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    Home / Roundups

    21 Easy Recipe from Around the World To Spice Up Your Meals

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Oct 8, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    When you're craving something different but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen, these easy recipes from around the world are the perfect solution. They bring bold flavors and a touch of excitement to your meals, all while being simple to prepare. I’ve gathered some of my favorite quick and flavorful dishes that will definitely shake up your dinner routine.

    A slice of budget-friendly flan with caramel sauce on a white plate.
    Filipino Leche Flan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

    A pot of Italian vegetable stew with a spoon, garnished with chopped green herbs, on a white tablecloth with a small bowl of parsley on the side.
    Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Ciambotta is a hearty vegetable stew that brings together the simple, fresh flavors of Italy. It’s an easy way to enjoy a wholesome meal with minimal effort. This recipe adds variety to your weeknight dinners with its rustic appeal. Perfect for when you want to try something international, it’s a great option for spicing up your usual meal rotation. Ready in under an hour, this stew makes a comforting, vegetable-packed meal.
    Get the Recipe: Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

    Chocolate Au Pain

    Close-up of a flaky pastry cut open to reveal a filling of chocolate, with a visible crispy golden crust.
    Chocolate Au Pain. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chocolate au pain is a classic French treat that adds a sweet twist to any meal or snack time. It’s simple yet satisfying, with rich chocolate wrapped in flaky pastry. This is an easy way to bring a touch of French baking into your kitchen without much hassle. Great for when you want to explore new flavors from around the world, it’s a quick dessert that can brighten any meal. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a dessert plate.
    Get the Recipe: Chocolate Au Pain

    Air Fryer Lumpia

    Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce.
    Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Lumpia is a traditional Filipino spring roll, and this air fryer version makes it quick and easy to enjoy. Crisp on the outside and packed with savory filling, it’s a great way to add international flair to your meal without a lot of prep. These rolls are ideal for appetizers or as a side dish to spice up your dinners. Fast to make and fun to eat, lumpia is a great dish to enjoy when you want something different. Perfect for sharing with guests.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

    Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

    Roasted tomatoes seasoned with herbs and spices, served on a white plate garnished with parsley.
    Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Roasted Roma tomatoes are a versatile side dish that works well with a variety of meals. Using the air fryer makes them quick and easy to prepare, with minimal cleanup. They add a burst of flavor and color to your plate, making them a perfect addition to your global-inspired recipes. This dish is a great way to spice up everyday meals with simple ingredients. A fast, flavorful side for any weeknight dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

    Coconut Panna Cotta

    A slice of white, creamy panna cotta topped with a fresh strawberry slice on a white plate, with a textured napkin beside it.
    Coconut Panna Cotta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Coconut panna cotta is a creamy Italian dessert with a tropical twist. It’s a refreshing option that’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for those looking to experiment with international flavors. This easy recipe is perfect for adding a little variety to your dessert routine. Light yet flavorful, it’s a great choice for spicing up your meals with a unique finish. Best of all, it’s ready in just a few hours.
    Get the Recipe: Coconut Panna Cotta

    Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

    Lemon ricotta cookies on rack with icing bowl.
    Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These lemon ricotta cookies bring a refreshing burst of flavor with every bite. Their soft, tender texture and bright citrus taste make them a fun addition to your dessert rotation. They’re easy to prepare and great for anyone looking to explore new, global-inspired recipes. Perfect for spicing up snack time or dessert, these cookies offer a refreshing take on traditional sweets. Ready in under an hour, they’re a perfect quick treat.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

    Breakfast Chorizo Burrito

    A close-up image of a sliced breakfast burrito filled with seasoned meat and eggs served on a white plate with avocado slices and dipping sauce in the background.
    Breakfast Chorizo Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This breakfast chorizo burrito packs bold flavors into a convenient, hand-held meal. The combination of spicy chorizo and eggs makes it a hearty option that’s great for adding some international flair to your morning routine. Easy to make and perfect for on-the-go mornings, this burrito spices up the usual breakfast choices. It’s a great way to try something new while keeping things simple and quick. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy mornings.
    Get the Recipe: Breakfast Chorizo Burrito

    Ratatouille

    Close-up of a wooden spoon holding ratatouille, featuring chopped zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, garnished with parsley.
    Ratatouille. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Ratatouille is a classic French vegetable dish that’s both healthy and flavorful. This recipe is an easy way to introduce the flavors of Provence to your dinner table, using simple, fresh ingredients. It’s a great option for adding variety to your meals and spicing things up with a Mediterranean touch. Ideal as a side or a light main, it’s a versatile dish that works with many meals. Ready in about an hour, it’s perfect for those looking to try something new.
    Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

    Aloo Gobi Masala

    Aloo gobi masala in skillet with naan bread.
    Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Aloo gobi masala is a hearty Indian dish made with potatoes and cauliflower, offering bold flavors with minimal prep. This easy recipe is perfect for those looking to spice up their meal routine with global-inspired dishes. It’s a great way to introduce more vegetarian options into your menu while keeping things simple. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a side dish, aloo gobi masala adds a warm, comforting flavor to any meal. Ready in under 40 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

    Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

    A plate of freshly cooked Filipino banana turon lumpia spring rolls.
    Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Turon lumpia is a Filipino dessert that wraps sweet bananas in crispy wrappers for a simple yet satisfying treat. This easy recipe adds a global touch to your dessert rotation and is great for when you want to try something new. The crispy, caramelized exterior and soft banana filling make it a perfect way to spice up snack time or dessert. Ready in minutes, this dish offers a quick and flavorful bite. Ideal for sharing with friends and family.
    Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

    Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

    Shrimp and broccoli stir-fry in a bowl.
    Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Shrimp and broccoli stir-fry is a quick and easy meal that brings Asian flavors to your dinner table. It’s a great way to spice up your weeknight meals with minimal prep. The combination of shrimp and fresh vegetables offers a healthy option that’s full of flavor. Ideal for busy evenings when you want something fast and different, this stir-fry is ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those looking to explore new flavors without much effort.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

    Beef Quesadillas

    A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate.
    Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Beef quesadillas offer a simple way to enjoy bold, Mexican-inspired flavors with minimal effort. These quesadillas are quick to prepare, making them great for busy nights when you want something different. The combination of beef, cheese, and tortillas brings a comforting, flavorful bite to your meal. Perfect for spicing up your weeknight dinners, they’re ready in under 30 minutes. Great for casual meals or game nights.
    Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

    Filipino Leche Flan

    Leche flan caramel creme brulee on a plate with a spoon.
    Filipino Leche Flan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Leche flan is a classic Filipino dessert that’s rich, creamy, and easy to prepare. It’s a great choice for those looking to add global flavors to their dessert table. The smooth, sweet flan adds a bit of indulgence to any meal without much hassle. Perfect for spicing up your usual dessert routine, this flan is ready in just a few hours. Ideal for special occasions or when you want something a little different.
    Get the Recipe: Filipino Leche Flan

    Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

    Lemon chicken soup in a white bowl with lemon slices.
    Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Greek lemon chicken soup is a light and refreshing dish that brings the flavors of Greece to your table. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for spicing up your meal routine with something different. The lemony broth and tender chicken make it a comforting yet flavorful option. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s great for quick weeknight meals. Ideal for those who want to try something new without too much effort.
    Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

    Fish Stew with Chorizo

    A bowl of soup with sausage and fish.
    Fish Stew with Chorizo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This fish stew with chorizo combines seafood and bold spices for a flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare. It’s a great option for those looking to spice up their meals with global-inspired ingredients. The chorizo adds a smoky kick to the tender fish, making this stew a standout dish. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something a little different. Great for seafood lovers who want to explore new flavors.
    Get the Recipe: Fish Stew with Chorizo

    Chicken Chop Suey

    Stir-fried chicken chop suey in a skillet.
    Chicken Chop Suey. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken chop suey is a quick and easy dish that brings Chinese-American flavors to your dinner table. It’s perfect for adding variety to your meal routine with minimal prep time. The combination of chicken and crisp vegetables makes it a light yet flavorful meal option. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something fast and different. Great for introducing new flavors into your meal rotation.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

    Creamy Chicken Curry

    Chicken curry with rice.
    Creamy Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Creamy chicken curry is a comforting dish that brings bold Indian flavors to your table. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for spicing up your usual weeknight dinners. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a filling and flavorful option. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s great for when you want to try something new without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for serving over rice or with naan.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Curry

    Bang Bang Shrimp

    Fried shrimp on a plate next to a bowl of sauce.
    Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Bang bang shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that adds a touch of Asian-inspired flavors to your meal. The crispy shrimp are tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that makes this recipe stand out. It’s an easy way to spice up your appetizer or main course options with minimal effort. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Great for anyone looking to explore new, bold flavors.
    Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

    Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

    A basket of crispy roasted pork belly chunks garnished with parsley, served in a white paper-lined wicker basket.
    Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Lechon kawali is a Filipino pork belly dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This air fryer version makes it easy to prepare, perfect for adding a global touch to your meals. It’s great for spicing up dinner or serving as an appetizer for gatherings. Ready in under an hour, these pork bites offer bold flavors with minimal effort. Ideal for anyone looking to try a new dish without spending too much time in the kitchen.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

    Steak Pizzaiola

    Fried steak topped with a chunky tomato and basil sauce, served on a white plate.
    Steak Pizzaiola. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Steak pizzaiola is an Italian-inspired dish that combines tender steak with a flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for spicing up your usual dinner routine. The combination of steak and sauce adds depth to the dish without much effort. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s great for weeknight meals or casual gatherings. Perfect for those looking to try something different with familiar ingredients.
    Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola

    Korean Beef and Broccoli

    Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice.
    Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Korean beef and broccoli is a quick stir-fry that brings bold, savory flavors to your dinner table. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for spicing up your usual weeknight meals. The combination of beef and broccoli makes for a balanced, flavorful dish. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s great for busy nights when you want something different. Ideal for those looking to explore Korean-inspired dishes at home.
    Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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