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Five for Friday – Winter International Dishes

Let’s get cozy! We’re turning up the heat this Five for Friday with 5 international winter dishes that are sure to warm your tummies and your hearts! 

One of the great things about living in Eastern Europe is experiencing a mixture of different cultural influences, and learning all about all different kinds of recipes. Today, we’re sharing 5 recipes from 5 regions we love and are connected with in hopes that they keep the chill away. 

 

1. Romania – Ciulama de Pui (Creamed Chicken)

 

A warm and creamy versatile dish that can go over rice or alongside polenta (as served in Romania). In one local restaurant, we’ve had friends order this yummy dish in a fresh bread bowl as well. 

Due to Romania’s history of invasions over hundreds of years, you see influences on its gastronomic culture, ranging from Turkey to Greece and even the Romans. 

Poftă bună! Enjoy your meal!

 

2. Hungary – Goulash 

 

The area Forget Me Not is located in is called Transylvania and at different points in history, this region was a part of Hungary. Today, there remains a large Hungarian population still. So, this also means we have Hungarian influence in a lot of recipes and seasonings…bonus! Our local farmer’s market has the cutest elderly women selling their locally produced paprika and other spices each week. One of the dishes that teams absolutely love when they come over is Hungarian Goulash. It’s a paprika based stew that will knock your socks off. Often times, it is served with spicy home grown peppers. 

It’s origin traces back to the 9th century as one of the stews eaten by Hungarian shepherds. 

 

3. Great Britain – Bangers and Mash

 

Dave, our Operations Manager, has recommended Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Sauce as the perfect British winter comfort dish. His mum agreed wholeheartedly (thanks Sue). This traditional British meal is found everywhere from the local pub to the majority of British dinner tables. 

The quirky name “Bangers” came from food shortages during World War I that caused the sausages to explode due to their modified ingredients, which then contained a lot of fillers. Blimey! 

 

4. French Canadian – Tourtiere

 

The Tourtiere dates back to the 1600s when French settlers in Quebec attended midnight mass on Christmas Eve and celebrated afterwards with this dish. Our own Erin Perry, FMN Board member and amazing friend who helped open the children’s center, has shared that in her French Canadian town they also serve Tourtiere each Christmas Eve. She presents the dish with salad, fresh sourdough, roasted veggies (usually brussel sprouts), and cranberry sauce…along with something pickled, like beets. Sounds good, eh? 🙂 Bon appetit!

 

5. United States – Chicken Pot Pie

 

One of my favorite winter dishes growing up was Chicken Pot Pie, and today, we’ve got a casserole version for you to try. These past few winters, I’ve been making a Vegan Pot Pie for me and the kids, and we absolutely love it, so I’ve included that recipe as well for you to give a go. 

Pot Pie finds its origins in the Roman empire, who ate a dish that is very similar to the pot pie that we know and love today. However, some historians actually place pot pie’s history even further back with the ancient Greeks who ate a dish called “Artocreas”. 

 

Whichever country you head to this weekend, we hope you enjoy! We’d love to see a picture of what you make!

 

Have a blessed weekend, and stay warm and cozy! We’re grateful for you.

 

Love, 

Rachel