Beef Wellington
This classic British dish is an impressive one to bring to the table. Imagine: tender beef fillet wrapped in puff pastry, along with a layer of mushrooms, shallots, and sometimes a touch of prosciutto. It’s surprisingly fun to make, and even more satisfying when you slice through that golden crust to reveal a perfectly cooked piece of beef.
Coq au Vin
French for “rooster in wine,” this dish brings together tender chicken, mushrooms, onions, and carrots in a rich red wine sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food, with layers of flavor from cooking slowly and absorbing all that wine, broth, and fresh herbs. Plus, it’s one of those meals that tastes even better the next day.
Pho Bo
Vietnam’s beloved beef noodle soup is an absolute must. The secret lies in simmering the beef bones, ginger, and spices (like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves) for hours to create that deeply flavorful broth. Served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lime, Pho is savory, fresh, and just what you need on a chilly day.
Moussaka
Think of Moussaka as Greece’s answer to lasagna. This layered dish combines eggplant, ground lamb (or beef), tomatoes, and a creamy béchamel sauce. When baked, it’s golden and bubbling, with all the flavors melting into each other. It’s hearty, comforting, and a great way to explore Greek cuisine.
Chicken Marbella
This 80s classic from the “Silver Palate” cookbook has a flavor profile that feels timeless. Picture chicken marinated in a mix of garlic, oregano, capers, olives, and prunes. It sounds unusual but gives the chicken a beautiful balance of salty, sweet, and savory. Baking it all together lets the flavors meld into something truly unique.
Spanakopita
Flaky, buttery layers of phyllo dough wrapped around a mix of spinach, feta, and herbs—Spanakopita is a Greek staple you’ve probably seen before, but it’s worth making from scratch. The crunch of the pastry combined with the soft, tangy filling is simply irresistible. Perfect as an appetizer or a main with a big salad.
Beef Stroganoff
Russian cuisine brings us this creamy, comforting beef dish. Made with sautéed strips of beef, mushrooms, onions, and sour cream, it’s a one-pan wonder that pairs perfectly with egg noodles. It’s rich, hearty, and a reminder of home-cooked dinners from the past.
Chicken Tikka Masala
A British-Indian fusion, Chicken Tikka Masala is all about tender chicken pieces in a spiced, creamy tomato sauce. This dish strikes that perfect balance between heat and creaminess, with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala in the mix. Serve it over rice, and you’ll be going back for seconds.
Ratatouille
This Provençal dish of stewed veggies is as colorful as it is delicious. With layers of tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers seasoned with herbs like thyme and basil, Ratatouille is healthy, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s excellent as a side or even as a vegetarian main, especially when paired with crusty bread.
Sauerbraten
Sauerbraten is a German classic that takes a bit of patience but is worth the wait. Marinating beef in vinegar, spices, and vegetables for several days before slow-cooking makes it super tender and flavorful. Served with a tangy-sweet gravy and traditional sides like red cabbage or dumplings, this is a true taste of German comfort food.
Ceviche
For something light, fresh, and bursting with flavor, look to Ceviche. This Peruvian dish “cooks” raw fish in lime juice, then adds in ingredients like cilantro, onions, and sometimes chili for a little heat. It’s refreshing and perfect for hot days when you want something vibrant and a little bit zesty.
Paella
This Spanish classic is all about the rice—infused with saffron, garlic, and smoked paprika, then topped with seafood, chicken, and veggies. Cooking it in a wide, shallow pan helps the rice form a crust on the bottom, known as “socarrat,” which is every bit as delicious as it sounds. Gather friends and family for this one!
Borscht
This bright pink-red soup hailing from Eastern Europe is as stunning as it is delicious. Made with beets, cabbage, potatoes, and sometimes a bit of beef, Borscht is earthy, tangy, and served hot or cold. Add a dollop of sour cream and some fresh dill on top for a comforting, nourishing bowl.
Jollof Rice
A West African favorite, Jollof Rice is vibrant and packed with flavor. The rice is cooked in a tomato-based sauce spiced with ingredients like garlic, onions, and sometimes a hint of habanero for kick. It’s the perfect side dish or main meal, especially when paired with fried plantains or grilled chicken.