One positive result of this unsettling time is that more people are cooking at home. I’m hoping that becomes a habit even when it’s no longer necessary. Hunkering down, we need nourishment and a kitchen that smells great. We need dishes that are easy to prepare with ingredients that are easy to find, recipes that deliver a lot of pleasure for the effort. I’ve chosen six favorites from my archive to share with you.
Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Cottage cheese pancakes for breakfast would be a mood lifter for sure. This recipe comes from Bette’s Oceanview Diner in Berkeley, one of whose founders was Sue Conley. Sue went on to start Cowgirl Creamery with Peggy Smith and to develop a commercial cottage cheese that is second to none.
Grated Carrot and Yogurt Salad with Cumin
I stocked up on carrots for the lockdown because they’re such good keepers. This warm Turkish salad may be my favorite carrot recipe ever. Uh, not counting carrot cake.
Spicy Golden Split Pea Soup with Tomato, Cumin and Yogurt
You can make this soup with green split peas, lentils or even white beans. It’s the Indian seasonings that make it so fragrant and craveable.
Whole-Wheat Fusilli with Braised Savoy Cabbage and Fennel
Fellow pasta fanatics, this one’s for you. So simple, so nourishing. Use whatever pasta shape you have.
Harissa-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Peppers
A few hours in a yogurt marinade makes chicken extra juicy and tender. Now is not really sweet pepper season so feel free to replace with other vegetables. I often use sliced red onion, thinly sliced carrots and chickpeas in place of the peppers.
Potato Focaccia with Olives and Rosemary
If you’ve been baking at home more, try your hand at focaccia. The potato is in the dough, not on top. Add a green salad and a cheese board and you’ve made dinner.