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Welcome to the eleventh country of the 195 Country Cooking Challenge - where I cook a popular dish from all 195 countries around the world! If you missed the previous countries, you can check those out on my blog as well as my YouTube , Instagram , and TikTok (That Country Cook). Along the journey, I will be sharing these recipes with you plus some interesting facts about each country. My goal is to teach you a bit about each country while you eat or cook their cuisine! Today, I will be cooking the national dish of Ireland! The National Dish of Ireland For this country, I'll be cooking the National Dish...IRSIH STEW! Irish stew is a stew with root vegetables, lamb or mutton, and sometimes beer! Many historians believe this stew was originally made with goat. You can definitely make this dish at home, and below I'll go through a step-by-step guide of how to make it! If you would like a more streamlined approach, you can find the full recipe here. Facts About Ireland What is it about this country that makes it so unique? The flag of Ireland is green, white, and orange. The green represents a Gaelic tradition while the orange represents the supporters of William of Orange. The white in the center signifies a lasting truce between the 'Orange' and the 'Green'. Ireland is 32,595 square miles of land. Ireland has two official languages: Irish and English. Cooking the National Dish of Ireland   Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 pounds lamb 1 yellow onion 4 garlic cloves 1/4 cup all purpose flour 1 cup Guinness Beer 4 cups beef stock 1/4 cup tomato paste 8-10 small yellow potatoes 1 sprig thyme 5 large carrots salt and pepper to taste Steps: Step 1: Prepare vegetables. Peel and dice onion. Wash, peel, and cut carrots (cut them in half longways then slice half moons). Peel and mince garlic. Wash and chop potatoes in half or four sections depending on size. Wash thyme. Step 2: Chop lamb into bite-sized pieces. Step 3: Add oil and lamb into a large pot . Season with salt and pepper. Brown the lamb until you can no longer see any pink. Step 4: Add the onions and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the onions begin to soften. Then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Step 5: Add the flour and stir to cover all ingredients. Cook for 5 minutes stirring often. This will thicken the sauce. Step 6: Add in the beer, beef stock, tomato paste, thyme, carrots, and potatoes. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 hour or until the vegetables are cooked. Step 7: Remove thyme sprig, serve, and enjoy! Which country should I do next? Follow @thatcountrycook on Instagram  to see a video of me making this recipe! This article contains affiliate links.

This New Zealand meat pie is so warm, cheesy, and comforting. It is the perfect fall or winter meal! Watch me make it here! Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time:  1 hour Ingredients Instructions 2 Ready-to-Bake Pie Crusts Step 1 Prepare vegetables. Peel and dice onion. Wash, peel, and cut carrots (cut them in half longways then slice half moons). Peel and mince garlic. 8 slices Colby Jack cheese Step 2 Heat olive oil in a frying pan with tall sides over medium heat. Add carrots and cook for 3 minutes. Add onions and cook for 3 minutes or until golden brown. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds then add ground beef. Top with salt and pepper to your taste and cook until completely browned, chopping beef into small pieces while its cooking. 1 pound ground beef Step 3    Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, basil, marjoram, parsley, sage, rosemary, oregano, thyme, and beef stock. Stir to combine and simmer for 20 minutes. This will be your pie filling. 1 yellow onion Step 4   Make a cornstarch slurry. Add cornstarch to a bowl. Slowly add drops of water until all the cornstarch has dissolved. Add slurry to the pie filling after the 20 minutes are up. Mix to combine. Cook for 2-3 more minutes. This should thicken the sauce quite a bit. 4 garlic cloves Step 5    Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 3 large carrots Step 6    Lay pie crust in pie pan . Make sure to press it completely against the bottom and sides to fill the space. Pour the pie filling in.. Top with the cheese slices and cover with the remaining pie crust. Seal the edges of the pie by bunching them up and pinching them together. I then use a fork to create a pretty design around the edge (see picture below). Use the same fork to make some holes in the top of the pie. 2 cups beef stock Step 7    Make egg wash. Whisk the egg with 1 teaspoon of water and brush it to cover the top of the pie. 1 tablespoon tomato paste Step 8     Bake 40 minutes or until the pie crust is golden brown and cooked through. 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Step 9    Serve immediately and store leftovers in the fridge for 4 days. pinch of dried basil pinch of marjoram pinch of dried parsley pinch of dried sage pinch of dried rosemary pinch of dried oregano pinch of dried thyme 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 egg 1 tablespoon olive oil salt and pepper to taste Optional: 1 teaspoon marmite I did not use marmite for my original pie, but feel free to try it! If you make this recipe, I want to see! Tag @thatcountrycook on Instagram. This article contains affiliate links.

Welcome to the tenth country of the 195 Country Cooking Challenge - where I cook a popular dish from all 195 countries around the world! If you missed the previous countries, you can check those out on my blog as well as my YouTube , Instagram , and TikTok (That Country Cook). Along the journey, I will be sharing these recipes with you plus some interesting facts about each country. My goal is to teach you a bit about each country while you eat or cook their cuisine! Today, I will be cooking a popular dish of New Zealand! The National Dish of New Zealand New Zealand does not have one specific National Dish, but it does have many that could be considered that title. Today, I'll be cooking one of these dishes...MEAT PIE! Pies have been a staple for centuries, originally being sold by street vendors as a convenient fast food. The British brought their tradition of eating pies to New Zealand and the first mention of the dish was in an 1863 newspaper ad. New Zealand has since made the meat pie their own by adding various ingredients. One specific ingredient is marmite, which is a thick, dark, spread made from yeast extract, salt, and vegetable and spice extracts . Meat pies generally have pastry for the top and bottom and are filled with some kind of minced or ground meat, carrots, onions, and spices. You can definitely make this dish at home, and below I'll go through a step-by-step guide of how to make it! If you would like a more streamlined approach, you can find the full recipe here. Facts About New Zealand What is it about this country that makes it so unique? New Zealand is an island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is made up of two large main islands and over 700 smaller islands, some of which are hundreds of miles from the main ones. The land was first inhabited between 1280 and 1350 by Polynesians. In 1642, the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first European to sight and record New Zealand. In 1769 the British explorer Captain James Cook became the first European to set foot on and map New Zealand. In 1840, representatives of the United Kingdom and Māori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi which paved the way for Britain's declaration of sovereignty later that year and the establishment of the Crown Colony of New Zealand in 1841. This led to many conflicts and alienation of Māori land. New Zealand gained full independence in 1947. Fun Fact: More penguin species are found in New Zealand than in any other country, with 13 of the world's 18 penguin species. The flag of New Zealand is red, white, and blue. The blue represents the sky and sea. The Union Jack in the top left corner of the flag represents New Zealand's history as a British colony and dominion. The four red stars with white borders on the right half of the flag represent the Southern Cross constellation, which is only visible in the Southern Hemisphere. New Zealand is 103,483 square miles of land. The most common job in the country is either construction or a sales assistant (the data was unclear). New Zealand has three official languages: English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language. Cooking a Popular Dish of New Zealand   Ingredients: 2 Ready-to-Bake Pie Crusts 8 slices Colby Jack cheese 1 pound ground beef 1 yellow onion 4 garlic cloves 3 large carrots 2 cups beef stock 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce pinch of dried basil pinch of marjoram pinch of dried parsley pinch of dried sage pinch of dried rosemary pinch of dried oregano pinch of dried thyme 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 egg 1 tablespoon olive oil salt and pepper to taste Steps: Step 1: Prepare vegetables. Peel and dice onion. Wash, peel, and cut carrots (cut them in half longways then slice half moons). Peel and mince garlic. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a frying pan with tall sides  over medium heat. Add carrots and cook for 3 minutes. Add onions and cook for 3 minutes or until golden brown. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds then add ground beef. Top with salt and pepper to your taste and cook until completely browned, chopping beef into small pieces while its cooking. Step 3: Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, basil, marjoram, parsley, sage, rosemary, oregano, thyme, and beef stock. Stir to combine and simmer for 20 minutes. This will be your pie filling. Step 4: Make a cornstarch slurry. Add cornstarch to a bowl. Slowly add drops of water until all the cornstarch has dissolved. Add slurry to the pie filling after the 20 minutes are up. Mix to combine. Cook for 2-3 more minutes. This should thicken the sauce quite a bit. Step 5: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Step 6: Lay pie crust in pie pan . Make sure to press it completely against the bottom and sides to fill the space. Pour the pie filling in.. Top with the cheese slices and cover with the remaining pie crust. Seal the edges of the pie by bunching them up and pinching them together. I then use a fork to create a pretty design around the edge (see picture below). Use the same fork to make some holes in the top of the pie. Step 7: Make egg wash. Whisk the egg with 1 teaspoon of water and brush  it to cover the top of the pie. Step 8: Bake 40 minutes or until the pie crust is golden brown and cooked through. Step 9: Serve immediately and store leftovers in the fridge for 4 days. Which country should I do next? Follow @thatcountrycook on Instagram  to see a video of me making this recipe! This article contains affiliate links.

This avocado toast can be made with your favorite bread and at home! It is super filling and SO GOOD! Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time:  5 minutes Ingredients Instructions 1 egg Step 1 Cut open the avocado. Remove the pit and scoop the avocado into a bowl. Squish the avocado until it looks like the picture above. Add the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to your taste. Mix all ingredients together in the bowl and set aside. 1 avocado Step 2 Wash and dry the tomatoes. Cut each tomato into four sections and set aside. 5 cherry tomatoes Step 3    In a toaster or toaster oven , add your slice of bread and toast to your preference. 1 teaspoon garlic powder Step 4   Add the butter to a frying pan on medium-low heat and spread it around. Crack the egg into the pan and cook to your desired temperature. I like my egg slightly runny, but its recommended to cook your eggs to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees. 1 slice of your favorite bread (I like Martin's Potato Bread) Step 5    On a plate, assemble your avocado toast. Lay your toast first, then spread your avocado mixture on. Top with tomatoes and the fried egg. Enjoy! 1 tablespoon butter salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste You can also add some spinach or arugula to your avocado toast! If you make this recipe, I want to see! Tag @thatcountrycook on Instagram. This article contains affiliate links.

This khachapuri recipe is SO GOOD! The dough would even be delicious as a pizza crust. Watch me make it here! Prep Time: 2 hours Cook Time:  20 minutes Ingredients Instructions For the dough: Step 1 In the bowl of a stand mixer  combine the salt, yeast, sugar, and flour. 1 teaspoon salt Step 2 Heat water and milk to about 115 degrees Fahrenheit. I used a digital thermometer  to measure the temperature. Then pour it into the bowl of dry ingredients. 1 pack dry active yeast Step 3   Begin kneading the dough with the hook attachment on the stand mixer until it's close to being smooth and elastic. 1 tablespoon granulated sugar Step 4   Add the oil into the dough mixture and knead in the stand mixer for another minute. 3.5 cup all-purpose flour Step 5    Drizzle a little olive oil onto the bottom and sides of a deep bowl. Place the dough inside the bowl and cover with cling wrap. Set the bowl in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size. 1 cup water Step 6    Remove the plastic wrap and press into the dough a few times with a closed fist (this minimizes the dough sticking to you). Cover with plastic wrap once more and let it sit in a warm place for another 30 minutes. 1/2 cup milk Step 7    Meanwhile, combine the farmers cheese, feta, and mozzarella in a bowl. If using slices of cheese, split them into small pieces. 1 tablespoon olive oil Step 8    Remove the dough from the bowl and place it onto a floured surface. Then cut it into four equal pieces. I use a dough cutter  for this and it makes it so easy. Step 9    Spread each piece of the dough into a circle. You'll want the dough to be fairly thin but not have holes in it. Then roll two opposite sides of the circle towards the center so it ends up have a boat-like shape. Pinch the ends together. For the filling: Step 10 Transfer the khachapuri onto a baking sheet lined with greased parchment paper. 1.5 cup Farmers cheese (or slices of American cheese) Step 11 Fill each khachapuri with the cheese mixture. Beat one egg with a teaspoon of water to create an egg wash (I use this small whisk ), then brush the dough with egg wash (I use this pastry brush ). 1.5 cup Shredded mozzarella Step 12    Bake in a preheated 450 degrees oven for about 15 minutes or until the crust becomes golden brown. 1.5 cup Feta cheese Step 13    Make a well in the center of each khachapuri with the back of a spoon (make it bigger than you think it needs to be) and drop one cracked egg into each well. Then stick a few small pieces of butter into the cheese. 5 eggs (4 for topping, 1 for egg wash) Step 14    Return the khachapuri back into the oven and bake for another 5-6 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on your oven. The egg white should be white but still pretty runny. It may be difficult to cut, so I would recommend using a pizza cutter . Enjoy! butter Khachapuri is so fun to make and its so delicious! If you make this recipe, I want to see! Tag @thatcountrycook on Instagram. This article contains affiliate links.

Welcome to the ninth country of the 195 Country Cooking Challenge - where I cook a popular dish from all 195 countries around the world! If you missed the previous countries, you can check those out on my blog as well as my YouTube , Instagram , and TikTok (That Country Cook). Along the journey, I will be sharing these recipes with you plus some interesting facts about each country. My goal is to teach you a bit about each country while you eat or cook their cuisine! Today, I will be cooking a popular dish of Georgia! The National Dish of Georgia Khachapuri, Georgian cheese-filled bread, has its roots in the culinary traditions of the Caucasus region. Its name derives from the Georgian words "khacho" (cheese) and "puri" (bread). The dish is thought to date back to ancient times when shepherds would bake cheese in bread as a portable meal. Over the centuries, khachapuri evolved into various regional styles, each reflecting local ingredients and techniques. Today, it is celebrated as a national dish, often enjoyed in its most famous variant, Adjarian khachapuri, which features a boat-shaped bread topped with melted cheese, butter, and a runny egg, symbolizing the warmth and hospitality of Georgian culture. You can definitely make this dish at home, and below I'll go through a step-by-step guide of how to make it! If you would like a more streamlined approach, you can find the full recipe here. Facts About Georgia What is it about this country that makes it so unique? Georgia is a small country located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Known for its stunning landscapes, ranging from the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus Mountains to lush valleys and vineyards, Georgia boasts a diverse ecosystem. Its history dates back thousands of years, with influences from various empires and cultures, which is reflected in its unique language, traditions, and architecture. The capital city, Tbilisi, is famed for its charming old town, vibrant arts scene, and welcoming atmosphere. Georgia is also renowned for its ancient winemaking traditions, believed to be one of the oldest in the world, and its rich culinary heritage. In recent years, Georgia has embraced a more democratic political system and sought closer ties with the European Union, positioning itself as a developing tourist destination that offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The flag of G eorgia is red and white. The red represents courage, bravery, love, and justice. The white represents innocence, purity, and wisdom. A large red cross in the center of the flag represents Jesus Christ. The red cross of St. George has been used in Georgia since the 4th century. Four smaller red crosses in the four sections of the flag represent the four major apostles: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Georgia is 59,425 square miles of land. The most common job in the country is agriculture, with viticulture and winemaking being some of the most important. Over 450 species of local wine is bred in Georgia. The official language of Georgia is Georgian, with around 87% of the population speaking it as their first language. Cooking a Popular Dish of Georgia   Ingredients: For the dough: 1 teaspoon salt 1 pack dry active yeast 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 3 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup water 1/2 cup milk 1 tablespoon olive oil For the filling: 1 1/2 cup Farmers cheese (or slices of American cheese) 1 1/2 cup Shredded mozzarella 1 1/2 cup Feta cheese 5 eggs (4 for topping, 1 for egg wash) butter Steps: Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer combine the salt, yeast, sugar, and flour. Step 2: Heat water and milk to about 115 degrees Fahrenheit. I used a digital thermometer to measure the temperature. Then pour it into the bowl of dry ingredients. Step 3: Begin kneading the dough with the hook attachment on the stand mixer until it's close to being smooth and elastic. Step 4: Add the oil into the dough mixture and knead in the stand mixer for another minute. Step 5: Drizzle a little olive oil onto the bottom and sides of a deep bowl. Place the dough inside the bowl and cover with cling wrap. Set the bowl in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size. Step 6: Remove the plastic wrap and press into the dough a few times with a closed fist (this minimizes the dough sticking to you). Cover with plastic wrap once more and let it sit in a warm place for another 30 minutes. Step 7: Meanwhile, combine the farmers cheese, feta, and mozzarella in a bowl. If using slices of cheese, split them into small pieces. Step 8: Remove the dough from the bowl and place it onto a floured surface. Then cut it into four equal pieces. I use a dough cutter for this and it makes it so easy. Step 9: Spread each piece of the dough into a circle. You'll want the dough to be fairly thin but not have holes in it. Then roll two opposite sides of the circle towards the center so it ends up have a boat-like shape. Pinch the ends together. Step 10: Transfer the khachapuri onto a baking sheet lined with greased parchment paper. Step 11: Fill each khachapuri with the cheese mixture. Beat one egg with a teaspoon of water to create an egg wash (I use this small whisk ), then brush the dough with egg wash (I use this pastry brush ). Step 12: Bake in a preheated 450 degrees oven for about 15 minutes or until the crust becomes golden brown. Step 13: Make a well in the center of each khachapuri with the back of a spoon (make it bigger than you think it needs to be) and drop one cracked egg into each well. Then stick a few small pieces of butter into the cheese. Step 14: Return the khachapuri back into the oven and bake for another 5-6 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on your oven. The egg white should be white but still pretty runny. It may be difficult to cut, so I would recommend using a pizza cutter . Enjoy! Which country should I do next? Follow @thatcountrycook on Instagram  to see a video of me making this recipe! This article contains affiliate links.

Homemade tomato sauce is the way to go! Especially if you have a lot of tomatoes you need to use! It is healthy and delicious! Prep Time:  20 minutes Cook Time: 30-45 minutes Ingredients Instructions 10 large tomatoes Step 1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2 large carrots Step 2 Prepare ingredients. Wash, dry, and cut tomatoes in half. Wash, peel, and slice carrots into 1 inch slices. Peel and cut onion into 8 sections. Peel garlic cloves but leave them whole. 1 onion Step 3   On a baking sheet , lay down parchment paper. Place tomatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic on the baking sheet. Tomatoes should be skin side down or cut side up. 5 garlic cloves Step 4 Top all ingredients with the oil, basil, oregano, salt and pepper to taste. 1 tablespoon dried basil Step 5    Place baking sheet in the oven for 30-45 minutes or until ingredients look like the picture below. 1 tablespoon dried oregano Step 6 Place all baking sheet ingredients in a blender along with the tomato paste and milk if using. salt and pepper to taste Step 7 Serve over your favorite type of pasta! 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon tomato paste Optional: 1/4 cup milk If you make this recipe, I want to see! Tag @thatcountrycook on Instagram. I like adding milk to this sauce to make it slightly creamier. I also recommend topping with some shredded mozzarella! This page includes affiliate links.

This herb butter is perfect for cooking chicken and eggs! You can also use it as a spread for your favorite type of bread. Prep Time:  20 minutes Ingredients Instructions 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley Step 1 Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Squish and combine with a fork. 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary Step 2 Place down a piece of cling wrap and spoon out butter mixture in a butter-stick shape on the cling wrap. 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme Step 3   Roll cling wrap over butter. 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil Step 4   Take both ends of cling wrap and spin butter to shape. 1 stick butter (1 cup) Step 5    Enjoy! 1 teaspoon lemon zest 2 cloves garlic (crushed) If you make this recipe, I want to see! Tag @thatcountrycook on Instagram. This page includes affiliate links.

This grilled cheese is simple but so good. Its crunchy and gooey, mixed with the salty and savory from butter and oregano! Watch me make it here! Cook Time:  10 minutes Ingredients Instructions 2 slices bread (I like Martin's Potato Bread the best) Step 1 Melt half the butter in a pan on medium heat. 3 slices American cheese Step 2 Once melted, add one slice of bread to the pan. Top with cheese and oregano, then the second slice of bread. 1 teaspoon oregano Step 3   Monitor bottom slice of bread. It usually only takes about 1-2 minutes until it crisps. 1 tablespoon butter (I like Kerrygold the best) Step 4   Once bottom slice is toasted, pick up sandwich with spatula, put remaining butter in pan and spread around, then flip sandwich onto untoasted side (butter does not have to be completely melted). Let toast for about a minute then turn heat to low. Step 5    Add a lid to the pan to fully melt the cheese. Monitor bread to be sure it does not burn. Flip sandwich if needed. Cheese will begin to melt down the sides of the sandwich when ready. Enjoy! I like this grilled cheese with tomato soup, but its also delicious by itself. Feel free to experiment by adding other ingredients into the sandwich! I have added tomatoes, broccoli, and ham before! If you make this recipe, I want to see! Tag @thatcountrycook on Instagram.

Welcome to the seventh country of the 195 Country Cooking Challenge - where I cook a popular dish from all 195 countries around the world! If you missed the previous countries, you can check those out on my blog as well as my YouTube , Instagram , and TikTok (That Country Cook). Along the journey, I will be sharing these recipes with you plus some interesting facts about each country. My goal is to teach you a bit about each country while you eat or cook their cuisine! Today, I will be cooking a popular dish of India! The National Dish of India While researching the National Dish of India, I discovered something - there is no official National Dish for the country. Because the country is so diverse, it would be difficult to select just one dish to represent the entire country. Once realizing this, I did more research into popular dishes throughout each region of India. Although there are many different popular foods in the country, I decided to go with a dish that originated in India and spread throughout the entire world... CURRY! 'Curry' comes from the Tamil word 'kari', which means 'sauce; or 'soup'. So curry is not really a spice at all! The Portuguese had a large influence on curry when they introduced chili to India in 1498. British traders who spent time in India brought curry back to Britain in the 18th century. This dish became popular because it was a convenient way to use leftover meat. You can definitely make this dish at home! I will go through the recipe below, but if you would like a more streamlined approach, you can check out the official recipe here . Facts About India What is it about this country that makes it so unique? India has a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years. It is known as one of the world's oldest civilizations, with the Indus Valley Civilization emerging around 2500 BCE. Throughout its history, India has seen the rise and fall of numerous empires, including the Maurya and Gupta Empires, which contributed to significant advancements in science, art, and philosophy. In the medieval period, various kingdoms flourished, and the arrival of Islam led to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire, which brought cultural synthesis and architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal. The British colonial period began in the 18th century, leading to significant economic and social changes. The struggle for independence intensified in the early 20th century, culminating in India gaining independence in 1947, led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. Today, India is the world's largest democracy, known for its diversity in culture, languages, and religions, and it plays a significant role on the global stage. The flag of India is saffron, white and green. Saffron is the top band of the flag and is a specific mixture of red and yellow. This color represents the country's strength and courage. White represents peace and truth. The bottom band, green, represents and fertility and growth of the land. The flag also features the Ashok Chakra, India's national emblem, in the center of the white band. The Ashok Chakra has 24 spokes and represents the idea that there is life in motion and death in stillness. India is 1,269,219 square miles of land. The most common job in the country is agriculture, which now employs about 60 percent of the workforce. Key crops include grain, commercial crops (Jute, cotton, sugarcane, oilseeds and tobacco), plantation crops (rubber, coffee, tea, coconut), and horticulture crops (vegetables and fruits). However, the most widely grown crop is rice.  One of the most popular landmarks in India is the Taj Mahal, an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra . It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan (reigned from 1628 to 1658), to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The official language of India is Hindi, which is known to be the world's oldest language. However, India has 22 separate official languages across its states. It is home to a total of 121 languages. Cooking a Popular Dish in India   Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 medium onions 1 serrano pepper 1 inch ginger piece (peeled) 4 cloves garlic 2 medium tomatoes 1/2 cup plain yogurt 1 teaspoon salt 3 mint leaves 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon garam masala 1 bay leaf 4 cloves 2 inch cinnamon piece 3 green cardamom Optional: rice and naan bread Steps: Step 1: Prepare all ingredients. Dice onions into small pieces. Wash and slice serrano pepper in half and remove seeds. Wash and dice tomatoes . Wash mint leaves and cut into tiny pieces. Wash bay leaf and leave whole. Remove skin of garlic then grind garlic and ginger together using either a spice grinder or mortar and pestle . Clean and cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Set all ingredients aside. I love using these bowls for prep (they are easy to clean and can go in the dishwasher). Step 2: Heat olive oil in a pan with tall sides ( like this ). Add bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and green cardamom. Cook for 3 minutes on medium heat or until you can smell the spices. Step 3: Add onions and serrano pepper. Sauté until the onions become golden. This will take around 5 minutes. Step 4: Add ginger and garlic paste and cook for about a minute. Step 5: Add tomatoes, turmeric, and salt. Mix and cook until tomatoes are mushy. Step 6: Turn heat to low. Stir in yogurt, red chili powder, garam masala, and coriander powder. Cook for about 3 minutes. Step 7: Add chicken and mint and turn heat to medium. Cook until the chicken looks completely white, I would recommend at least 5-7 minutes. Step 8: Cover the pan and turn temperature to low for 5 minutes. Step 9: Warm 1 cup of water in a tea kettle or on the stove. Step 10: Add 1/2 cup water to the pot of curry. Cover and continue to let cook until the chicken is fully cooked. NOTE: Chicken should be cooked to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consumption. You can use a meat thermometer to check. Add more warm water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Serve over rice or with naan bread and enjoy! Which country should I do next? Follow @thatcountrycook on Instagram  to see a video of me making this recipe! This article contains affiliate links.

Welcome to the eighth country of the 195 Country Cooking Challenge - where I cook a popular dish from all 195 countries around the world! If you missed the previous countries, you can check those out on my blog as well as my YouTube , Instagram , and TikTok (That Country Cook). Along the journey, I will be sharing these recipes with you plus some interesting facts about each country. My goal is to teach you a bit about each country while you eat or cook their cuisine! Today, I will be cooking the National Dish of Colombia! The National Dish of Colombia Bandeja paisa is a traditional Colombian dish that originates from the Antioquia region in the western part of the country. Its roots can be traced back to the late 19th century when it was developed as a hearty meal for laborers in the coffee-growing areas of the Andes. The dish reflects the diverse agricultural products of the region and the cultural influences of various groups, including Indigenous peoples, Spanish colonizers, and African slaves. It typically includes ingredients like rice, beans, ground beef or pork, chicharrón (fried pork belly), avocado, plantains, and arepas. Bandeja paisa was traditionally served on a large platter, or "bandeja," which contributes to its name. Over time, it has evolved and gained popularity beyond Antioquia, becoming a symbol of Colombian cuisine as a whole. Today, bandeja paisa is celebrated not only for its flavors but also for its representation of Colombian culture and history. You can definitely make this dish at home, but it will take you a while! I will link where I found recipes to each part of the dish. Facts About Colombia What is it about this country that makes it so unique? Before European arrival, the region was inhabited by indigenous groups like the Muisca and Tairona, who developed advanced societies. The Spanish began colonization in the early 16th century, establishing settlements such as Santa Fé de Bogotá and claiming the territory as part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. The push for independence began in 1810, leading to the formation of Gran Colombia in 1819, which included modern-day Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. However, Gran Colombia broke by 1831 due to internal conflicts. The 19th century brought political instability and civil wars, while the early 20th century saw Panama separate from Colombia in 1903. From the 1960s onward, Colombia faced prolonged internal conflict involving guerrilla groups and drug trafficking. A significant peace agreement was signed with the FARC in 2016, marking a hopeful turn towards stability. The flag of Colombia is yellow, blue, and red. The yellow represents the country's gold, the wealth of the soil, and the sun. The blue represents the seas, rivers, and sky. The red represents the blood spilled fighting for Colombia's independence. Colombia is 440,831 square miles of land. The most common jobs in the country are in the services sector. These include jobs like teaching, nursing, maintenance, and retail.  The official language of Colombia is Spanish, with around 99% of the population speaking it as their first language. Cooking the National Dish of Colombia   Because there are so many different elements in this dish, I have decided to link where I got the recipes. I will also share what order I cooked these in to create the full dish. NOTE: It took me two days! Bandeja paisa Hogao Aliños Powdered beef Colombian-style beans Rice Arepas Plantains MY STEPS: DAY 1 Soak pinto beans overnight DAY 2 Start powdered beef Make hogao Boil powdered beef Make aliños Start beans Finish powdered beef Finish beans DAY 3 Wash rice Start arepas Make plantains Make rice Make arepas Fry chorizo Cut avocado Cut lime Fry eggs Plate Which country should I do next? Follow @thatcountrycook on Instagram  to see a video of me making this recipe!

This dill sauce is perfect for salmon! It also doubles as a dip for bread and vegetables. Prep Time:  10 minutes Ingredients Instructions 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (very small pieces) Step 1 Combine sour cream and mayonnaise in a bowl. 1/2 cup sour cream Step 2 Crush garlic using a tool like this or mince it. Add garlic to bowl. 1/2 cup mayonnaise Step 3   Squeeze juice of lemon into bowl. I use this lemon squeezer to get all the juice out. 1 garlic clove (peeled) Step 4   Add chopped dill into the bowl and combine all ingredients with a fork. 1/2 lemon Step 5    Once combined, refrigerate until ready to use. Add salt to taste. Enjoy! I like this dill sauce on salmon, but you could also use it as a dip for bread or vegetables! If you make this recipe, I want to see! Tag @thatcountrycook on Instagram. This page includes affiliate links.