specialty stores.

Overall, Ethiopian cuisine is a hidden gem that more people should experience. Its vegetarian-friendly options, bold flavors, and unique history make it a cuisine that is worth seeking out. Next time you get a chance to try Ethiopian food, I highly recommend it!

Take care,
[Your Name]