This is one of my oldest recipes, one I’ve developed and adjusted over the years until it became exactly how I like it. Soft on the inside, lightly golden on top, and full of flavor from feta, herbs, and a hint of sesame. It’s simple, reliable, and always feels homemade in the best way. I often bake it for tea time, when something savory feels just right alongside a warm drink. It also makes a lovely weekend breakfast or an easy light lunch with salad if you’re looking for id

I love pasta in every form, but this version makes everyone at home happy. And since it uses a full pack of pasta, I always end up with an extra portion to take to work the next day. It’s one of those comforting meals that taste even better after reheating, thanks to the flavorful meat sauce, creamy homemade béchamel, and that golden cheesy crust on top. Ingredients 500 g pasta (rigatoni, penne, ziti, or any short pasta you have on hand) For the Meat Sauce 2 tablespoons olive

Slow Sunday cooking has its own kind of comfort. It is the kind of day when the kitchen finally feels calm, the Dutch oven stays on the stove without hurry, and everything has time to come together slowly. The beef softens until it almost falls apart, the mushrooms bring a deep earthiness, and the creamy mustard sauce wraps around everything with a cozy richness. It is simple to prepare, but the result tastes like a meal you linger over on a cool fall evening. Ingredients 850

These baked zucchini slices are simple, golden, and full of flavor. Instead of deep frying, the zucchini is baked until tender with lightly crisp edges and a sprinkle of parmesan that melts beautifully as it comes out of the oven. It’s the kind of easy, no-fuss recipe that turns two humble zucchinis into something you’ll want to make again and again. Ingredients 2 medium zucchinis 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons flour or breadcrumbs (or a mix) Salt Black pepper Optional:

When I first started making creamy tomato sauces, I could never figure out why the cream didn’t blend in properly. Then I learned what really happens: when cold cream meets the acidity of tomatoes, it reacts and separates. The trick is simple. Let the cream come to room temperature before adding it, and balance the sauce with a small pinch of sugar. Ever since I started doing that, the sauce turns out silky and smooth every time. This version has become my weeknight staple. J

Who knew mustard and dill could be such a magic combo on salmon? Simple ingredients, quick prep, and so much flavor in one dish. This oven baked salmon with dill, lemon, and garlic is light, juicy, and full of bright flavor. It’s a quick, healthy dinner that always feels a little special. I love pairing it with roasted or mashed potatoes for a cozy, balanced meal. Ingredients 500 g salmon fillets 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Juice of half a lemon 1 tablesp

There are nights when I want something warm and creamy but don’t want to open a carton of cream or use five pans to get there. That’s how this pasta came to life; simple ingredients that melt together in one pan and taste like comfort in a bowl. The sauce comes entirely from the goat cheese, which softens into the warm pasta and turns creamy without feeling heavy. The spring onions add a bit of freshness, the chicken brings richness, and the whole thing feels balanced and sat

I’ve always related a little too much to Garfield, and it’s probably because my favorite food is also lasagna. Layers of soft pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese make this comfort food at its best, everything good coming together in one bite. And while it might look like a lot of work, it’s surprisingly easy once you get started. The homemade béchamel makes all the difference, smoother, tastier, and much easier than store-bought if you follow the simple

Whenever I sit down at a nice kebab restaurant in Istanbul, Ali Nazik is the dish I always order. The smoky roasted eggplant blended with garlicky yogurt makes the creamiest base, and the tender meat on top with a drizzle of butter turns it into something truly special. It is rich yet light, and to me it captures the heart of Turkish food: simple ingredients layered into deep, comforting flavors. Ingredients For the garlic yogurt eggplant base: 2 medium eggplants 300 g strain

My two favorite things in the world are pasta and cheese, so it’s no surprise that baked cheesy pasta is one of the dishes I turn to most often. This version is simple and honest: pasta folded into a tomato sauce enriched with cottage cheese, then finished in the oven with mozzarella on top until golden and bubbling. It’s the kind of food that brings everyone to the table without fuss, comforting but still light enough to enjoy any night of the week. Ingredients 250 g short p

Let’s be real: chocolate soufflé has a reputation. It’s elegant, dramatic, and just unpredictable enough to cause a little panic. I’ve watched enough cooking competitions to know that a collapsed soufflé can break hearts and send contestants packing. So for a long time, I avoided it entirely; it felt like dessert roulette. But when I finally gave it a try, I realized it doesn’t need to look like something from a Michelin-starred kitchen. What matters is that quiet moment of h

Kebabs don’t always need a grill. With chicken mince, a handful of spices, and your oven, you can bring the same juicy, spiced flavors to...

I’m a huge fan of avocado toast, but today I didn’t have a big slice of sourdough bread waiting for me. So I improvised and turned it into a bread-free salad instead. Creamy avocado, a soft poached egg, and sweet roasted tomatoes came together on my plate, and with a handful of greens it turned into a light but filling lunch that I’ll definitely be making again. Ingredients 1 ripe avocado Juice of half a lemon Salt and black pepper 1 large egg A handful of arugula or baby spi

The freezer is a homecook’s best friend. Having puff pastry and spinach ready to go means I can always put together something quick, golden, and satisfying. I especially love frozen spinach because it’s portioned, easy to measure out, and there’s no need to worry about it spoiling in the fridge. Combined with flaky puff pastry and a bit of cheese, it turns into the kind of snack or light meal that feels homemade without requiring much effort at all. When I first made these, m

Roasting a whole chicken doesn’t need to be complicated or require many ingredients. With just olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper, you can have a chicken that comes out of the oven with golden skin and juicy meat every single time. This is the simplest roasted chicken I know, the kind of recipe you can always rely on for a family dinner. Ingredients 1 whole chicken (about 1.5–2 kg) 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons butter, softened Salt Black pepper Follow along on Insta

I admit that I met orzo a bit late in my life, but once I did, I couldn’t stop thinking of ways to cook and combine this beautiful pasta....

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. These oven-baked salmon bites with lemon and garlic are quick, healthy, and full of fresh flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, the salmon turns golden on the outside and stays tender inside. They’re perfect on their own or served with a simple side salad, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Ingredients 400–500 g salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh

On busy mornings, I often turn to something simple but filling, and scrambled eggs with cottage cheese have quickly become a favorite in...

This roasted aubergine salad has become one of my little comforts at home. The aubergine turns silky in the oven, the garlic-lemon dressing brings it to life, and the goat cheese melts in just enough to make it creamy. I usually think of it as a side dish, but honestly, when I’m working from home, I often make a bowl of this and call it lunch. It’s simple, warm, and always hits the spot. Ingredients For the aubergine 2 medium aubergines, cut into cubes (skin on or zebra-peele

Some nights call for a comforting meal that doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes. This one-pan creamy chicken and mushroom recipe is exactly that. Tender chicken and earthy mushrooms simmer together in a garlicky cream sauce until everything is rich, cozy, and full of flavor. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you get a meal that feels indulgent yet easy enough for any weeknight. Serve it with rice, pasta, or bread to soak up every bit of the sauce. Ingredient