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Unique cooking techniques from around the world

Unique cooking techniques from around the world

Jan 26, 2024
03:51 pm

What's the story

Culinary arts, one of the oldest human expressions, showcase an array of food preparation methods, ranging from the straightforward to the unconventional. Exploring different cultures involves embracing new cuisines and delving into the intricate techniques employed by local chefs. Here, we present five fascinating cooking methods from diverse corners of the globe. Check them out!

Mexican style

Preparing food in a chiminea

Originating in Mexico, the chiminea has become a popular addition to many backyard and patio settings. Its roots trace back to the 1600s when Spanish explorers introduced the concept to the New World. The size and design of a chiminea vary based on its intended use, with some serving as compact warming fires akin to campfires.

Chinese style

Infusing flavor with wood and tea 

Chinese cuisine embraces smoking as a traditional cooking method rooted in survival practices. Smoking dehydrates food, eliminating moisture, bacteria, and extending shelf life. Presently, raw smoking is evident in dishes like camphor wood-smoked mushrooms and paprika, while another technique involves smoking cooked food for enhanced flavor, as seen in the popular smoked baked beans and potatoes.

Hawai style

Imu - The earthen oven

Hawaiian culinary tradition involves roasting and steaming food in an imu, an earthen oven. To barbecue in an imu, Hawaiians ignite a fire, placing fist-sized stones over the wood. The heated rocks, covered with leaves, prevent direct food contact and burning. Offerings like sweet potatoes and taro are often wrapped and smoked in this unique oven.

Asian style

Steaming in banana leaves

In India, various dishes are steamed in banana leaves, for instance patra, elayappam pathrode, modak, idli, etc. In Thailand, savoury and sweet dish steamed in banana leaves include khao dome (coconut sticky rice). The process begins with the careful selection of fresh banana leaves, followed by softening them by passing over an open flame or soaking them in hot water.

Thai style

Baking in bamboo

In Thai culinary tradition, a distinctive method involves using natural materials such as bamboo to craft flavorful dishes. Khao laam, a culinary gem, exemplifies this practice by ingeniously utilizing bamboo as both a vessel and a flavor enhancer. Hollow bamboo sticks are skillfully filled with a delightful combination of sticky rice, palm sugar, and coconut milk.