Every family has recipes that never fail, comforting classics that spark memories and make people linger around the table. Here’s a collection of dishes from hearty British staples to flavour-packed international favourites, perfect for Sunday roasts, weeknight dinners, or special celebrations.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 30 mins
Ingredients:
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500g boneless chicken breast, diced
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150g plain yoghurt
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2 tbsp tikka curry paste
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1 tbsp vegetable oil
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1 onion, chopped
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400g tin chopped tomatoes
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200ml double cream
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Fresh coriander, to garnish
Method:
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Marinate chicken in yoghurt and curry paste for 30 mins (or overnight).
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Heat oil in a pan, cook onion until soft. Add chicken and cook until browned.
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Stir in tomatoes, simmer for 15 mins. Add cream, season, and garnish with coriander. Serve with rice or naan.
Vegetable Lasagne
Serves: 6
Prep time: 25 mins
Cook time: 45 mins
Ingredients:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 onion, diced
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2 courgettes, diced
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1 red pepper, diced
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2 cloves garlic, crushed
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2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes
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9–12 lasagne sheets
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500ml white sauce
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150g grated cheddar
Method:
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Heat oil in a pan, cook onion, courgettes, pepper, and garlic until softened. Add tomatoes, simmer for 15 mins.
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Layer veg sauce, lasagne sheets, and white sauce in a baking dish. Repeat layers, finishing with white sauce.
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Sprinkle with cheese and bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 35–40 mins until golden.
Greek-Style Lamb Meatballs
Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 20 mins
Ingredients:
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500g lamb mince
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1 small onion, grated
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2 cloves garlic, crushed
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1 tsp dried oregano
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50g breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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150g Greek yoghurt (to serve)
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Fresh mint leaves (to serve)
Method:
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Mix lamb, onion, garlic, oregano, breadcrumbs, and egg in a bowl. Season well.
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Roll into small balls and fry in a little oil until golden and cooked through.
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Serve with Greek yoghurt and mint, plus flatbreads or salad.
Prawn Fried Rice
Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 10 mins
Ingredients:
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250g cooked prawns
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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2 eggs, beaten
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300g cooked long-grain rice (cooled)
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100g frozen peas
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2 spring onions, sliced
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2 tbsp soy sauce
Method:
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Heat oil in a wok, add eggs and scramble lightly. Remove and set aside.
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Add prawns, peas, and rice to the wok, stir-fry for 3–4 mins.
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Stir in soy sauce, spring onions, and scrambled eggs. Serve hot.
Lemon Drizzle Cake
Serves: 10
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 45 mins
Ingredients:
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225g unsalted butter, softened
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225g caster sugar
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4 eggs
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225g self-raising flour
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1 lemon, zest and juice
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85g caster sugar (for drizzle)
Method:
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Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / Gas Mark 4. Grease a loaf tin.
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Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, add eggs one at a time, then fold in flour and lemon zest.
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Bake for 40–45 mins. While still warm, mix lemon juice with sugar and pour over cake.
Family recipes are more than just food, they’re memories on a plate. Whether you’re dishing up a hearty lasagne, a creamy chicken tikka masala, or a sweet lemon drizzle cake, these recipes will always be welcome at the table.