Transport your tastebuds on an aromatic adventure with these 5 mouthwatering herb-infused dishes from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking to expand your culinary horizons, these exotic flavors are sure to tantalize your senses. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and let’s dive into Aromatic Adventures: 5 Exotic Herb-Infused Dishes from Around the World.
1. Za’atar Chicken – Middle East
Our first stop on this flavor tour takes us to the Middle East for a taste of za’atar chicken. Za’atar is a popular Middle Eastern spice blend made with thyme, oregano, marjoram, sesame seeds, and sumac. When mixed with olive oil and spread over chicken, the result is a tangy, herby flavor that’s both comforting and complex. The chicken is then roasted until the skin is crispy and golden brown while the za’atar infuses the meat with its aromatic qualities. One bite will transport you to the bustling spice markets of the Middle East!
2. Pesto Pasta – Italy
Next we fly over to Italy for a classic dish that has been perfected over generations – pesto pasta. This Italian favorite gets its signature flavor from an abundance of fresh basil blended with garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, olive oil, and pine nuts. When tossed with al dente pasta, it creates a quick, easy and supremely delicious meal. With each bite of pesto pasta, you’ll feel like you’re dining along the sunny coast of Italy, savoring the peak summer flavors of Genoa’s famous sauce.
3. Thai Basil Stir Fry – Thailand
The aromatic adventures continue as we make our way over to Thailand. Here, Thai basil stars in flavorful stir fry dishes across the country. Unlike Italian sweet basil, Thai basil has an anise-like flavor that stands up to high heat cooking. When stir fried with chicken or beef, onions, chili peppers, and rice noodles, the Thai basil adds a distinctly licorice-y zing that sets Thai cuisine apart. The dish is finished off with fish sauce, oyster sauce, a squeeze of lime juice, and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for an authentic Thai street food experience bursting with exotic flavors.
4. Chimichurri Steak – Argentina
Our next aromatic adventure takes us to the grasslands of Argentina for a taste of their legendary chimichurri steak. Chimichurri is a bright green uncooked sauce made with parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and red pepper flakes. When slathered on a juicy grilled steak fresh off the parrilla, it adds a tangy, herby punch of flavor to the smoky meat. The contrast of the cool chimichurri and hot steak is utterly mouthwatering. Every bite fills your senses with the vibrant flavors of Argentina.
5. Jerk Chicken – Jamaica
For the final stop on our flavor voyage we head to the Caribbean to try authentic Jamaican jerk chicken. This dish gets its trademark smoky, spicy, herbaceous flavor from a wet marinade, or jerk sauce, that the chicken is soaked in before grilling over pimento wood. The marinade usually contains scallions, thyme, allspice berries, habanero peppers, garlic, cinnamon and nutmeg among other spices. When cooked over the indigenous pimento wood, these aromatic spices infuse the chicken with the one-of-a-kind taste of Jamaican jerk. One bite will make you feel like you’ve got sand in your toes as you soak in the exotic island flavors.
With tantalizing aromas, mouthwatering flavors and textures, and a taste of cultures across the globe, these 5 herb-infused dishes offer an aromatic adventure for all the senses. So go on, take your tastebuds on an exotic trip around the world from the comfort of your own kitchen. It’s time to let these herb-packed flavors transport you!
