When temperatures drop and the wind starts to howl, there’s nothing better than a warm, comforting bowl of soup or stew. People around the world turn to these dishes, as they represent not only nourishment, but comfort and tradition. At International Fresh Market, we have prepared a global tour of cozy bowls, each representing a different country or region. Our international market has all the authentic ingredients you need to make these dishes at home.
East Asia: Ramen (Japan)
Ramen is a dish native to Japan but beloved all around the world. This broth-based noodle soup is ideal for cold days, but is equally delicious any time of the year. With chewy noodles, rich broth, and warming toppings, ramen truly has it all. There are a few key ingredients featured in ramen, including noodles of your choice, miso or soy-based broths, and garnishes like green onion or bok choy. Make ramen a quick meal at home by using pantry staples or shortcut ingredients like pre-chopped veggies. It can take just a few minutes to whip up a delicious bowl of ramen.
South Asia: Dal (India)
A staple lentil stew enjoyed all across India, dal has lots of warming spices, a creamy texture, and deeply nourishing qualities. Dal is known for its soothing flavors of cumin, ginger, and turmeric, perfect for warming the stomach on a cold day. Dal is naturally comforting, filling and adaptable. Don’t like ginger or cumin? Feel free to play around with spices and quantities to suit your taste. Start light on the spice and build to your desired heat.
Southeast Asia: Tom Kha (Thailand)
From Southeast Asia, tom kha is a delicious coconut-milk based soup with aromatic herbs. A perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors, tom kha features ingredients like coconut milk, lemongrass, lime, and galangal. Tom kha is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack, as it is both light and deeply warming. Pick up everything to make this dish at International Fresh Market, from high-quality coconut milk to fresh lemongrass.
Latin America: Pozole (Mexico)
Pozole, which hailed originally from Mexico, is a traditional, hominy-based soup that is hearty and filling. Slow-simmered for hours and steeped in a rich broth, hominy is perfect served alone or with a side of cornbread or flatbread. Made with chiles, hominy, and spices, hominy is often made for gatherings or family celebrations and enjoyed over a period of time. This winter season, make a big pot of hominy and nosh on it all weekend long!
Mediterranean / Middle East: Harira (Morocco)
The middle east is known for rich, flavorful dishes that are perfectly spiced. Harira is one such dish, a hearty soup that is often enjoyed during cooler evenings. With ingredients like lentils, fresh herbs, tomatoes, and warming spices, harira is a satisfying dish that is guaranteed to bring you comfort when the temperature plummets.
Making Global Comfort at Home
Why not explore all of these cozy bowls this season? Consider picking one dish and building from there. It’s easy to whip up a bowl of comfort in the kitchen when you have the right ingredients. At International Fresh Market, we have everything you need to make all of these recipes and so many more. From quality spices and broths to pantry staples and vegetables, we can help you pick out every item on your shopping list.
Our international market is a convenient place to explore a world of global ingredients under one roof. Contact us today to learn more or visit us in person to see our current selection. Our friendly associates are also always happy to assist you in your shopping adventures.
