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Grandma’s 15 International Recipes She Won’t Tell Where She Got

Grandma has a secret stash of dishes that somehow taste like they were snuck out of kitchens across the globe. These 15 international recipes have a way of showing up at family dinners without a word about their origin. Maybe it’s a neighbor’s cookbook, maybe it’s a recipe swap gone rogue—either way, the results speak for themselves. And while Grandma’s tight-lipped, her food’s doing all the talking, and nobody’s complaining.

A plate of Mexican rice garnished with chopped green onions and herbs served with a spoon.
Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Horiatiki Salad

A black bowl contains a Horiatiki salad with blocks of feta cheese, garnished with herbs.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

If you’re looking to bring a bit of Greece to your kitchen, look no further. This salad doesn’t hide behind fancy dressings, letting each component shine on its own. Horiatiki Salad is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something incredibly refreshing and fulfilling. It’s more than just a salad; it’s a slice of Mediterranean lifestyle on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Classic Pork Souvlaki

Three pieces of Pork Souvlaki with a bowl of white sauce and pieces of flatbread on a black slate serving board.
Classic Pork Souvlaki. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Imagine juicy, tender pieces of pork, seasoned and cooked to perfection. That’s what you get with Classic Pork Souvlaki. This dish is all about the flavor that comes from marinating and grilling, bringing a taste of Greek street food right to your backyard. It’s uncomplicated, yet so full of flavor, making it an absolute must-try for any barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pork Souvlaki

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When the weather gets cooler, or you just need some comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a hearty soup. Pasta e Fagioli Soup brings Italian flair into your dining room with its rich broth and fulfilling texture. You’ll find this dish to be both nourishing and heartwarming, a true reflection of home-cooked goodness. Each spoonful sends you to a cozy Italian grandmother’s kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

A plate of German pot roast beef with a sauce being poured over it.
Slow Cooker German Pot Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those days when you crave the warmth of home-cooked meals but lack the time, this dish is a lifesaver. Slow Cooker German Pot Roast requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste, tender meat melting in your mouth with every bite. It’s a fusion of simple ingredients and slow cooking magic, making any dinner feel like a special occasion. Just set it, forget it, and come back to a feast.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash in two white bowls.
Authentic Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of Authentic Hungarian Goulash. This dish is a rich, hearty celebration of traditional Hungarian flavors, perfect for those who love to explore world cuisines. With its unique spice blend and succulent meat, every mouthful transports you to the heart of Budapest. It’s not just food; it’s an experience.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Mediterranean Cod

Mediterranean cod on a rectangular platter.
Mediterranean Cod. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re aiming to eat a bit lighter but don’t want to skimp on flavor, Mediterranean Cod is the way to go. This dish combines the freshness of the sea with a medley of Mediterranean ingredients. It’s light, it’s flavorful, and it effortlessly turns a simple meal into an elegant dinner. Plus, it’s a healthy choice that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

A white plate with Montreal smoked meat hash on it.
Montreal Smoked Meat Hash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Waking up to a hearty breakfast sets the tone for the whole day, and Montreal Smoked Meat Hash does exactly that. This dish is a mouth-watering mix of smokey, savory flavors that fill you up and leave you satisfied. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, serving not just food, but a bit of culinary love. Straight from Canada, this hash is a breakfast champion.
Get the Recipe: Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Close-up shot of Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers on a Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill topped with cheesy onion on a plate.
Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sometimes, you just need a good burger, and Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers put a wonderful twist on the classic. These burgers are juicy, flavorful, and a bit fancy without being fussy. It’s the kind of meal that makes an ordinary day feel special, proving that burgers can be both comforting and a tad gourmet. Fire up the grill and get ready for a treat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Birria Pizza

Birria Pizza on a pizza stone.
Birria Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining two beloved foods into one is always a gamble, but Birria Pizza hits the jackpot. This innovative dish offers the spicy, savory depth of traditional Birria on a comforting, crispy pizza base. It’s an adventurous eater’s dream, bringing a Mexican classic into an Italian favorite with extraordinary results. Who knew fusion could taste this good?
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza

Korean Galbi Ribs

Two Korean galbi ribs on a black slate plate with red chopsticks placed beside them.
Korean Galbi Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

There’s no denying the allure of perfectly cooked ribs, and Korean Galbi Ribs offer a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy take on the barbecue staple. This dish is all about the marinade, which imbues the ribs with flavors that are bold and unforgettable. It’s a culinary trip to Korea without leaving your backyard, showing just how universal the love for good ribs can be.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Ukrainian Potatoes

Ukrainian Potatoes on a white plate.
Ukrainian Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a taste of Eastern Europe, Ukrainian Potatoes serve up comfort in every bite. This dish is simple, fulfilling, and embraces the rustic charm of Ukrainian cooking. Whether served as a side or a main, it brings warmth and heartiness to the table. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most memorable.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Carrabba's Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup, accompanied by two spoons, a black pepper grinder, and a napkin.
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

On days when you need a little extra comfort, Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup is like a warm embrace in a bowl. This soup replicates the beloved restaurant favorite, brimming with flavors that soothe and uplift. It’s a labor of love that pays off with every comforting spoonful, making any dinner table feel like a Sicilian family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for a dish that’s light yet bursting with flavor, Chicken Piccata won’t disappoint. Its perfectly balanced taste comes from a simple but effective combination of ingredients. This dish shines in its ability to be both understated and bold, a culinary paradox that delights with each bite. It’s an easy way to bring restaurant-quality dining to your kitchen table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Round black dish filled with seasoned roasted potato wedges, placed on a white wooden surface alongside a white and yellow striped cloth napkin.
Greek Lemon Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Side dishes should never be an afterthought, and Greek Lemon Potatoes prove just that. These potatoes are tangy, tender, and loaded with flavor, perfectly complementing any main with a taste of Greece. It’s a simple way to upgrade a meal from good to great, showcasing how impactful perfectly seasoned spuds can be. They’re not just side dishes; they’re showstoppers.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

Mexican Rice

A plate of Mexican rice garnished with chopped green onions and herbs served with a spoon.
Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

No Mexican meal feels complete without Mexican Rice. This side dish brings color, flavor, and a bit of pizzazz to the table, effortlessly complementing a range of Mexican cuisines. It’s a staple that holds its own, with a fluffy texture and a taste that’s both subtle and rich. It turns any meal into a fiesta, proving that sometimes it’s the simplest dishes that pack the biggest punch.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

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