4. Avocado Toast
Avocado toast took the culinary world by storm in 2017, becoming a staple on breakfast menus around the globe. Its simplicity and versatility made it a canvas for creativity. From basic smashed avocado with a sprinkle of salt to gourmet versions topped with poached eggs, radishes, and even edible flowers, there was no shortage of variations to explore.
To make your own avocado toast at home, start by choosing a ripe avocado. Mash it with a fork, add a splash of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Spread it generously on your favorite toasted bread and adorn it with toppings of your choice, such as:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Feta cheese
- Chili flakes
- Microgreens
- Smoked salmon
This dish not only looks beautiful but also packs a nutritional punch, making it perfect for brunch gatherings or a quick weekday breakfast.
5. Unicorn Frappuccino
Starbucks introduced the Unicorn Frappuccino in April 2017, and it quickly became a social media sensation. This vibrant, colorful drink captivated the hearts of many with its whimsical appearance and sweet-tart flavor profile. The drink was a blend of mango and sour blue powder, topped with whipped cream, and drizzled with pink and blue syrup.
While the Unicorn Frappuccino was a limited-time offering, you can recreate its magic at home with a few simple ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe to try:
- 1 cup ice
- 1 cup mango-flavored drink or juice
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons blue raspberry syrup
- 2 tablespoons pink syrup
- Whipped cream for topping
Blend the ice, mango drink, and milk until smooth, then swirl in the blue raspberry syrup. Top with whipped cream and drizzle the pink syrup on top for that Instagram-worthy finish.
6. Poke Bowl
Poke bowls, a Hawaiian dish traditionally made with raw fish, gained immense popularity in 2017. These colorful bowls are not only visually appealing but also customizable, allowing for a variety of flavors and textures. The base usually consists of sushi rice, topped with fresh fish, vegetables, and a variety of sauces.
To create your own poke bowl, start with the following ingredients:
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 1 lb sushi-grade fish (tuna, salmon, or tofu for a vegetarian option)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Cucumber, diced
- Seaweed salad
- Poke sauce (soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions)
Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions and let it cool. Cube the fish and toss it with poke sauce. Assemble your bowl by layering the rice, fish, avocado, cucumber, and seaweed salad. Drizzle with additional sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a delicious meal.
7. Cauliflower Rice
As health-conscious eating trends continued to rise, cauliflower rice emerged as a popular low-carb alternative to traditional rice in 2017. This versatile vegetable can be easily transformed into a rice substitute, making it a favorite among those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake while still enjoying their favorite dishes.
To make cauliflower rice at home, all you need is a head of cauliflower. Here’s how:
- Remove the leaves and stem from the cauliflower and cut it into florets.
- Using a food processor, pulse the florets until they reach a rice-like consistency.
- Transfer the “rice” to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Sauté in a pan with olive oil, garlic, and your choice of seasonings for a flavorful side dish.
Cauliflower rice can be used in stir-fries, grain bowls, or served as a side dish with your favorite protein.
8. Instant Pot Recipes
The Instant Pot became a kitchen superstar in 2017, revolutionizing the way people approached cooking. This multi-cooker made it possible to prepare meals quickly and efficiently, from soups and stews to desserts, all in one pot. Home cooks discovered new ways to enjoy their favorite dishes with minimal effort.
Here are a few popular Instant Pot recipes that gained traction in 2017:
- Instant Pot Chili: A hearty blend of beans, ground meat, tomatoes, and spices cooked to perfection in under an hour.
- Instant Pot Risotto: Creamy and delicious, this dish is made easy with the pressure cooker, allowing for perfectly cooked rice without constant stirring.
- Instant Pot Yogurt: Homemade yogurt in a fraction of the time, with customizable flavors and sweetness levels.
With the ability to cook meals faster and retain flavors, the Instant Pot quickly became a must-have kitchen gadget for busy families and food enthusiasts alike.
9. Charcoal Ice Cream
In 2017, charcoal ice cream took the dessert scene by storm, offering a striking black color and a unique flavor profile. Made with activated charcoal, this trendy treat was said to have detoxifying properties, making it a popular choice among health-conscious dessert lovers. Cafés and ice cream shops began to experiment with flavors, creating everything from classic vanilla to matcha-infused charcoal ice cream.
While the health benefits of activated charcoal are still debated, the aesthetic appeal of this dessert is undeniable. You can try making a simple version at home:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 teaspoon activated charcoal powder
- Optional: a splash of coconut milk for creaminess
In a bowl, mix the vanilla ice cream with activated charcoal until well combined. For added creaminess, mix in a splash of coconut milk. Freeze until firm, then scoop into bowls for a visually stunning dessert.
10. Smashed Potatoes
Finally, 2017 saw the rise of smashed potatoes, a delightful twist on the classic mashed variety. These crispy, flavorful potatoes are boiled until tender, then smashed and roasted, resulting in a crunchy exterior and a fluffy interior. Smashed potatoes quickly became a crowd favorite for their simplicity and deliciousness.
To make your own smashed potatoes, follow these steps:
- Start with baby potatoes; boil them until fork-tender.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Drain the potatoes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently smash each potato.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs, then roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve them as a side dish or topped with cheese, bacon, or sour cream for an indulgent treat.
Conclusion
2017 was a flavorful year, marked by culinary trends that celebrated creativity, health, and convenience. From the vibrant colors of avocado toast and unicorn frappuccino to the comforting simplicity of smashed potatoes and Instant Pot recipes, each dish reflects the evolving tastes and preferences of home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. By revisiting these top 10 recipes, you can bring a taste of 2017 into your kitchen and continue to explore the delightful food trends that made their mark on the culinary landscape.
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Exploring More Trends
As we reminisce about 2017’s food trends, it’s fascinating to see how they have evolved and influenced our current culinary landscape. Many of these dishes continue to inspire home cooks and professional chefs alike. Here are a few more trends that emerged during the year, offering exciting flavors and creative presentations.
11. Zoodles
Spiralized vegetables, particularly zucchini noodles, affectionately known as zoodles, gained immense popularity in 2017. This healthy alternative to traditional pasta provided a low-carb option that appealed to many looking to lighten up their meals. Zoodles can be paired with a variety of sauces and toppings, making them versatile and satisfying.
To create your own zoodles, simply spiralize a medium zucchini using a spiralizer. Sauté in olive oil for just a few minutes until tender, then toss with your favorite marinara or pesto sauce. Top with grated Parmesan for an extra flavor boost!
12. Cauliflower Rice
With the rise of healthy eating, cauliflower rice emerged as a fantastic substitute for traditional grains. By grating or processing cauliflower into small, rice-like pieces, this veggie became a staple in many households. It is not only low in carbs but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal base for stir-fries, grain bowls, and casseroles.
To prepare cauliflower rice, simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until it resembles rice grains. Sauté in a pan with olive oil, garlic, and your choice of vegetables for a quick and healthy side dish.
13. Avocado Everything
Avocado continued its reign in 2017, appearing in everything from smoothies to desserts. The creamy texture and healthy fats made it a favorite among health-conscious eaters. Avocado toast became iconic, but creative chefs took it further by incorporating it into brownies, ice creams, and even savory dishes.
For a delicious avocado dessert, try blending ripe avocados with cocoa powder, honey, and a splash of vanilla extract for a rich and creamy mousse that’s surprisingly healthy!
14. Fermented Foods
Probiotic-rich foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha saw a surge in popularity as people became more aware of gut health. Fermentation not only adds unique flavors but also boosts the nutritional profile of foods. Incorporating fermented foods into your diet can improve digestion and overall wellness.
Making your own kimchi at home is simple and rewarding. Combine napa cabbage, radishes, garlic, ginger, and chili powder, then let it ferment for a week for a delicious, tangy condiment.
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