This old-fashioned Brisket and Onions, cooked quietly in the slow cooker all day with just a handful of ingredients and a mess of caramelized onions, makes a rich broth and meat that melts in your mouth. Sunday dinner, weeknight supper — whenever you eat it, this is a classic dish both convenient and comforting.

Oven instructions: No slow cooker? Cook in the oven instead, in a baking dish covered tightly with aluminum foil or in a covered Dutch oven. Cook at 325°F until very tender, 3 to 4 hours. Can be done in one iron skillet: cook the onions, remove to plate; sear the brisket; put garlic on top of brisket, then onions and broth; cover with foil.

thekitchn.com

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 pounds yellow or red onions (about 2 large), sliced into half moons
3 1/2 pounds beef brisket
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari

INSTRUCTIONS
Heat the oil in a large, deep sauté pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onions and cook on medium-low to medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onions have caramelized lightly, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, sear the brisket.

Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Season generously all over with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat and turn on your vent or fan, if you have one. Add the brisket and sear, flipping once, until a golden-brown crust forms. Transfer to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker fat side up. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the brisket.

When the onions are ready, pile them on top and around the meat. Mix the broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce or tamari together and pour into the slow cooker.

Cover and cook until the brisket is very tender, 6 to 8 hours on the LOW setting. Switch to the WARM setting and let rest for at least 20 minutes. (If your slow cooker doesn’t have a WARM setting, transfer to a baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil while resting.)

The brisket can be sliced or shredded immediately and served with the onions and juices. Or, let the meat cool, then refrigerate overnight. Before reheating, scrape away and discard the layer of fat that has formed around the meat.

These delicious Swedish Meatballs are simmered in a tangy creamy gravy until tender and served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. The perfect comfort food!

Serves 6

sipandfeast.com

INGREDIENTS
For the meatballs:
6 slices white bread cut into small cubes, see notes
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion minced
3 cloves garlic grated
1 pound ground chuck
1 pound ground pork
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley minced
1/2 teaspoon allspice
2 large eggs beaten
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
vegetable oil for frying – enough to fill the pan a 1/2″ high.

For the gravy:
7 tablespoons butter
7 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup dry white wine optional
4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon allspice plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS
For the meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread and milk and mash together with a fork to form a paste. Let sit for 10 minutes. (Store-bought plain breadcrumbs [1 to 1 1/4 cups] can also be used.)

Meanwhile, heat a frypan to medium heat with butter. Add the onions and saute for 5 minutes then add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.

Add the sauteed onions and garlic and all of the remaining meatballs ingredients to the bread mixture and mix well. Roll meatballs into roughly 1″ diameter balls and place them onto a baking sheet or plate.

Pour vegetable oil 1/2″ high into a heavy frying pan or Dutch oven pot and heat to 350-370f.

Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs, working in batches to not overcrowd the pan, and fry until browned on all sides (about 10 minutes per batch). Remove browned meatballs to a plate.

Or you can bake the meatballs in a 400f oven for 20 minutes

For the gravy:
Heat a pot or large pan to medium and add the butter. Once the butter melts, add the flour and whisk until lightly golden (about 3-5 minutes).

Add the white wine and cook for another minute while scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to dislodge any of the browned bits.

Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil while whisking to incorporate. Once boiling lower the heat to a simmer. Add the Worcestershire sauce, allspice, nutmeg, Dijon mustard, and cream, and bring to a simmer.

To temper the sour cream (this will ensure that the sauce doesn’t break), mix 3 tablespoons of the hot gravy into a bowl with the sour cream. Repeat the process by adding more of the hot gravy to the sour cream. Add the tempered sour cream to the saucepan and whisk to combine. Test the gravy, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

When satisfied with the taste of the gravy, add the meatballs to the pot and cook over a low simmer until they are warmed through. Serve meatballs over egg noodles or mashed potatoes with Lingonberry on the side.

Breakfast Strata is a wonderfully savory bake that is steeped overnight in a cheesy custard, keeping prep in the morning to a minimum. Nigella says if the amount of butter appalls you, of course you can use less – however, this enthusiastic buttering not only imparts its glorious flavor as the strata bakes but makes both releasing it and washing up the dish much easier.

Serves 6

ocado.com – Also, watch the video.

INGREDIENTS
500g (18oz) Frozen Whole Leaf Spinach
30g (1oz) unsalted butter, softened, for the dish
6 eggs, large
250ml (8.5oz) whole milk
½ tsp fine sea salt
2 tsp Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard
1 tsp Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
50g (2oz) Grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus 3tbsp
150g (5-6oz) Italian Mozzarella, drained
175g (less than 8oz) sturdy bread, torn into generous chunks
290g (10oz) Roasted Red Peppers, drained
1 tsp dried thyme
2 Salad Onions, trimmed and finely sliced
1 bunch Chives, chopped, to scatter (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

A couple of hours before you want to assemble the strata for overnight steeping, arrange the frozen spinach on a shallow baking tray or large plate and let it thaw.

Generously butter a 23cm-9in-square, 6cm-2in-deep ovenproof dish or similar.

Crack the eggs into a measuring jug (or bowl), then pour in the milk. Spoon in the salt, dijon mustard and worcestershire sauce and, just with a fork, whisk gently but thoroughly to break up the eggs and mix all the ingredients together. Once it seems relatively smooth, add 50g of grated parmesan (reserving the 3tbsp to sprinkle over in the morning) and whisk again quickly to mix.

Squeeze any excess water out of the thawed spinach with your hands and then, with your poor frostbitten fingers, layer it nice and evenly on the bottom of your buttered dish.

Tear half the mozzarella ball into small pieces over the dish, letting the pieces fall as evenly as possible over the spinach layer.

Tumble in the bread pieces to make another layer, then tear the drained peppers over the dish. Arrange them so they’re evenly distributed over the cheese, ensuring every bite is wonderful.

Sprinkle over the dried thyme, followed by the salad onions and the remaining mozzarella (as before), then pour over your egg and milk mixture. Press the bread down into the liquid to submerge it with the implement of your choice, or just use your hands (which I prefer). Cover and chill overnight.

The following day, take the dish out of the fridge and leave it uncovered for 1 hr. Then, 15 mins before time’s up, heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6.

Just before the strata goes in the oven, press down on the bread again, to make sure it has enough eggy coverage, then sprinkle over the remaining 3tbsp grated parmesan. Bake for about 50 mins (check it after 40), by which time the top will be dark gold and puffed up. To check it’s ready, use a regular knife of the sort you eat with to cut into the centre top about 2cm down; if no runny custard remains, it’s cooked! Let it stand for 10 mins and, if wished (and I do wish), scatter the chopped chives over the top.

Bloody Mary Linguine makes an unusual starter or main and just shows how even the most familiar dishes – in this case pasta and tomato sauce – can be updated. Bloody Mary is one of my favourite drinks, so I thought, why not incorporate the same flavours on the plate? The alcohol all evaporates but it adds a richness to the sauce.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS
olive oil, for frying
1 red onion, peeled and finely diced
1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
1–2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Tabasco sauce
1⁄2 tsp celery salt
1 tsp caster sugar
1 x 400g tin best-quality chopped tomatoes
50ml (2fl oz) vodka
400g (14oz) dried linguine

For the topping:
olive oil, for frying
large handful of white breadcrumbs
1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS
First make the topping. Place a small frying pan over a medium heat and add a dash of olive oil. When hot, fry the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper until golden. Stir through the parsley, transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Place a large frying pan over a medium heat and add a dash of oil. When hot, sauté the onion with a pinch of salt and pepper until softened and turning light golden. Add the garlic and continue to sauté for 2 minutes. Season to taste with the Worcestershire and Tabasco sauces, the celery salt and a sprinkling of sugar.

Pour in the vodka to deglaze the pan, scraping up the bits from the bottom. Add the tomatoes, bring to a simmer and cook gently for 10–15 minutes, until reduced a little and flavourful. Add a little water if the sauce thickens too much.

Meanwhile, cook the linguine according to the packet instructions. When al dente, drain and add to the pan of sauce along with a little of the pasta water. Mix well, then divide among warm serving plates and top with the herby breadcrumbs. Serve immediately.

Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is a spice lover’s dream! Plump, Cajun-seasoned shrimp are seared and tossed with Andouille sausage and fettuccine in a simple sauce and topped with green onion. Perfect for weeknights, Mardi Gras celebrations, and anytime in between!

Serves 6

sipandfeast.com

INGREDIENTS
1 pound fettuccine or linguine, spaghetti, etc
2 pounds shrimp cleaned and deveined
2 tablespoons Cajun spice seasoning divided, plus more to taste
½ teaspoon baking soda
12 ounces Andouille sausage thin sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large bell peppers diced
1 medium onion diced
3 ribs celery diced
2 cups low sodium chicken stock
1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
¾ cup heavy cream
5 green onions sliced
2 cups reserved pasta water will most likely not need it all

INSTRUCTIONS
Bring a large pot of salted water (2 tablespoons kosher salt) to boil. In a bowl mix shrimp with baking soda and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and wait 10 minutes before cooking.

Heat your largest pan to medium heat and sear the shrimp in olive oil until cooked through (about 3-4 minutes). Place the shrimp on a plate and tent with foil.

Add the Andouille sausage to the same pan and cook for a couple of minutes per side or until some color develops. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and place it on the same plate as the shrimp and keep tented with foil.

Add the onions, peppers, and celery to the pan and saute for about 10-12 minutes or until they take on some color and soften considerably. If needed, add a touch more olive oil for the saute process. At this time begin boiling the pasta to 2-3 minutes less than al dente.

Once the peppers are soft add in the chicken stock and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer. With a wooden spoon scrape up all of the brown bits from the pan.

Add the cream and bring to a simmer. Once the sauce starts to thicken (about 2-3 minutes) add the pasta and continue to simmer while stirring frequently. Add some of the reserved pasta water to keep everything moist while the pasta cooks.

Add the sausage and shrimp about 1 minute before the pasta reaches al dente then turn off the heat. Add the green onions and taste test. Add more of the Cajun seasoning to taste. Note: It’s best to wait to add more of the seasoning due to the spicy nature of the Andouille.

If the pasta dries out before serving just add a bit of reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Classic Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting casserole that consists of ground lamb, carrots, and peas simmered with Guinness, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs and topped with a cheesy mashed potato layer that’s baked until golden and crisp. Shepherd’s Pie is wonderful any time of year but is especially great for St. Paddy’s day.

Serves 6

sipandfeast.com

INGREDIENTS
3 ½ pounds russet potatoes peeled
1 ¼ cups Parmigiano Reggiano grated, divided
¾ cup heavy cream plus more if too dry
1 stick butter melted
salt and pepper to taste
3 large egg yolks

For the filling:
2 pounds ground lamb
1 ½ cups frozen peas
1 large onion diced
3 celery ribs diced
3 medium carrots diced
5 cloves garlic minced
3 ounces tomato paste
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 12-ounce bottle of Guinness
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves only
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped, leaves only
2 cups low-sodium beef stock
salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS
For the Mashed Potatoes:
Fill and stockpot with potatoes and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender (about 25-30 minutes).

Rice the potatoes in a large bowl. Combine with the heavy cream, melted butter, and 1 cup of parmesan cheese. Taste test the potatoes and season very well with salt and pepper to taste. Once satisfied with the taste, mix the egg yolks into the potatoes.

For the Shepherd’s Pie:
Preheat oven to 400f and set one rack in the middle and one towards the top ⅓ of the oven.

While the potatoes are boiling make the filling. Heat a large heavy pan or pot to medium-high heat then add the lamb.

Cook until well browned (about 7-10 minutes), then break up the lamb with a wooden spoon or meat masher. Next, add the carrots, onions, and celery along with a pinch of salt. Saute until the veggies are soft (about 5-7 minutes) then add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.

Add the tomato paste, stir, and cook for 3 minutes. Next, add the Guinness and turn the heat to high. With a wooden spoon scrape the bottom of the pot to remove all of the brown bits. Cook until the liquid has almost completely evaporated (about 3-4 minutes).

Turn the heat down to medium and add the flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until there is no white flour remaining in the pan. Add the beef stock, thyme, rosemary, peas, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cook until the liquid has reduced by half.

Taste test the filling and adjust salt, pepper, thyme, or rosemary if required.

Add the filling to a 9×13″ baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes on the top and with a fork or spoon fluff the potatoes making mounds or points. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of grated parmesan.

Bake for 20 minutes in the center of the oven. Move the dish towards the top of the oven and broil for 1-3 minutes or until well browned but not burnt. Watch carefully! Let the shepherd’s pie sit for 10 minutes before eating so that it can settle.

Note:
– Taste test the mashed potatoes before adding the egg yolks to ensure proper seasoning. Be sure to also taste test the lamb filling and make any adjustments to the salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

This Beef Barley Soup is loaded with carrots, celery, onion, pearl barley, and chunks of tender beef. Fresh thyme and parsley lend tremendous flavor to this soup that’s both nourishing and comforting.

Serves 6

sipandfeast.com

INGREDIENTS
2 pounds beef chuck cubed
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion diced
2 ribs celery diced
4 medium carrots diced
3 cloves garlic minced
¾ cup dry red wine
6 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 sprigs thyme
1 cup pearl barley
salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup parsley minced

INSTRUCTIONS
Heat a large heavy pot to medium heat and add the olive oil. Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on all sides. Sear the beef on all sides until well browned. Work in batches if required. Do not overcrowd the pan.

Set all the beef to the side and add the onions, celery, and carrots. Saute for 5 minutes then add in the garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.

Add the red wine and turn the heat to high. Reduce by half (about 2 minutes) and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to remove all of the flavor bits.

Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and the beef back to the pot. Once boiling turn the heat down to a simmer. Simmer for 45 minutes with the lid partially covered.

Next, add the barley and cook at a simmer until tender (about 45-60 minutes). Taste test along the way and once the barley is tender, remove the pot from the heat.

Taste test and adjust salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add water or extra low-sodium beef broth to thin it to personal preference. Add the parsley before serving.

This Chicken Diane recipe is all about building layers of flavor as you cook. Searing chicken and then browning mushrooms in a skillet creates delicious browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Once you add the liquids, those browned bits release their flavor, resulting in a rich, silky, savory sauce. Fresh lemon juice and parsley are mixed in at the end for brightness. Serve the finished dish with egg noodles and a salad.

Serves 4

foodandwine.com

INGREDIENTS
4 (5- to 6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets, or 2 (10 to 12-ounce) chicken breasts, each halved horizontally into 2 cutlets [use whole chicken]
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
¾ teaspoon black pepper, divided
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2 (8-ounce) packages sliced fresh button mushrooms
1 large (1 1/2 ounce) shallot, finely chopped (1/4 cup)
2 tablespoons tablespoons (1 ounce) brandy
½ cup lower-sodium chicken broth
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Lemon wedges

INSTRUCTIONS
Sprinkle chicken evenly with 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper. Heat oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over high. Add chicken to skillet; cook until golden brown on each side and a thermometer inserted into thickest portion of meat registers 165°F, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate; set aside. Do not wipe skillet clean.

Reduce heat under skillet to medium-high. Add mushrooms and remaining 1 tablespoon butter; cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms release liquid and begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add shallot; cook, stirring often, until tender, about 3 minutes. Add brandy; cook, undisturbed, until liquid is almost evaporated, about 15 seconds. Add broth, cream, lemon juice, mustard, and Worcestershire; cook, stirring often, until sauce reduces slightly, about 3 minutes. Stir in parsley and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove from heat. Nestle chicken and any accumulated juices into mixture in skillet. Serve with lemon wedges.