In every family, certain recipes are passed down through generations, becoming treasured heirlooms in their own right. Grandma’s kitchen was often the heart of the home, where simple ingredients were transformed into comforting meals that left a lasting impression. Today, we’re revisiting 15 of these beloved recipes that continue to bring warmth and nostalgia to our tables.
Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies
A Lemon rosemary shortbread cookie offers a delightful blend of tangy lemon and aromatic rosemary in a buttery, crumbly texture. This recipe can be prepared in under an hour, featuring the simplicity of butter, flour, and sugar with the addition of fresh herbs and citrus zest. The taste is a balance of sweet and savory, making it a sophisticated twist on a classic shortbread. These cookies are perfect for those who appreciate a subtle infusion of garden flavors in their baked treats.
Get the Recipe: Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies
Mujadara
Mujadara is a hearty Middle Eastern dish combining lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, often taking around an hour to make. The main ingredients work together to create a comforting mixture that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Its flavors are deep and earthy, with the sweetness of onions contrasting the earthiness of lentils. This dish is a testament to the timeless appeal of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to form a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara
Black sesame sourdough buns
Black sesame sourdough buns are a unique fusion of nutty black sesame seeds and tangy sourdough, requiring several hours to prepare due to the fermentation process. These buns are made with a blend of sourdough starter, flour, and black sesame paste, resulting in a distinctive flavor profile. The taste is a complex layering of slightly bitter sesame with the classic sourdough tang. They are a standout addition to any bread basket, offering a twist on traditional sourdough.
Get the Recipe: Black sesame sourdough buns
Tomato Tart
The Tomato Tart is a celebration of ripe tomatoes layered on a flaky pastry crust, with a prep time of about an hour and a half. Key ingredients include fresh tomatoes, herbs, and cheese, which meld together in the oven to create a vibrant and savory tart. It tastes like summer in every bite, with the juicy sweetness of tomatoes shining through. This recipe is a beloved favorite, capturing the essence of garden-fresh produce.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Tart
Homemade matzo ball soup
Homemade matzo ball soup is a comforting Jewish classic, typically taking about an hour to make. It consists of light and fluffy matzo balls floating in a clear, savory chicken broth with hints of vegetables. The matzo balls, made from matzo meal, eggs, and fat, are the stars of the dish, offering a taste that is both simple and deeply satisfying. This soup is a warm embrace in a bowl, cherished for its soothing qualities.
Get the Recipe: Homemade matzo ball soup
Argentinian Empanadas
Argentinian Empanadas are a staple, taking about two hours to assemble and bake, filled with a flavorful mixture of vegetables, meat, or cheese. The dough encases ingredients like onions, peppers, and spices, yielding a portable and hearty snack. When bitten into, the empanadas reveal a burst of savory flavors complemented by the buttery crust. They’re a beloved recipe that showcases the art of South American comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanadas
Paprika potatoes and mushrooms
Paprika potatoes and mushrooms is a rustic dish that can be whipped up in under an hour, featuring earthy mushrooms and hearty potatoes as its base. The dish is generously seasoned with paprika, which imparts a warm, smoky flavor. It tastes like a cozy evening at home, with the comforting aroma of spices filling the kitchen. This straightforward recipe is a tribute to the power of simple, flavorful ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Paprika potatoes and mushrooms
Chocolate gluten-free rugelach
Chocolate gluten-free rugelach is a sweet pastry that takes about two hours to prepare, including dough that’s both rich and tender. The main ingredients are a gluten-free flour blend and chocolate, creating a treat that’s indulgent without the gluten. The taste is a delightful combination of chocolatey sweetness wrapped in a light, flaky pastry. This recipe is a nod to traditional Jewish baking with a modern dietary consideration.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate gluten-free rugelach
Ukha Russian Fish Soup
Ukha Russian Fish Soup is a clear, brothy soup traditionally made in under an hour with fresh fish, root vegetables, and a handful of simple seasonings. The main ingredients, often including perch or pike, create a light but satisfying flavor profile, with a hint of fresh dill. It tastes of the sea and the earth, with each spoonful bringing forward the delicate flavors of its components. This soup is a staple in Russian cuisine, loved for its straightforward preparation and clean taste.
Get the Recipe: Ukha Russian Fish Soup
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies is a one-pan wonder that cooks in about an hour, combining succulent chicken, assorted vegetables, and a generous seasoning of paprika. The chicken and veggies roast together, allowing their flavors to meld and intensify. The result is a smoky, slightly spicy taste that permeates every bite. It’s a fuss-free recipe that delivers on flavor and ease, making it a weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll (gluten-free)
My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll is a gluten-free dessert that can be made in about an hour and a half. This sweet roll is filled with luscious peach jam and cream, wrapped in a tender gluten-free sponge cake. The taste is a delightful mix of fruity and creamy, with a soft, spongy texture. It’s a nostalgic recipe that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and summer desserts.
Get the Recipe: My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll (gluten-free)
Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht
Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht is a vibrant beet soup that typically takes about two hours to make, including both preparation and cooking time. Beets, cabbage, and a variety of other vegetables come together to create a colorful and nutritious dish. It has a slightly sweet and sour flavor profile, with the earthiness of beets at the forefront. This borscht is a cherished recipe that has been passed down through generations, offering a taste of Ukrainian heritage.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht
Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut
Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut takes just about 20 minutes of active prep time, with a few days for fermentation, resulting in a tangy, probiotic-rich condiment. Cabbage and carrots are the primary ingredients, seasoned with salt and spices, then left to ferment. The taste is a sharp and lively contrast, perfect for adding zest to any meal. This sauerkraut is a staple in Eastern European cuisine, valued for both its flavor and digestive benefits.
Get the Recipe: Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut
Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios
Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios is a refreshing dish that can be assembled in just 30 minutes, bursting with the flavors of mixed citrus fruits and a kick of chili. The addition of crunchy pistachios provides a satisfying texture contrast. The taste is a zesty and slightly spicy combination that awakens the palate. This salad is a modern twist on traditional fruit salads, offering an invigorating and healthful option.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios
Buckwheat kasha with camarelized mushrooms and onions
Buckwheat kasha with caramelized mushrooms and onions is a hearty dish that requires about an hour to cook, featuring nutty buckwheat groats and the deep flavors of caramelized vegetables. The kasha is the base, providing a wholesome and filling grain, while the mushrooms and onions add a rich umami taste. It’s a comforting and earthy dish that’s both simple and deeply satisfying. This recipe is a celebration of Eastern European flavors, enjoyed for its warmth and heartiness.
Get the Recipe: Buckwheat kasha with camarelized mushrooms and onions