When it comes to family, there’s nothing quite like sharing a delicious meal together. Food has the power to bring people closer, create lasting memories, and provide comfort.
At Mothersblog.gr, we understand the importance of family food favorites and the joy they bring to the table. In this article, we’ll be sharing some of our top picks for mouthwatering dishes that are sure to become your family’s new favorites.
1. Classic Spaghetti Bolognese
There’s a reason why spaghetti bolognese is a classic family favorite. It’s simple to make, hearty, and loved by children and adults alike. Start by sautéing some onions and garlic in olive oil, then add ground beef and cook until browned.
Pour in a rich tomato sauce, simmer for a while, and season with herbs and spices. Serve over a bed of al dente spaghetti and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Crispy Fried Chicken
If your family enjoys comfort food, you can’t go wrong with crispy fried chicken. The key to achieving the perfect crunchy coating is to dip the chicken in a mixture of seasoned flour, then buttermilk, and back into the flour mixture again.
Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and serve with mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and a refreshing coleslaw.
3. Homemade Pizza
Pizza nights are always a hit with families, and making your own homemade pizza can be a fun and interactive activity. Start by preparing the pizza dough using flour, yeast, water, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
Once the dough has risen, roll it out and add your favorite toppings such as tomato sauce, cheese, vegetables, and meats. Bake in a hot oven until the crust is golden and crispy.
4. Creamy Chicken Alfredo
If your family loves creamy pasta dishes, chicken alfredo is a must-try. Sauté chicken breast pieces in butter until cooked through, then remove from the pan. In the same pan, melt some more butter, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant.
Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Let the sauce thicken and toss in cooked fettuccine. Top with the cooked chicken and garnish with chopped parsley.
5. Baked Mac and Cheese
A comforting and cheesy classic, baked mac and cheese never fails to satisfy. Begin by cooking elbow macaroni until al dente. In a separate pan, prepare a creamy cheese sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and slowly adding milk.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and melted. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, transfer to a baking dish, and top with breadcrumbs and additional cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Hearty Beef Stew
On chilly days, a hearty beef stew warms both the body and soul. Start by searing beef cubes in a hot pot until browned. Set the beef aside and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until tender.
Return the beef to the pot and add beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, and herbs. Simmer for several hours until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
7. Delicious Banana Bread
For a delightful treat that the whole family can enjoy, bake a batch of delicious banana bread. In a mixing bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
Stir in flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Serve warm with a slather of butter.
8. Flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala
If your family appreciates international cuisine, chicken tikka masala offers a burst of flavors. Marinate chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and a blend of spices such as garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
Grill or bake the chicken until cooked through. Meanwhile, prepare a creamy tomato-based sauce by sautéing onions, ginger, and garlic, then adding tomato puree and cream. Combine the cooked chicken with the sauce and serve with steamed rice or naan bread.
9. Cheesy Meat Lasagna
A lasagna that’s filled with layers of cheese, meat, and pasta is always a family favorite. Brown ground beef and Italian sausage in a skillet, then drain any excess fat.
Stir in garlic, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and herbs, and let the sauce simmer. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, and fresh parsley. Layer the meat sauce, lasagna noodles, and cheese mixture in a baking dish and repeat until all ingredients are used.
Bake until melted, bubbly, and golden.
10. Sweet and Tangy BBQ Ribs
For those summer gatherings or barbecues, sweet and tangy BBQ ribs are a crowd-pleaser. Season pork ribs with a dry rub made of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Slow-cook the ribs in a low-temperature oven until tender.
Meanwhile, prepare a barbecue sauce by combining ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices. Slather the sauce onto the cooked ribs and finish them off on a hot grill to achieve a caramelized crust.