Exploring history through the meals of iconic and controversial figures. Join me on a culinary journey through time, one recipe at a time.
Inspired by Romania
Romanian pickled cabbage rolls stuffed with pork, smoked bacon, and rice, slow-braised with ham hock and tomato — served with soft mămăligă and sour cream
Inspired by Sweden
Soft, pillowy Swedish meatballs — the classic panade method with beef and pork — served with a rich cream and soy gravy
Inspired by Mao Zedong
The Chairman's favorite dish - meltingly tender pork belly braised in Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and aromatics, finished with a glossy reduction
Inspired by Marlon Brando
Indulgent Italian-American hunter-style chicken braised with charred peppers, mushrooms, olives, and red wine in a rich tomato sauce
Inspired by Queen Victoria
A Victorian-era chicken curry from Mrs Beeton's cookbook - the dish that became a palace favorite thanks to Abdul Karim
Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.
Classic Southern soul food - crispy buttermilk fried chicken, creamy baked mac and cheese, and slow-cooked collard greens with smoked meat
Episode 21
The second episode of the National Dishes Series — Romania's iconic sarmale, pickled cabbage rolls stuffed with pork and rice, slow-braised with smoked ham hock and served with mămăligă and sour cream
Episode 20
The first episode of the National Dishes Series — Sweden's iconic köttbullar, served with cream gravy, mashed potato, lingonberry jam, and pressgurka
Episode 19
Mao Zedong's famous red braised pork - the Chairman's favorite dish featuring meltingly tender pork belly in a deep, savory braising sauce
History isn't just about dates and battles—it's about the people who lived it. Through their favorite meals, we can understand their cultures, their times, and sometimes their controversies. Each episode explores not just how to cook these historical dishes, but why they mattered to the people who ate them.
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