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    Home / Collections

    21 Recipes from Around the Globe That Are Shockingly Simple

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Sep 17, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    We all love exploring new flavors but let’s be honest, nobody wants to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve gathered a list of super simple recipes from around the world that bring big taste with minimal effort. Whether you're looking for something quick or just want to try something new, these dishes make it easy to enjoy global flavors any night of the week.

    A bowl of seafood and sausage gumbo with a spoon, served on a white surface with a red checked napkin beside it.
    Fish Stew with Chorizo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Vegan Mexican Rice

    Mexican rice in small oval serving dish with spoon.
    Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Vegan Mexican rice is a perfect choice for a shockingly simple global dish with bold, comforting flavors. This recipe brings the essence of Mexican cuisine to your table using pantry staples like rice and beans. It’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal or side dish. A great way to enjoy a plant-based version of a classic, without any fuss. Perfect for when you want international flavor without complicated steps.
    Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

    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 refreshing, creamy dessert that brings the flavors of tropical cuisine to your kitchen with minimal effort. This simple, no-bake dessert is ideal for when you want to experience global flavors without spending much time. The coconut flavor pairs beautifully with the smooth texture, offering an easy way to enjoy a restaurant-style dessert at home. Shockingly simple to make, yet elegant enough for any occasion.
    Get the Recipe: Coconut Panna Cotta

    Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

    Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks.
    Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chinese black pepper chicken offers bold, peppery flavors in a dish that’s incredibly simple to make. You’ll love how quickly this global-inspired meal comes together, perfect for weeknights or when you’re craving takeout-style food at home. The savory sauce and tender chicken create a satisfying dish that’s shockingly easy to recreate. A great way to enjoy the flavors of China without leaving your kitchen. Ideal for quick and flavorful dinners.
    Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

    Chopped Greek Salad

    A fresh greek salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumbers, olives, and peppers, served with a fork and a glass of water on the side.
    Chopped Greek Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chopped Greek salad is a fresh and simple dish that brings the flavors of Greece to your table. This salad is easy to prepare, making it perfect for a light meal or side dish. You’ll be surprised by how quickly the bright, bold flavors come together with basic ingredients. A fantastic way to enjoy global cuisine without spending too much time in the kitchen. Ideal for a quick, healthy meal with a touch of international flair.
    Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

    Shrimp Scampi

    A plate with shrimp and bread on it.
    Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian dish that’s shockingly simple to make at home. This flavorful seafood pasta comes together quickly, making it perfect for a fast dinner with a touch of elegance. The combination of shrimp, garlic, and lemon creates a light yet satisfying meal. A great way to enjoy global flavors with minimal prep. Ideal for when you want something impressive but easy to prepare.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

    Minestrone Soup with Sausage

    Minestrone Soup with Sausage in white bowl with spoonful.
    Minestrone Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Minestrone soup with sausage brings the comfort of Italian cuisine to your table in a simple, hearty dish. This soup is packed with vegetables, beans, and sausage, making it a filling and flavorful option for colder days. You’ll be surprised by how easily this recipe comes together with basic ingredients. Perfect for when you want a global-inspired meal that’s both simple and satisfying. Great for cozy dinners without too much effort.
    Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

    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 are a fast and simple way to enjoy the flavors of Mexico in a familiar, comforting dish. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, this recipe is shockingly easy to prepare. The combination of melted cheese and seasoned beef makes it perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. A great way to enjoy Mexican flavors without the complexity. Ideal for busy nights when you need something quick and flavorful.
    Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

    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 flavorful dish that comes together quickly, bringing the bold tastes of Korean cuisine to your table with minimal effort. The combination of tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for when you want a global-inspired meal that’s shockingly simple. A great option for weeknight dinners when you need something fast but flavorful.
    Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

    Air Fryer Cornish Hen

    Air fryer Cornish hen on a white plate with lemon wedges.
    Air Fryer Cornish Hen. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Air fryer cornish hen is a surprisingly simple way to enjoy a tender, flavorful meal with a touch of global inspiration. This dish cooks quickly in the air fryer, making it perfect for when you want a special dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The Cornish hen comes out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, offering a gourmet feel without much effort. Ideal for a global-inspired meal with minimal prep and cooking time.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hen

    Ground Pork Stir Fry

    A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice.
    Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Ground pork stir fry is a fast, simple dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine to your home. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, this recipe is shockingly easy to prepare. The combination of ground pork, vegetables, and a savory sauce makes it perfect for busy weeknights. A great way to enjoy global flavors without the hassle of complex recipes. Perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner with minimal effort.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

    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 dish that’s surprisingly simple to make with basic ingredients like tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplant. This recipe offers a shockingly easy way to bring the flavors of France to your kitchen. It’s a perfect option for a light meal or side dish, using vegetables you likely already have on hand. A fantastic way to explore French cuisine without complicated techniques. Great for when you want something light and global.
    Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

    Carne Asada in the Oven

    Slices of baked carne asada on small wood cutting board.
    Carne Asada in the Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Carne asada in the oven is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy a Mexican classic without firing up the grill. This recipe is shockingly easy, allowing you to experience the bold flavors of Carne Asada with minimal effort. The oven method makes it accessible for any home cook, perfect for when you want a taste of Mexico without the hassle of outdoor cooking. Ideal for taco nights or as a main dish with rice and beans.
    Get the Recipe: Carne Asada in the Oven

    Creamy Chicken Curry

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

    Creamy chicken curry is an easy way to enjoy the rich, bold flavors of Indian cuisine with minimal effort. This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting yet globally inspired. The combination of tender chicken and a flavorful curry sauce is satisfying without being complicated. A great way to explore Indian flavors at home without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for a quick dinner with global flair.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Curry

    Filipino Leche Flan

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

    Filipino leche flan is a simple, elegant dessert that brings the flavors of the Philippines to your home. This creamy, caramel-flavored flan is shockingly easy to make, with just a few ingredients required. It’s perfect for when you want a globally inspired dessert that doesn’t take much time or effort. A great way to explore international flavors through dessert. Ideal for special occasions or a sweet treat after dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Filipino Leche Flan

    Chicken Chop Suey

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

    Chicken chop suey is a classic Chinese-American dish that’s both simple and flavorful. This stir-fry is shockingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights when you need something fast. With just a few ingredients, you can create a satisfying, globally inspired meal. A great way to enjoy the taste of Chinese takeout at home without the hassle. Perfect for quick, flavorful dinners with minimal prep.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

    Beef Queso Dip

    A bowl of beef queso dip with a spider web on top served with celery sticks.
    Beef Queso Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Beef queso dip is a simple and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine to your table with minimal effort. This creamy, cheesy dip is shockingly easy to make, perfect for game day or casual gatherings. The combination of seasoned beef and melted cheese creates a comforting, flavorful dish that’s hard to resist. A great way to enjoy global flavors in a fun, easy-to-make recipe. Ideal for when you want a quick, crowd-pleasing snack.
    Get the Recipe: Beef Queso Dip

    Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

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

    Filipino banana turon lumpia is a sweet, crispy dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. This Filipino street food favorite combines ripe bananas with a crunchy wrapper, offering a globally inspired dessert that’s shockingly easy to recreate at home. Perfect for when you want something sweet with minimal effort. A great way to explore international flavors through dessert. Ideal for a quick treat or special occasion.
    Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

    Fish Stew with Chorizo

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

    Fish stew with chorizo is a bold, flavorful dish that brings the tastes of Spain and Portugal to your table in a surprisingly simple recipe. The combination of fresh fish and spicy chorizo creates a satisfying, globally inspired stew that’s shockingly easy to make. Perfect for when you want a comforting meal with minimal prep. A great way to enjoy international flavors without complicated steps. Ideal for cozy dinners with a touch of global flair.
    Get the Recipe: Fish Stew with Chorizo

    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, comforting dish that’s both simple and flavorful. This recipe offers a shockingly easy way to bring the flavors of Greece to your table, with just a few ingredients and minimal prep. Perfect for when you want something warm and globally inspired without spending too much time in the kitchen. A great way to enjoy the tastes of Greece at home. Ideal for cozy lunches or dinners.
    Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

    Aloo Gobi Masala

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

    Aloo gobi masala is a flavorful, plant-based dish that brings the vibrant tastes of India to your kitchen with minimal effort. This recipe is shockingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting and globally inspired. The combination of potatoes, cauliflower, and a rich spice blend creates a satisfying meal in no time. A great way to explore Indian flavors without complicated steps. Ideal for a quick, flavorful dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

    Chicken Gnocchi Soup

    A bowl of chicken and spinach soup with a spoon.
    Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken gnocchi soup is a creamy, comforting dish that brings the flavors of Italian cuisine to your kitchen in a shockingly simple recipe. The combination of tender gnocchi and flavorful chicken creates a satisfying, globally inspired meal. Perfect for when you want something warm and hearty without a lot of prep. A great way to enjoy the tastes of Italy at home. Ideal for cozy dinners or a quick, filling lunch.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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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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