The U.S. is a melting pot of ethnic foods and flavors. The foods we eat are evidence of our multicultural roots. Do you have a favorite? How creative are you in trying new foods and recipes from various cultures?
Including new flavors adds variety to your food choices. In fact, it can be fun, exciting, increase nutrients, and level-up flavor. Variety is the spice of Life!
Meal and snack ideas that include flavors from around the world.
- Blend a smoothie with low-fat yogurt or buttermilk and tropical fruits like papaya or mango.
- Cook up a Spanish omelet with potatoes and other veggies. Additionally, top it with a sprinkle of cheese, paprika or cayenne to liven it up.
- Mix up a salad with different greens, whole grains, dairy, and protein. You might also like tuna salad made with Greek yogurt, onion, celery and whole wheat pasta.
- Grab some spring rolls. It’s a Vietnamese dish served cold with a dipping sauce. Generally, they include fresh vegetables and a protein such as tofu stuffed inside thin sheets of rice paper.
- Warm up with spicy lentil and vegetable stew, known as Sambar, originating from India.
- Try stuffed vegetables. Cabbage, eggplant, and zucchini can be livened up with meats, grains, and sauces. For example, try a Middle Eastern mahshi made of zucchini stuffed with cooked rice, lamb, and spices served in a tomato-based sauce.
- Whip up an easy South African chutney. It’s made with apricots, peaches, and raisins. And you eat it with bread or cheese.
- Take it easy. For instance, enjoy raw veggies with hummus or tzatziki. Tzatziki is a creamy, yogurt-based dressing made with cucumbers, garlic and dill.
On a large scale, food is an important part of culture and an expression of cultural identity. Let’s celebrate National Nutrition Month™ by celebrating a world of flavors!
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