In our September issue, we had a conversation with local school couselors on talking to kids about race. One of their top tips? Introduce foods from around the world as a way to appreciate different cultures as a family. What a delicious idea! Let’s dig in with these five tasty dishes. 

Try it at Home: Worldwide Wednesdays

I love alliterations and anything that makes menu planning easier, so along with Taco Tuesdays add Worldwide Wednesdays to your weekly rotation. Enhance the new flavors by learning fun facts about the country of the week. Find out more about the country’s languages, their capitol city and the colors of their flag. 

Kid-Friendly Dishes from Around the World

Crepes (France)

Via theflavorbender.com

My family loves crepes. We usually make a round of savory — filled with interesting cheeses — and a round filled with something sweet. Think: fruit, Nutella and whipped cream. Three cheers for an easy dinner and dessert combo.  

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/4 cup milk 10 fl oz

• 3 large eggs

• 2 tbsp oil or melted butter

• 2 tsp sugar for savory crepes, OR

• 2 – 3 tbsp sugar for sweet dessert crepes

• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

• 4 oz all purpose flour scant 1 cup

For the full recipe, click here. 

Harissa Chicken (Tunisia) 

Via skinnytaste.com

This recipe falls under the beloved “set and forget” category. Just add mild harissa — a beloved North African chili pepper paste — to your slow cooker and you’ll have fresh flavors on the table with minimal effort. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

• 1 cup mild Harissa sauce, I like Mina

• optional, serve with Tzatziki

For the full recipe, click here. 

Carnitas (Mexico) 

Via cafedelites.com

Speaking of taco Tuesday, liven up your routine with these crispy carnitas. The secret ingredient is Mexican Coke for an authentic touch. This one is another “set and forget” slow cooker favorite. 

Ingredients: 

• 4 pounds (or 2 kg) skinless, boneless pork butt (or shoulder)

• 3-4 teaspoons salt

• 1 teaspoon pepper

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano (or Mexican oregano)

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 large brown or white onion, cut into wedges

• 8 cloves garlic, smashed

• 2 limes, juiced

• 2 large oranges , juiced (or 3/4 cup natural orange juice)

• 3/4 cup coke (Original or Mexican coke is ideal)*

• 2 bay leaves

For the full recipe, click here. 

Kung Pao Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Asian (China) 

Via thegingeredwhisk.com

Along with slow cooker meals, I have come to love sheet pan meals for weeknights — they bring minimal hands-on time and mess to my life. 

Sheet Pan: 

• 1 red bell pepper

• 2 carrots, sliced on the diagonal

• 1 yellow bell pepper

• 1 big handful of green beans, ends snapped

• 1 red onion, peeled and sliced into thick slices

• 1 lb chicken tenders

Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 3 tablespoon Hoisin Sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

• 3 Dorot Garlic Cubes (or 3 garlic cloves, minced)

• 2 Dorot Basil Cubes (or 2 tablespoon minced leaves)

Serving:

• 3 green onions, sliced

• 1/2 cup dry roasted unsalted peanuts

• 2 tablespoon sesame seeds

• Optional: red pepper flakes

For the full recipe, click here. 

Tandoori Chicken (India) 

Via thespruceeats.com

This one also comes together effortlessly,  plus it brings so many interesting spices to your kid’s menu. 

Ingredients: 

• 4 skinless free-range chicken breasts

• 1/2 tablespoon ground garam masala

For the Marinade:

• 4 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1/2 cup full-fat yogurt

• 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)

• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger (peeled and minced)

• 3 teaspoons paprika

• 2 tablespoons tomato puree

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 2 to 3 drops red food coloring (optional)

For the full recipe, click here.