When you think about the best recipes featured in The New York Times, it's hard to overlook the variety they offer. You'll find everything from the comforting Classic Chicken and Rice to the vibrant Spicy Shrimp Tacos that can enhance your weeknight meals. Each dish not only showcases seasonal ingredients but also provides an opportunity to test out new flavors in your kitchen. Curious about which recipes stand out and what makes them so appealing? Let's investigate these top picks and see what you might want to try next.
Classic Chicken and Rice
Classic Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, flavorful spices, and fluffy rice into a harmonious meal that's perfect for any occasion.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way the ingredients meld together, creating a delicious one-pot meal that's sure to satisfy the whole family. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this classic recipe won't disappoint.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet, skin side down. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, rice, paprika, and turmeric, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up.
Cover and reduce the heat to low, cooking for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavor of the chicken and rice, consider marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of spices and lemon juice for a few hours before cooking.
This adds a delicious depth of flavor. Additionally, you can customize the dish by adding vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
Finally, let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness.
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the richness of cream with the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes and basil. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, as it comes together quickly and is sure to impress.
The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, while the fresh basil adds a burst of flavor that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then fold in the chopped basil right before serving. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips: For an extra depth of flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the sauce. This can improve their sweetness and add a slight smokiness.
Additionally, feel free to add cooked protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth or use a plant-based cream alternative.
Enjoy your creamy tomato basil pasta!
Hearty Vegetable Soup
Hearty Vegetable Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that's perfect for any time of year, especially during the cooler months. Packed with a variety of seasonal vegetables, beans, and aromatic herbs, this soup not only warms the body but also nourishes the soul.
It's a flexible recipe that allows you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to reduce food waste while enjoying a delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the zucchini, bell pepper, and green beans to the pot, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, followed by the cannellini beans, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
Feel free to customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or using up leftovers from your fridge.
For a heartier version, consider adding cooked pasta or quinoa. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week and also freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal.
When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Decadent Chocolate Cake
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of a decadent chocolate cake that's perfect for any celebration or simply as a delightful treat for yourself. This cake boasts a moist crumb and an intense chocolate flavor, making it a true chocolate lover's dream.
Topped with a glossy chocolate ganache or a light dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract, and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin) and divide it evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider using high-quality dark chocolate cocoa powder.
Also, confirm your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter.
If you want to boost your cake, try adding a layer of chocolate mousse or raspberry filling between the cake layers.
Finally, this cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or it can be frozen for up to a month, making it a great make-ahead option for gatherings.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Spicy shrimp tacos are a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with zesty spices, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all wrapped in soft tortillas. Perfect for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos are sure to impress your family and friends.
The balance of heat and freshness makes each bite a delightful experience, and they can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Hot sauce, to taste
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they're pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Warm the tortillas in another skillet or microwave, then assemble the tacos by placing a handful of shredded cabbage on each tortilla, followed by the cooked shrimp, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt and add hot sauce to taste. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Extra Tips:
For an even bolder flavor, marinate the shrimp in the spice mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
You can also grill the shrimp for a smoky touch or add additional toppings like diced tomatoes, pickled red onions, or mango salsa for a unique twist.
If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder or skip the hot sauce altogether.
These tacos are also great for meal prep; simply store the components separately and assemble them fresh when ready to eat.