When I’m working from home and only have a short break between meetings, this smoked salmon and avocado wrap is the kind of lunch I reach for. It takes minutes to put together but never feels boring. Creamy avocado mashed with lemon and herbs, a swipe of cream cheese, and silky smoked salmon all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. It’s fresh, filling, and exactly the kind of simple food that makes the workday feel lighter. Ingredients 100 g smoked salmon, torn into bite-sized piec

It may sound like a cliché, but I actually enjoy visiting Hard Rock Cafés in the cities I travel to. No matter where you are, the buffalo wings taste exactly the same: crispy, tangy, and fiery with that buttery hot sauce coating. After ordering them so many times, I wanted to try making them at home. Here’s my attempt at recreating that classic flavor, complete with the cool blue cheese dip on the side. Ingredients Wings 1 kg chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats) 2 t

Chicken, peppers, and fresh tomatoes are such a simple trio, yet when they bake together, they turn into something so comforting. I sometimes cook this combination quickly in the pressure cooker, but lately, I’ve been leaning on the oven instead — it does the work for you, and the flavors come together beautifully without much effort. The tomatoes melt into a light sauce, the peppers soften and sweeten, and the chicken stays tender. It’s a meal that feels homemade in the best

This zucchini mezze is one of those dishes that feels light yet so satisfying. The zucchini is grated, sautéed until tender, then cooled and mixed with garlicky yogurt. A drizzle of paprika-butter with dried mint on top makes it complete. It’s a meze you can bring to the table as a starter, a side dish, or even enjoy as a light lunch with bread. Ingredients Serves 4–6 as a side 4 medium zucchinis 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 garlic clove, grated 300 g plain yogurt (or half yogur

This chicken is a family favorite in our house — the kind of meal that ends up on repeat every week. The thighs stay juicy in the oven,...

This orzo is buttery, creamy, and full of Parmesan in the best way. It all comes together in one pot and turns creamy without using heavy...

Lasagna is one of those meals that always feels special at the table, but making it the traditional way can take a lot of time. Between...

There are days when all you want is something simple that feels special at the table. That's exactly what these pan-seared chicken thighs...

The first time I photographed pesto pasta, I caught myself staring at the plate wondering why it didn’t look like the glossy, neon-green...

Enchiladas are a beloved Mexican classic — tortillas filled with chicken, rolled up, and baked under a blanket of rich sauce and melted cheese. Traditionally, the sauce is chili-based, but my home-cook version leans on a simple tomato sauce that’s easier to make with everyday pantry staples. It may not be fully traditional, but it’s comforting, flexible, and still carries the spirit of enchiladas. And because I cook with a Mediterranean heart, I swap cilantro (which is more c

This easy homemade dinner is one of my go-tos when I want something cozy, filling, and budget-friendly. The chicken meatballs are soft and juicy, the pan gravy is quick but full of flavor, and the mashed potatoes underneath soak up every drop. It’s simple comfort food made with everyday ingredients — and one of those meals the whole family happily eats. Ingredients For the chicken meatballs 250g ground chicken (mince) 1 small onion, grated 1 garlic clove, minced 1 slice of br

Some weeknights, you just need something simple that you know everyone will eat without complaints. This pasta is one of those meals. I’ve made it more times than I can count — usually when there’s ground meat in the fridge, no time for cream sauces, and a family that’s starting to get a little too hungry. The sauce is built on pantry staples — onion, tomato, garlic — and just enough simmering time to make everything taste like home. Add pasta and a bit of pasta water, and di

This is one of those quick meals I make on autopilot. It takes just a few ingredients, comes together in minutes, and always hits the spot—whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. (Breakfast-for-dinner is a little ritual I’ll never give up.) I start with slices of bread and spread cream cheese over each one—soft, creamy, and just enough to hold the topping in place. Then I mix mozzarella, feta, parsley, and a bit of egg to bring it all together. Into the oven they go, a

This is one of the most nostalgic dishes from my childhood. Domatesli pilav is as classic as it gets in a Turkish kitchen. It’s the kind of food that reminds you of home. I remember the kitchen filled with the smell of warm tomatoes and rice slowly steaming under the lid. There was always a light crispy and golden crust at the bottom of the pot and we’d all hope our spoon would catch a piece. Ingredients 1½ cups white rice (preferably Baldo or another Turkish-style long grai

We all have that moment where we stare at the ripe bananas on the counter and think “Should I just make banana bread again?”. That’s exactly how these oat bars came to life. I wanted something a little quicker, less sweet, and easier to grab during the week so I baked this instead. They’ve become one of those back-pocket recipes I turn to when I want to bake something comforting without the mess. Just one bowl, a few basic ingredients, and a tray of soft, chewy bars that feel

Pappardelle is one of my go-to pastas when I want something that feels a little extra. Butter and garlic melt into a silky sauce, a splash of pasta water makes it glossy, fresh herbs keep it bright, and a handful of Parmesan finishes everything off. Simple, comforting, and ready in minutes. Ingredients 250g pappardelle 1/2 cup reserved starchy water from the pasta 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced Salt Black pepper A handful of chopped

Brunch - or light lunch as I prefer to call it - has a way of making an ordinary day feel special. It’s not rushed like breakfast, and it doesn’t carry the weight of dinner. This smoked salmon frittata captures that mood perfectly. The tender smoked salmon brings a touch of luxury, while fresh dill adds a burst of herby freshness that lifts every bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels elegant enough for guests yet simple enough to throw together on a quiet afternoon at home.

I love how the smell of mushrooms sizzling in butter instantly makes the kitchen feel warm and inviting. This creamy mushroom soup is one of those recipes I come back to when I want something simple yet deeply comforting. It’s quick to make with ingredients I almost always have on hand, and saving a handful of the sautéed mushrooms to stir back in at the end gives it just the right texture. Add some crusty bread on the side, and it’s the perfect cozy meal for any day. Ingredi

Brownies and coffee have always gone hand in hand for me. I used to love sitting in a quiet café with a hot flat white and a rich brownie on the side, taking a proper pause from the day. Over time, I realized that same feeling doesn’t have to stay outside the house. It can live in my own kitchen too, often with even better results. These brownies are exactly how I like them. Rich and fudgy, with a shiny crackly top and a soft center that almost melts as you bite into it. Toas

A pan of menemen feels like the perfect start to a slow morning. The sizzle of onions, the sweet aroma of ripe tomatoes and peppers, and the gentle folding of creamy eggs make it a dish that brings comfort with every bite. In Turkey, menemen is a breakfast staple, but I often make it for lunch or a light dinner too. It’s quick, made with simple ingredients, and just as satisfying. Sometimes I crumble in a little feta or sprinkle kaşar cheese on top for extra richness, but eve