An unfamiliar ingredient can make us hesitate before we have learned anything about the dish. Then someone describes an earthy quesadilla filling, a chilli-marinated skewer or a crisp slice of breakfast loaf, and curiosity takes over.
Odd Bites: The Americas by Mike Bukayo has plenty of those moments. These three entries make a particularly inviting tasting trail.
Huitlacoche: an earthy filling worth knowing
Huitlacoche is a fungus that grows on corn, changing its kernels into swollen, dark galls. Its appearance gives little hint of why it is valued in Mexican cooking.
The book describes an earthy, mildly smoky flavour with a little sweetness—a useful starting point for anyone who enjoys mushrooms. Sautéed with ingredients such as onion, garlic and epazote, it becomes a filling for quesadillas and tacos, or an ingredient in soup.
A quesadilla is a welcoming first encounter: a familiar format that gives a distinctive ingredient room to shine.
Anticuchos: follow the flavour of the grill
Peruvian beef-heart anticuchos are built around careful trimming, marinating and charcoal cooking. Ají panca, vinegar, garlic and spices bring depth and a lively edge to the meat.
Served with accompaniments such as potato and corn, the skewers offer an immediately understandable pleasure: well-seasoned food fresh from the grill.
The book also explores the dish’s Afro-Peruvian history. That context deserves space alongside the flavour; the skill of the cooks who shaped the tradition is part of its story.
Scrapple: the breakfast slice with crisp edges
From the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition comes scrapple, a loaf made with pork trim and offal, broth, grain and seasoning. Once set, it is sliced and pan-fried.
The transformation happens in the pan. The outside becomes golden and crisp while the centre stays softer, making it a satisfying companion to eggs. Herbs and pepper give the slice its savoury character.
For readers who enjoy sausage or other seasoned breakfast foods, scrapple offers an easy point of entry.
These three dishes show how much preparation matters. An ingredient list tells you what goes into a meal; the cook determines what you look forward to eating.
Discover the stories behind these dishes and many more in Odd Bites: The Americas.