Think Outside The Takeout Box With These 21 International Recipes

Tired of the same old menus? There’s a whole world of recipes out there waiting to spice things up. It’s not just about trying something different; it’s about discovering the incredible variety and richness of global cuisines. And the best part? You get to learn a little something about the world with every bite.

Penne Alla Vodka

Who thought pasta could dress up for a classy affair? Vodka might seem an unusual ingredient, yet it plays a key role in enhancing the tomato sauce with a notable flair. It’s so divinely smooth and rich, you might find yourself pausing with each forkful to appreciate its creamy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Epic Bean Chili

When the weather turns chilly, nothing warms you faster than a generous bowl of bean chili. The humble bean, with its comforting texture, soaks up the rich, spiced tomato sauce like it was always meant to be the highlight of this dish. It’s like wrapping up in your favorite blanket, but in edible form. You might just find that the best chili is the one that has your signature spin.
Get the Recipe: Epic Bean Chili

Jalapeno Poppers

If you’re in the mood for a game-changer at your next gathering, try your hand at Jalapeno Poppers. They’re little bites of heat mellowed out by a creamy cheese filling that works to cool down the spice in just the right way. Every crunchy bite is packed with bold contrasts, but be warned – they’re so moreish, they won’t last long on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Poppers

Easy Thai Peanut Curry

Sometimes, you just need a dish that feels like an escape, and this Easy Thai Peanut Curry is like a one-way ticket to flavor town. The blend of peanut butter with Thai spices creates a sauce so dreamy you’ll want to scrape the bowl clean. Go ahead, let your kitchen transform into a Thai bistro for the evening — no passport required.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thai Peanut Curry

Sweet Potato Tacos

Sweet Potato Tacos bring a pop of color and a burst of nutrients to your usual taco Tuesday spread. They prove that sweet potatoes aren’t just for Thanksgiving — they make a killer taco stuffing too. Wrapped in a warm tortilla and combined with your favorite toppings, they challenge the very notion of what belongs in a taco.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Tacos

Easy Vegetable Stew

There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade Easy Vegetable Stew. It’s a patchwork of veggies, each contributing its character while simmering harmoniously in a savory broth. It’s the perfect candidate for emptying out the fridge and using up all those veggies you’ve been meaning to eat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable Stew

Thai Yellow Curry

There’s something about Thai Yellow Curry that’s like a warm hug in a bowl. With its golden hue from turmeric and curry powder, it’s not just delicious; it looks like sunshine in a dish. Whether you fancy chicken, tofu, or veggies, this curry’s got you covered, soaking your add-ins with its vibrant flavor.
Get the Recipe: Thai Yellow Curry

Babaganoush Eggplant Dip

Have you ever watched an eggplant transform into something spectacular? Babaganoush is a revelation, turning the often overlooked vegetable into a creamy, smoky dip that’s hard to resist. It’s packed with tahini and a squeeze of lemon for a tangy kick. Slather it on warm pita bread, and you have yourself a snack that’s both surprising and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Babaganoush Eggplant Dip

Homemade Flour Tortillas

Rolling out your own Homemade Flour Tortillas is like a mini adventure right there on your countertop. These pillows of dough cook up to become the perfect soft and warm companions to any filling you crave. Beautifully blank canvases, they’re ready to wrap up your favorite taco, burrito, or quesadilla fixings.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Flour Tortillas

Caramelized Onion Hummus

Adding caramelized onions to classic hummus is quite the game-changer. The sweetness they bring creates a remarkable balance with the earthy chickpeas. When your guests ask, “What’s your secret?” you’ll smile, knowing it’s just a humble onion worked into a smooth, creamy blend. This one’s a reminder that sometimes the best flavors are hidden in plain sight, just waiting for their moment to shine.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Hummus

Salsa Roja

Sometimes, all a dish needs is the fiery kick of a good Salsa Roja to go from good to unforgettable. This blend is a crucible of flavors, just waiting to unleash its vibrant heat on unsuspecting palates. It stands as a tribute to timeless Mexican flavors that have spiced up meals for generations. It’s fun surprising yourself with just how much heat you can handle, right?
Get the Recipe: Salsa Roja

Italian Dressing

Truth: a homemade Italian Dressing can transform your salads from obligatory greens to the reason you’re racing to the dinner table. It’s a concoction of herbs and vinegar that somehow feels both invigorating and soothing. Whip this up, and watch as “just a salad” turns into “more salad, please!”
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing

Best Lemon Pasta

A plate of Best Lemon Pasta is like sunshine — bright, refreshing, and sure to light up your dining room table. It has a way of infusing a simple elegance into any mealtime. The lemons aren’t shy here; they bring a burst of freshness that cuts through any richness, making every mouthful feel like a fresh start. So, who’s up for a tangy twist on pasta night?
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Go ahead, give that bottle at the store a pass, because homemade Thai Sweet Chili Sauce is where it’s at. It’s the hero your spring rolls and grilled meats didn’t know they needed, with just the right balance of sweet heat. There’s real pleasure in tweaking the levels of sugar and spice until you get it just right for you and your crew.
Get the Recipe: Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Spicy Salsa Taquera

Bring the vibrant ambiance of a Mexican street market to your kitchen with just a blender and a handful of ingredients. Spicy Salsa Taquera is that sauce you’ll want to dollop on everything, with a depth of flavor only toasted chilies and charred tomatoes can achieve. Isn’t it great how a little fire in your sauce can spark so much joy on your plate?
Get the Recipe: Spicy Salsa Taquera

Stuffed Peppers

Who knew that bell peppers could be the perfect vessels for an abundance of fillings? Stuffed Peppers are not just a meal; they’re a colorful masterpiece waiting to happen, bursting with any combination of grains, proteins, and vegetables you fancy. Sit down to a plate filled with these gems, and you’ll see why this dish is a staple for creative home chefs.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti Marinara is as timeless as it is simple, and it’s always there for you when you need a quick, no-fuss meal. The sauce, simmered to perfection, clings to each strand of pasta, hugging it with its rich, tomatoey embrace. There’s a true comfort in twirling those noodles around your fork and knowing that every kitchen can turn out something this heartening.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Refried Beans

Refried Beans are the quiet heroes of the dinner table, often overshadowed, but always the foundation for so many classic dishes. They meld together in a creamy concoction that’s both familiar and comforting, like a favorite song playing softly in the background. This is comfort food at its best, complementing tacos, burritos, and everything in between.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Vegetable Stir Fry

Imagine a sizzling pan full of fresh veggies, each slice quick to cook but slow to forget. That’s a Vegetable Stir Fry for you, a dish that celebrates the crunch and color of whatever you’ve got in the fridge. It’s so quick it’ll have you wondering what to do with all your newfound free time. Each sauce-drenched vegetable is a reminder that fast food can be healthy and homemade.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Easy Burrito

It turns out that all you need for a satisfying meal is what you can wrap up in a soft flour tortilla. The Easy Burrito turns any day into a fiesta with its medley of fillings, all snugly wrapped and ready to go. Whether you load it with beans, rice, cheese, or all of the above, it’s hands-down comfort food. Isn’t it wonderful how folding up your favorite ingredients is both an act of care and a promise of good flavor?
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito

Vegan Ratatouille

A bubbling pot of Vegan Ratatouille is reminiscent of French countryside kitchens, where each ingredient is allowed its time to shine. The vegetables intertwine in a dish that’s as vibrant to look at as it is to eat, slowly stewed to coax out every nuanced flavor. You might find satisfaction in the rhythmic slicing of zucchini, eggplant, and peppers, each destined to be a star in this show.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille