10 Recipes I Make Again and Again (and You Will Too)

After years of testing and retesting in my own kitchen, these are the dishes I come back to more than any others, the ones that get requested by name at family dinners and never fail with guests. From a rich British steak pie and a proper Greek moussaka to a handful of speedy air fryer favourites, this collection has something for every night of the week.

Steak Pie

Slow-cooked beef, mushrooms and carrots simmer in a rich gravy under a golden homemade shortcrust pastry top. It takes time in the oven but very little hands-on effort, and it is one of those pies that turns first-timers into confident bakers.

To learn more: Steak Pie

Greek Moussaka

Layers of potatoes, aubergines, and a tomatoey lamb sauce are topped with a creamy béchamel and baked until golden and bubbling. It tastes even better the next day, so it is a lovely one to make ahead for a family gathering.

To learn more: Moussaka Recipe (Musaka)

Kadaif (Turkish Tel Kadayıf)

Fine pastry strands are layered with walnuts, baked until crisp, then soaked in a light sugar syrup for a simpler cousin of baklava. It looks impressive but skips the fiddly job of layering delicate filo sheets one by one.

To learn more: Kadaif Recipe (Turkish Tel Kadayif Dessert)

Sticky Baked Chicken Wings

Wings marinate in a garlicky, sweet and spicy sauce, then bake low and slow until sticky, caramelised and crisp at the edges. They need no frying and barely any hands-on time, making them a regular for game nights and family dinners alike.

To learn more: Chicken Wings Recipe

Individual Salmon en Croute

Fresh salmon and creamy spinach are wrapped in buttery puff pastry for a dish that looks properly impressive but takes just 40 minutes start to finish. It suits a relaxed weeknight just as well as it does entertaining.

To learn more: Individual Salmon en Croute

Spicy Egg Fried Rice

Better than a takeaway, this fried rice comes together in about 20 minutes with scrambled egg, crunchy vegetables and a splash of soy and sweet chilli sauce. It is endlessly adaptable, so toss in whatever leftover chicken or vegetables need using up.

Source: Spicy Egg Fried Rice

Air Fryer Marinated Salmon

Salmon fillets marinate in olive oil, garlic and thyme for just 10 minutes before air frying to flaky perfection in under 20 minutes total. It is one of the fastest healthy dinners in my regular rotation.

Source: Air Fryer Marinated Salmon Recipe

Spicy Feta Dip (Tirokafteri)

Feta, roasted red pepper, chilli and a little yogurt blend together in minutes for a creamy Greek dip with a gentle kick. It works just as well as a sandwich spread as it does served warm with pita.

Source: Spicy Feta Dip

Diced Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

Cubed sweet potatoes turn golden at the edges and soft in the middle in about 15 minutes, with barely any oil needed. They go with almost anything, from roast chicken to a simple grain bowl.

Source: Diced Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

Crispy Air Fryer Mücver (Turkish Courgette Fritters)

Grated courgette, fresh herbs and a few pantry staples turn golden and crisp in the air fryer with far less oil and mess than the traditional pan-fried version. Serve them warm with a spoonful of garlicky yogurt for a simple Turkish-style snack or light lunch.

Source: Crispy Air Fryer Mücver (Turkish Zucchini Fritters)