-
Step 1
Because of the overwhelming number of international ingredients, it's best to explore by food or country of origin. For instance, Oaxacan tamales are banana leaf-wrapped (versus corn shuck), but banana leaves are commonly found in Thailand, as well as Mexico. From a western perspective, Asian cuisine offers particularly unique flavors. Buying a cuisine-specific cookbook or visiting a corresponding website usually gives a pretty in-depth breakdown.
-
Step 2
Understand some of the common uses of different ingredients. Most often, what really differentiates a meal isn't the main ingredient--meat, fish, large vegetable. It's the herbs, spices, rices, small vegetable, liquids, etc., that takes your food abroad. These can be used to season or marinate. Combined with a simple broth, stock or even water, they can make soups. You'll soon find the most common ethnic ingredients are powders and leaves, both used to create flavors.
-
Step 3
Find out where to buy them. Sometimes, spices like curry or chili paste can be found at the local supermarket. But many require a bit of a field trip. Seek out Indian grocers or hispanic mercados. In fact, many Middle Eastern and Asian items can only eb found in Asian markets. If you live in a larger metropolitan area, there's likely to be a section of town where Asian markets abound. In smaller areas, you may have one or two, or you might have to substitute with a specialty market. Most specialty markets can order items for you if you give them fair notice. If all else fails, find out what immediately available ingredients can be combined as a substitute flavor.
Comments
jull14 said
on 2/10/2009 I am so glad you wrote this article, because to me sometimes is very difficult to get what I need to cook my special plate. Thanks for a wonderful article.
Anonymous said
on 3/8/2006 Always shop at the largest public market in a city. There will be a spice shop there and if they don't carry something you need or want, they will tell you where to go to find it.