Sourdough Bread
Sourdough isn’t just a recent trend—it’s been around since ancient Egypt! Making your own starter from scratch is a process that requires patience, but the unique tangy flavor and chewy texture of freshly baked sourdough bread are more than worth it.
Beef Wellington
Beef Wellington is a showstopper dish dating back to the early 19th century. This luxurious meal wraps a tender beef filet in layers of mushroom duxelles and flaky puff pastry. It’s a bit of a process, but the payoff is an elegant, hearty main course that will transport you straight to the Victorian era.
Coq au Vin
If you’ve ever wanted a meal that feels like a warm hug, coq au vin is it. This rustic French stew, made with chicken, red wine, mushrooms, and pancetta, was traditionally cooked by slow-braising tougher cuts of meat. Now, it’s a dish you can enjoy any day, and it only gets better the next day.
Shakshuka
A favorite from North Africa and the Middle East, shakshuka is the ultimate one-pan meal. Eggs poached in a rich, spiced tomato sauce create a simple, hearty breakfast or dinner that’s as easy as it is comforting. Serve with crusty bread for dipping, and you’re golden.
Persian Tahdig
Craving something crispy and satisfying? Persian tahdig is known for its golden, crunchy rice crust, achieved by steaming rice with butter or oil until a perfect layer forms at the bottom. Traditionally, it’s served as a side dish, but it’s so tasty, you might just make it the main event.
Italian Ossobuco
Ossobuco, which means “bone with a hole,” is a Milanese specialty featuring braised veal shanks cooked in white wine and served with gremolata. The star of this dish is the rich, marrow-filled bone at its center, and the slow cooking process makes it deliciously tender.
Medieval Pottage
If you’re curious about medieval cuisine, try your hand at pottage. This vegetable-and-barley-based stew was a staple in Europe during the Middle Ages. Packed with root vegetables and whatever herbs and meat were on hand, it’s both hearty and flexible—perfect for chilly evenings.
Moussaka
A creamy, dreamy casserole from Greece, moussaka is a layered dish of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce. Each layer is baked to perfection, creating a warm, comforting meal that feels like a delicious journey to the Mediterranean.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Sticky toffee pudding is a classic British dessert that never goes out of style. Made from dates, this rich, moist cake is drenched in a sweet, buttery toffee sauce that will have you scraping every last bit from the bowl.
Chicken Paprikash
Originating from Hungary, chicken paprikash is all about paprika, the signature spice that gives this dish its warmth and vibrant color. Simmered in a creamy sauce, it’s the kind of comfort food that’s perfect for cold weather and pairs beautifully with a side of buttered noodles or dumplings.
Moroccan Tagine
Cooked in a traditional earthenware pot, Moroccan tagine blends meat, dried fruits, spices, and vegetables for a beautifully aromatic meal. The long, slow cooking method brings out intense flavors, and you can make it with lamb, chicken, or just veggies.
Beef Bourguignon
Beef bourguignon is a classic French stew that’s as cozy as it gets. Made with beef braised in red wine, it’s cooked alongside carrots, mushrooms, and pearl onions, creating a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth meal that tastes even better on the second day.
Peking Duck
Peking duck has been a Chinese delicacy for centuries. The thin, crispy skin and tender meat are the result of a precise cooking method, including air-drying and roasting. Serve with thin pancakes, green onions, and hoisin sauce for an unforgettable taste of Beijing.
Indian Biryani
No list of classic recipes would be complete without biryani. This flavorful rice dish, layered with spiced meat or vegetables, has its origins in South Asia and combines fragrant spices like saffron, cloves, and cardamom. Perfectly comforting, it’s a dish that only improves as the flavors meld.