Cooking with my mom was never just about following a recipe, it was about creating memories and mastering the basics that kept our family’s table full and hearts warm. She handed down nine favorite dishes that are as much a part of our family as the stories we tell. These aren’t fancy or complicated meals, but they’re the comforting classics that I turn to time and again.
Baked creamy salmon
My mom’s baked creamy salmon is a comforting dish that always reminds me of home. It takes about 50 minutes to prepare, featuring salmon fillets enveloped in a creamy sauce made with ingredients like cream and herbs. The flavors are rich and satisfying, with the salmon coming out perfectly moist and flaky every time. It’s a family favorite that balances simplicity with elegance.
Get the Recipe: Baked creamy salmon
Roasted salmon on a bed of apples and potatoes
Roasted salmon on a bed of apples and potatoes was a Sunday lunch staple taught to me by my mom. In just an hour, the sweetness of the apples and the heartiness of the potatoes complement the savory salmon. It’s a one-pan meal that’s both nutritious and full of flavor, with the salmon infusing its juices into the apples and potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted salmon on a bed of apples and potatoes
Pomegranate chicken with walnuts
The pomegranate chicken with walnuts is a recipe passed down from my mom, taking about an hour and a half to create. It combines the tanginess of pomegranate molasses with the crunchiness of walnuts, coating the chicken in a sauce that’s both tart and nutty. The dish is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, with the chicken remaining juicy and tender. It’s a testament to my mom’s love for bold flavors and hearty meals.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate chicken with walnuts
Fish with pomegranate sauce
Learning to make fish with pomegranate sauce from my mom was a lesson in balancing sweet and savory. This dish, ready in about 40 minutes, features a whole baked fish topped with a pomegranate molasses sauce that offers a sweet and tangy flavor. The sauce not only adds a beautiful glaze but also enhances the fish’s natural taste. It’s a simple yet festive dish that always brings a touch of elegance to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Fish with pomegranate sauce
Ukrainian bell pepper lecho, or the tried and true
My mom’s Ukrainian bell pepper lecho is a tried and true recipe that takes 45 minutes and captures the essence of comfort food. It’s a sweet and savory stew of bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions that can be enjoyed on its own or as a condiment. The flavors meld together to create a soft, jam-like consistency, with each ingredient contributing to the overall heartiness. This lecho is a versatile dish that has been a reliable favorite in our family for years.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian bell pepper lecho, or the tried and true
Spiced beer bread
Spiced beer bread is a no-yeast, no-fuss recipe my mom taught me, ready in about an hour. The bread has a dense texture and is flavored with beer and aromatic spices like coriander and caraway. It’s a robust loaf that’s perfect for dipping into stews or enjoying with a slab of butter. This bread is a testament to my mom’s knack for creating hearty, satisfying baked goods.
Get the Recipe: Spiced beer bread
Black sesame sourdough buns
The black sesame sourdough buns are a special recipe from my mom, requiring patience with a 20-hour fermentation process. These buns stand out with their rich, nutty flavor from the black sesame seeds and the tangy complexity of sourdough. They have a chewy texture that’s perfect for a variety of meals, and making them always brings back memories of baking with my mom.
Get the Recipe: Black sesame sourdough buns
Sauteed cabbage with peppers
My mom’s sauteed cabbage with peppers is a quick 30-minute dish that’s both healthy and flavorful. It features cabbage and bell peppers cooked to a tender-crisp perfection. The natural sweetness of the vegetables comes through, with a slight char that adds depth to the taste. It’s a simple side dish that my mom often made to accompany our meals.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed cabbage with peppers
Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Eggplant Tomato Stacks are a recipe my mom loved for its simplicity and Mediterranean flavors, taking about 45 minutes to prepare. The layers of roasted eggplant and fresh tomato slices are seasoned with just the right amount of herbs and garlic. The result is a dish with a rich, earthy flavor complemented by the brightness of the tomatoes. It’s a vegetarian option that my mom took pride in for its balance of taste and presentation.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks