# Wanderlust in the Kitchen: International Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day
Breakfast is often described as the most important meal of the day, a chance to fuel your body and mind for whatever lies ahead. But breakfast doesn’t have to be a mundane routine of toast and cereal. Instead, why not take your taste buds on a journey around the world? From the spicy chilaquiles of Mexico to the delicate croissants of France, here are some international breakfast recipes that will transport you far beyond your kitchen.
## 1. Chilaquiles (Mexico)
### Ingredients:
- 6 corn tortillas, cut into wedges
- 2 cups salsa verde
- 1 cup shredded chicken (optional)
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 2 fried eggs (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
### Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the tortilla wedges until crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
2. In the same skillet, pour in the salsa verde and let it simmer for a few minutes. Add the fried tortillas and toss until they are coated.
3. If using, add the shredded chicken and stir until heated through.
4. Serve topped with queso fresco, sour cream, cilantro, and a fried egg if desired.
Chilaquiles are perfect for brunch or a hearty breakfast. The combination of crispy tortillas and zesty salsa makes for a vibrant start to your day.
## 2. Shakshuka (Middle East)
### Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 4 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
### Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Create small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each well. Cover and cook until the eggs are set to your liking.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread.
Shakshuka is a colorful dish that's perfect for sharing. The warmth of spices combined with the richness of eggs creates a comforting and flavorful breakfast.
## 3. Croissant (France)
### Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and sliced
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
### Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add the warm milk and mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
3. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and layer the butter slices on one half. Fold the other half over the butter, sealing the edges.
4. Roll out the dough again into a larger rectangle, then fold it into thirds. Repeat this rolling and folding process three times.
5. Roll the dough out one final time, cut it into triangles, and roll them into croissant shapes. Place on a baking sheet, brush with the beaten egg, and let rise for 30 minutes.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
These flaky pastries are the epitome of French breakfast. Whether enjoyed plain or filled with chocolate or almond paste, croissants are a delightful way to start the day.
## 4. Full English Breakfast (United Kingdom)
### Ingredients:
- 2 sausages
- 2 slices of bacon
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup baked beans
- 2 tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 slices of toast
- Butter for frying
### Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the sausages until browned. Add the bacon and cook until crispy.
2. Add the tomatoes and mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until softened.
3. In a separate pan, scramble or fry the eggs to your liking.
4. Heat the baked beans in a small saucepan.
5. Serve everything on a plate alongside toasted bread.
This hearty breakfast is a classic in British households, often served on weekends or special occasions. It's a comforting and filling way to kick off your day.
## 5. Akara (Nigeria)
### Ingredients:
- 1 cup black-eyed peas, soaked and peeled
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1-2 green chilies, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
### Instructions:
1. Blend the black-eyed peas with onions, chilies, and salt until smooth.
2. Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, frying until golden brown on both sides.
4. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Akara are delicious bean cakes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are often served with a side of spicy sauce and are a popular street food snack in Nigeria.
## 6. Açaí Bowl (Brazil)
### Ingredients:
- 2 packets of frozen açaí puree
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup granola
- Fresh fruits (berries, banana, etc.)
- Honey or agave syrup (optional)
### Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the frozen açaí and banana until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a bowl and top with granola, fresh fruits, and a drizzle of honey or agave syrup.
Açaí bowls are refreshing and packed with nutrients, making them a popular choice for a quick breakfast or snack in Brazil. Their vibrant colors and textures make them as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
## Conclusion
These international breakfast recipes not only provide a delicious start to your day but also offer a glimpse into the culinary traditions of various cultures. By incorporating flavors from around the world into your morning routine, you can cultivate a sense of wanderlust right from your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying the warmth of Shakshuka or the flaky goodness of a croissant, each bite is a passport to new experiences. So, grab your apron and embark on this global breakfast adventure!