My food story— —August —’24 50 Hidden Gem LUCAS BLAUSTEIN advocates for all U.S. agriculture as a diplomat in the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. On his many travels, this time to KAZAKHSTAN, he demonstrates on Kazakh television a dish that blends cultures and histories spanning ages Let’s go back in time to 1880 at a bustling open-air market in San Antonio, Texas. This city is renowned for its pivotal role in the Texas Revolution, which shaped the history of the Lone Star State. Picture a rugged cowboy dismounting from his horse amidst the lively market scene. With a daunting task ahead—herding 10,000 cattle northward—and just a handful of coins jingling in his pocket, his hunger pangs push him toward a local food stall. Amidst the bustling activity and savory scents wafting through the air, he gravitates toward a pot of hearty chili, knowing it will provide the sustenance and warmth needed for the challenging journey ahead. Fast forward almost 140 years, and I found myself in Kazakhstan, bringing a surprising new dish to their food scene: apple chicken chili. This unique recipe blends Kazakh apples with tender American chicken, creating a dish that not only pleases the palate but also connects our nations’ histories and trade ties. Kazakhstan, famous for its love of horses, is a hidden culinary gem: it’s where apples originally come from, and even its capital, Almaty, means “apple” in Kazakh. But not many know that the United States exports more chicken to Kazakhstan than anything else. This one dish captures centuries of sharing ideas and doing business together. In America, barbecue and chili hold a place in our hearts as deep as discussions about politics and religion—everyone has their own recipe, a cherished story to tell, and a strong opinion. The idea of introducing chicken into a traditional beefbased dish, and then incorporating fruit like apples, might seem like a recipe for controversy in Texas. After all, Texans are famously passionate about their culinary traditions, often with roots that run as deep as the state’s history itself. Yet, what makes international cuisine so remarkable is its ability to transcend these cultural divides. It doesn’t matter if you’re from the heartlands of Texas or the bustling streets of Almaty; food has a unique power to bring people together. It breaks down barriers, defies restrictions, and fosters a shared appreciation for diversity and innovation. This is the true From Texas Trails to Kazakh Kitchens: A Culinary Bridge Between Nations and Histories
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODMwNDI=