Celebrating United Nations Day: A Culinary Journey Around the World

United Nations Day, observed on 24th October, marks the anniversary of the UN Charter coming into effect in 1945.

This global event is a day of reflection on the achievements of the United Nations in promoting peace, security, human rights, and development across the world. What better way to celebrate this diverse and interconnected world than by cooking snacks from different countries?

Food is a powerful symbol of unity and diversity, a way of sharing cultures and bringing people together. To honour this day, why not host a mini world tour from your kitchen by preparing delicious snacks from a variety of nations? Let’s explore some easy, flavourful recipes that capture the essence of different cultures while celebrating the spirit of global unity.

1. Mexican Guacamole with Tortilla Chips

Guacamole is a simple yet iconic dish from Mexico, made from ripe avocados, lime juice, onions, coriander, and a touch of salt. Paired with crispy tortilla chips, this snack is perfect for a light, refreshing start to your United Nations Day celebration.

Recipe:

2 ripe avocados

1 lime, juiced

1 small red onion, finely chopped

A handful of fresh coriander, chopped

Salt to taste

Tortilla chips for dipping

Mash the avocados in a bowl, mix in the lime juice, onions, coriander, and salt. Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy the tangy freshness of this classic Mexican snack.

2. Italian Bruschetta

Bruschetta is an Italian antipasto that features toasted bread topped with a mixture of fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. It’s a quick snack that bursts with Mediterranean flavours, bringing a taste of Italy to your celebration.

Recipe:

1 French baguette, sliced

4 tomatoes, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

A handful of fresh basil, chopped

Olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Toast the baguette slices, then rub them with a little garlic. In a bowl, combine tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. Spoon the mixture onto the bread, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

3. Indian Samosas

For a spicier twist, try making samosas from India. These crispy, golden pastries filled with a spicy potato mixture are a popular street food in South Asia and are sure to be a hit at your celebration.

Recipe:

2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed

1 onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon chilli powder

Pre-made samosa pastry or phyllo sheets

Oil for frying

Mix the mashed potatoes with the onions and spices, then spoon the mixture into the samosa pastry. Fold into triangular shapes and fry until golden. Serve with mint chutney or tamarind sauce.

4. Japanese Onigiri

Onigiri, or rice balls, are a simple and popular snack in Japan. They’re made from sushi rice shaped into triangular or round forms and often filled with tuna, pickled plums, or salmon. Onigiri is a great way to enjoy the subtle flavours of Japanese cuisine.

Recipe:

2 cups sushi rice, cooked

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Filling of choice (e.g., tuna mayo, pickled plums)

Nori seaweed sheets for wrapping

Mix the rice vinegar into the cooked rice. Wet your hands and shape the rice into a ball or triangle, placing your filling in the centre. Wrap a strip of nori around the onigiri for easy handling, and serve.

5. British Mini Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam

No culinary tour is complete without a nod to British cuisine. Mini scones with clotted cream and jam offer a delightful, sweet treat to round off your global snack menu. This quintessentially British snack pairs perfectly with a cup of tea and provides a familiar yet delicious addition to your spread.

Recipe:

225g self-raising flour

55g butter, cubed

25g caster sugar

150ml milk

Clotted cream and strawberry jam for serving

Rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar, then gradually add milk to form a soft dough. Roll out the dough and cut into small rounds. Bake at 220°C for 10-12 minutes. Serve warm with clotted cream and jam.

A Global Celebration

By cooking these diverse snacks, you can bring the flavours of different countries into your home, honouring the multicultural spirit of United Nations Day. This culinary celebration not only introduces new tastes to your palate but also reminds us of the shared human experience behind each dish.

Gather your family or friends, set out your global snack spread, and enjoy a meaningful conversation about the importance of unity, peace, and international cooperation. Through food, we can celebrate our differences and find common ground—one delicious bite at a time. Happy United Nations Day!