Recipes | I've Been Cooking

Ota Ika

Ota Ika is Tonga’s coconut–citrus ceviche: tender fresh fish briefly cured in lime and lemon juice, enriched with creamy coconut milk, and tossed with crisp vegetables, chili, and herbs. Bright, cooling, and perfect for warm weather.

🇳🇺 Niue$$

Or Lam

Or Lam is a fragrant Lao beef stew with lemongrass, galangal, eggplant, and mushrooms, thickened with toasted sticky rice powder and finished with dill and holy basil. Traditionally served with sticky rice.

🇱🇦 Laos$$

Saltah

Saltah is a traditional Yemeni bubbling stew topped with foamy whipped fenugreek (hulba). This version features tender lamb simmered with tomatoes, potato, okra, aromatics, and warm spices, finished with cilantro, green chili, and lemon.

🇾🇪 Yemen$$

Pargo de La Libertad

A coastal-style red snapper from La Libertad: pargo marinated in lime, garlic, achiote, cumin, and oregano, then cooked with onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Served with rice, boiled yuca, and fried plantain, finished with fresh cilantro.

🇸🇻 El Salvador$$

Empada Santomense

Empada Santomense is a savory São Toméan hand pie filled with spiced chicken, olives, and aromatic vegetables, wrapped in a buttery pastry enriched with palm oil accents. It’s hearty, fragrant, and perfect for a comforting meal or celebratory spread.

🇸🇹 Sao Tome and Principe$$

Seyðasuppa

Seyðasuppa is a traditional Icelandic lamb soup brimming with tender lamb, root vegetables, and rolled oats, seasoned simply with thyme, bay leaf, and parsley. It’s hearty, aromatic, and perfect for a comforting, nourishing meal.

🇫🇴 Faroe Islands$$

Heard and McDonald Toothfish Chowder

A rich, creamy seafood chowder starring buttery toothfish, smoky bacon, and tender potatoes, brightened with sweet corn, herbs, and a splash of white wine. Cozy, luxurious, and perfect for cold-weather comfort.

🇭🇲 Heard and McDonald Islands$$$

Merguez

Merguez is a spicy North African sausage made from lamb and beef, seasoned with harissa, paprika, cumin, coriander, fennel, garlic, and cayenne. It’s bold, smoky, and aromatic—excellent grilled or pan-seared and served with flatbreads, couscous, or salads.

🇩🇿 Algeria$$

Pyongyang Manduguk

Pyongyang Manduguk is a North Korean–style dumpling soup featuring a light, clean beef-kelp broth with delicate dumplings filled with tofu and vegetables. It’s comforting yet refined, highlighting subtle flavors and a clear, savory stock. Perfect for a nourishing, warming main course.

🇰🇵 North Korea$$

Xiao Long Bao

Shanghainese soup dumplings filled with savory pork and rich gelatinized chicken stock that melts into soup as they steam; served with black vinegar and chili oil.

🇨🇳 China$$

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