ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Caucasian cuisine

Hi there! Today we're going to talk about something called Caucasian cuisine. Do you know what "cuisine" means? It's a fancy word for "types of food" or "cooking styles" that are famous in different parts of the world. So, Caucasus is a region located between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. There are three countries in this region named Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan that have their own cuisine; their food, spices, and cooking techniques may be quite similar, but they each have their own unique specialties that make them truly authentic.

In Caucasus cuisine, you'll find lots of yummy and healthy meals with fresh fruits and vegetables, meat (like lamb, beef, and chicken), seafood (like salmon and trout), and grains (like rice and quinoa). They use a lot of vegetables in their dishes, such as eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, beans, and herbs. They also love using spices like black pepper, paprika, coriander, parsley, and mint to add flavor to their meals.

One of the most popular dishes in Caucasian cuisine is called khachapuri. Imagine a pizza crust but instead of tomato sauce, it's filled with lots of cheese and butter. It's like a savory cheesy bread that you can eat as a snack or for breakfast. Mmm! Another famous dish is dolma, which is a delicious combination of rice, meat, and herbs wrapped in grape leaves. You might also enjoy trying some different kinds of kabobs, like shish kebab made with beef, chicken, or lamb, or jujeh kabob made with marinated chicken that's served with grilled vegetables and rice.

Caucasian cuisine can seem complicated, but really it's all about fresh ingredients, simple spices, and traditional cooking methods – like slow-cooking in clay pots – that make their food taste so amazing. So, if you're ever visiting these countries, make sure to find a local restaurant and try some of their delicious dishes to get a real taste of the Caucasus!