Back to the USA! We’re on the home stretch of our journey … and don’t think for a minute that because we’ll be cooking familiar foods that they won’t be interesting, delicious and packed with flavor!
Similar to my native country, Canada, what gets me excited about cuisine in America is that there isn’t just one true cuisine. Food in America is heavily influenced by the melting pot of people who live there—and where in the country they live! Think of the spicy flavors of the Southwest, the tasty gumbos of Louisiana, the sweet potato pies of the south and the creamy chowders of the Northeast—just to name a few. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine certainly is!
Growing up, my family and I would eat meals made from scratch with vegetables and herbs picked from our own garden—and this has shaped many of my own philosophies about food. I’m happy to see that many Americans are starting to see the value of eating fresh, local foods. They’re stepping out of their comfort zones to try something different—while still staying true to their own favorites and traditional family recipes.
So, where does couscous fit in? I’ve got a few ideas for you. Use couscous as a side dish—or, as a way to unite the flavors of your main dishes. Use it in place of another starch, such as rice or other pastas. The fact is, couscous’ quick cook time and flexibility make it easy to incorporate into your go-to American (or Canadian!) recipes. And, it’ll add variety to your diet and help introduce bold new flavors.
For my American dish, Louisiana Chicken with Creole Couscous, I was inspired by authentic Southern cooking. The combination of spicy Creole seasoning (you can find low-sodium versions in many local grocery stores) with the flavors in Near East Herbed Chicken Couscous is absolutely mouth-watering! Real home cooking in a hurry. Nothing wrong with that!
In my next post, I’ll show you how to get a sensational regional American dish on the table in no time. And, while this is the last stop on our world cuisine tour, I hope during the last few months you’ve been inspired to continue on your own culinary journey and create unique and creative recipes that incorporate worldly ingredients and the authentic flavors of 100% natural Near East Couscous!
Happy cooking,
Chef Bowen
