Recipes By Naz Deravian
140 recipes found
Halo-Halo
The joy of preparing halo-halo, the sweet, icy, creamy and colorful Filipino dessert, might only be surpassed by the pleasure of eating it. The name means mix-mix in Tagalog, which refers to the best way to eat it: Combine everything by digging from the bottom up with a tall spoon. Shaved ice and a mix of evaporated milk and sweetened condensed or coconut milk are the foundation of this dessert; everything else is up to personal preference. In general, halo-halo includes a mix of syrup-soaked beans, corn, coconut gel, tapioca pearls, jackfruit, mango and banana. Jarred halo-halo mixes are available as a starting point (see Tip). Just make sure to have all the ingredients ready so the ice doesn't melt once it’s placed in the glass. If preparing for a crowd, set up a toppings bar and let people build their own.
Lechon Kawali
Lechon, or whole suckling pig, is traditionally prepared for large holiday gatherings in the Philippines, but lechon kawali, a dish of crispy deep-fried pork belly, is served year-round for special occasions. (Kawali refers to the pan used for frying the pork.) To maximize lechon kawali’s crispiness, it’s important to make sure the skin is as dry as possible. In this version, the pork belly is first simmered in a savory broth of onion, garlic, bay leaves and peppercorns, then dried in a low oven. To finish, the pork is fried until the skin is crisp and crackly. Serve lechon kawali with a side of rice, and don’t skip the garlicky vinegar sauce for dipping, which balances the fried pork by adding a necessary tang.
Hash Brown Casserole
This cozy dish of tender potatoes, cheesy with sharp Cheddar and rich with sour cream, easily feeds a crowd for brunch or a holiday potluck. Store-bought frozen hash browns do most of the work here, but you also can use frozen cubed potatoes. Traditionally, this casserole, also known as “funeral potatoes”, is made with canned cream of chicken soup, but this version calls for making the soup from scratch. While that may sound fussy, the homemade soup comes together in less than 10 minutes — and of course you can use a 10-ounce can of soup instead. For extra crunch, be sure to try the optional cornflakes topping.
Toffee
Preparing toffee isn’t complicated, but it does require a candy thermometer, so the candy hardens at just the right temperature and doesn’t burn. A deep, heavy saucepan is also useful to help the sugar evenly melt. This version includes the typical American toffee ingredients, granulated sugar and butter, with the addition of chocolate and nuts. For a more festive holiday treat, sprinkle the top with a little flaky salt or some crushed candy canes, and double or triple this recipe for gifting.
Figgy Pudding
Also known as plum pudding or Christmas pudding, figgy pudding is a traditional British dessert served on Christmas. (“Pudding” in the United Kingdom is what “dessert” is called elsewhere.) Many families boast their own recipes, but in general, this rich cake-like dessert is made with a mix of dried fruits soaked in liquor, warm spices, fresh breadcrumbs, nuts and sometimes candied citrus. Beef suet, which is available online, is the traditional fat used, but it can be substituted with butter. Figgy pudding preparations often begin the Sunday before Advent, on Stir-up Sunday, when family members take turns stirring the pudding. Figgy pudding requires planning, so start shopping for ingredients at least one month before Christmas. After the initial steam, the pudding rests at least 3 weeks for the flavors to meld. The pudding can also be made months in advance, stored in the freezer and reheated before serving. The final presentation of drizzling it with liquor and setting it on fire is worthy of a grand holiday celebration.
Gumbo
While there are no hard and set rules, it’s generally agreed that roux and the “holy trinity” of celery, onion and green bell pepper are the foundation of gumbo, a pleasantly spicy, thick soup that was declared Louisiana’s official state dish in 2004. From there, gumbo can include a wide range of meat, seafood and vegetables. (Chicken, andouille sausage and shrimp are highlighted in this version.) The roux — a combination of vegetable oil and flour, in this case — takes time and patience, as it needs to be continuously stirred to achieve a deep shade of brown. To break up the work, the roux can be prepared up to a week in advance, and the gumbo can be made the day before eating. (Second-day gumbo has an even deeper flavor.) Filè powder, which is ground sassafras leaves found in the spice aisle or online, is optional, but if using, sprinkle some over each bowl, or stir it into the pot off the heat to thicken and flavor the soup.
Ambrosia Salad
In ancient Greek mythology, ambrosia is referred to as the food or drink of the gods, and in parts of America, some might agree, as the name is associated with a fluffy, marshmallow fruit salad that delights both kids and adults. Mandarin oranges and pineapple are typical to the dish, but other fruits, such as bananas, strawberries and grapes, can also be used. In this version, the fruit is mixed with shredded coconut and sweetened homemade whipped cream, but you can use an 8-ounce container of thawed frozen whipped topping for ease. Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the salad to your liking, but marshmallows and maraschino cherries are a must. Ambrosia salad is best served well chilled, allowing the flavors to meld.
Rice Pudding
The size and quality of the rice matters in this classic pudding: A medium-grain rice is starchy enough to thicken it, but it won’t soften so much that it completely disintegrates. Using a 2-quart saucepan is also important. If the pan is larger or wider, the liquid will evaporate faster than the rice cooks. If you prefer a looser pudding, or plan on serving it cold (it thickens as it sits), remove it from the heat as soon as the rice softens; or cook it a bit longer if you like a thicker pudding. For an extra-rich dessert, stir in egg yolks and butter, or further elevate it by adding some rum-soaked raisins.
Gulab Jamun
Gulab jamun is a South Asian dessert of fragrant, syrup-soaked rounds of fried dough. Gulab means “rose water” in Persian, and jamun means “black plum” in Hindi-Urdu, a reference to the sweet’s shape. The dough, traditionally made with khoya, a type of dried milk, is combined with flour and whole milk to form a soft and sticky dough. (Nonfat dry milk powder is used here.) Shaping the jamun takes a little practice — optimally, they should be smooth with no visible cracks, so they don’t fall apart in the hot oil — but the more you roll, the easier it gets. Once fried, the jamun are soaked in a rose water, cardamom and saffron syrup. Serve warm, drizzled with a little of their syrup and a side of vanilla ice cream, if you like.
Popcorn Balls
A joy to both make and eat, popcorn balls are a chewy and sweet treat prepared with a mix of mini marshmallows, powdered sugar and corn syrup. Dress them up for special occasions with a variety of mix-ins, such as candies, colorful sprinkles, crushed pretzels, crumbled cookies and food coloring. To ensure the popcorn balls stay intact, the popcorn is kept warm in the oven until it’s ready to be mixed with the hot marshmallow cream. You’ll need to shape the popcorn balls fairly quickly, so this becomes a fun activity for the kids to lend a hand.
Potato Soup
Luxurious, warm and filling, this classic soup checks all of the comfort food boxes. As the creamy Yukon gold potatoes cook, they release starches and thicken the broth. Half of the soup is blended for a contrast of textures, while the smoked paprika adds warmth, complementing the flavors of the bacon. Use as much cream as you like, but don’t be shy with it — it’s a welcome companion that doesn’t weigh down the soup, but rather lightens it. To serve, set up a toppings bar as you would for baked potatoes.
Cuban Sandwich
There are many types of Cuban sandwiches, but the star of this one, also known as a Cubano, is tender, fall-apart roast pork. The pork’s marinade, called mojo, is citrusy and garlicky and spiked with earthy cumin and oregano. Sour oranges are traditionally used (see Tip), but a mix of regular oranges and lime juices can be swapped in if the former is difficult to source. A loaf of Cuban bread is ideal for its fluffy interior, but a soft French bread, bolillo bread or hero rolls can stand in its place. Besides the pork, the sandwiches are stacked high with deli ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles and yellow mustard (add salami to make it Tampa-style). They’re pressed until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden. Any leftover pork can be served alongside Cuban beans, maduros and rice.
Marry Me Chicken
This cozy dish, which went viral on TikTok with claims that if you prepare it for someone, you will end up getting married, features boneless chicken breasts nestled in a creamy, tomato-y sauce. With wedding bells in mind or not, this dish comes together fairly quickly and is just as great for entertaining as it is for a family meal. In this version, the addition of tomato paste adds a bright acidity to the rich cream sauce and complements the sun-dried tomatoes. Serve with crusty bread to sop up all the juices as well as tangy green salad to balance out the sauce’s richness. Or, try it over pasta, rice or polenta.
Sugar Cookies
What sets drop-style sugar cookies apart from classic cut-outs is that you don’t need to roll out the dough or dig deep into drawers in search of cookie cutters. Simply scoop and roll the dough into balls, then slightly flatten and bake. The dough needs to chill in the fridge for at least an hour so the cookies don’t spread too much during baking, but this can be done up to a day in advance. Follow this approach and the cookies will be irresistibly soft, yet chewy in the middle and a little crisp around the edges. They are fantastic as is, but you can top with extra sugar or sprinkles, or exchange the vanilla for a little almond or lemon extract to play around with the flavor.
Baklava
Baklava is an iconic pastry that defies borders: It’s beloved in Turkey, Greece, Central Asia, the Balkans and beyond, and each of these regions boasts its own variety. This version, with its honey syrup, leans into the Greek version. Store-bought phyllo makes preparing a pan of homemade baklava much easier, but it does require a little patience. There are no cutting corners when it comes to buttering every couple of sheets of phyllo, but your efforts will yield shatteringly thin layers of pastry. Making and chilling the syrup in advance of pouring it on top of the pastry is an important step, as it allows the baklava to fully absorb the sticky sweetness, reducing pooling on the bottom of the pan.
Dump Cake
Dump cake is a classic American dessert that became popular with the production and marketing of store-bought boxed cake mixes. But it’s more like a cobbler than a cake — it’s filled with fruit and, as the name suggests, all the ingredients are “dumped” in a dish and baked in the oven. Canned cherry pie filling mixed with crushed pineapple is traditional, but feel free to swap out with other canned fruit, like peaches or strawberry pie filling. For a little crunch, add some nuts, such as sliced almonds or chopped pecans. Dump cake is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. This truly low-effort dessert is an easy way to feed a crowd any time of year.
Taco Soup
This cozy soup has very little to do with traditional Mexican tacos, but is inspired by the ingredients and flavors in the hard-shell ground beef variety. You can use a taco seasoning packet from the store, but it’s very easy to make your own blend to suit your taste (and whip up extra, if you like, to have on hand for other dishes). If using a packet, it will also include salt, so adjust accordingly when seasoning. You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the meat and using an extra can of beans or subbing in a meat substitute. Set up a colorful toppings bar and be sure to squeeze on a little lime to brighten up all the flavors.
Tequila Sunrise
This beautiful ombré cocktail first appeared on the menu of the Arizona Biltmore, a resort hotel in Phoenix, in the late 1930s or early 1940s. Originally, it was made with tequila, lime juice, soda water and crème de cassis, but was reinterpreted using orange juice and grenadine at the Trident, a bar in Sausalito, Calif., in the 1970s. Rumor has it that the Rolling Stones loved the sunrise-hued drink so much, it worked its way into the unofficial nickname of their 1972 tour. Soon after, the Eagles wrote their eponymous song. You only need a few ingredients to get the look for which this refreshing drink is famous: tequila, orange juice and grenadine, which is slowly poured in as it settles at the bottom of the glass and creates a ruby red base for the rising sun.
Sushi Bake
Sushi bake is essentially a California roll casserole in which the main ingredients of the popular sushi roll are layered, then baked for an easy comfort dish. This recipe uses imitation crab, but feel free to use real crab meat, or equal amounts cooked or canned tuna or salmon. Furikake, the Japanese seasoning mix, flavors the rice, while Kewpie mayo and cream cheese bind and add richness. (Both furikake and Kewpie mayo can be found at Asian supermarkets and online.) A final drizzle of sriracha mayo brings it all to life. Once baked, everyone can assemble their own atop seaweed squares with a variety of toppings. Don’t forget a side of tamagoyaki, and sweet and savory unagi, or eel, sauce for drizzling.
Pigs in a Blanket
Mini hotdogs tucked into flaky and tender store-bought crescent rolls are equal parts retro, nostalgia and comfort wrapped into one bite-size bundle. Homemade pigs in a blanket are an evergreen party staple and a cinch to make. If you can’t find cocktail-size wieners, you can simply cut half a dozen regular hotdogs into 1 1/2 inch-long pieces and use those. Serve with your favorite condiments, like honey mustard or ketchup. This is a snack that never falls out of favor.
Breakfast Potatoes
Prepare a batch of oven-roasted breakfast potatoes, and you’ll reap the rewards over the next few days. Eat them right out of the oven as a snack, or as a side to scrambled eggs or roast chicken, then tuck leftovers into a breakfast burrito or pile on top of a salad. The recipe is simple and mostly hands off; the potatoes just need to be tossed every so often for even crisping. While russets can be used, Yukon Gold potatoes are soft and creamy, and the longer they roast, the crispier the outsides will become. (Just don’t overdo it, or they’ll dry out.)
Ham and Bean Soup
Hearty and comforting, this soup is a great way to use the ham hock or any leftover ham from a holiday meal. However, you don’t need a special occasion to make it. Both ham hocks and cooked ham are available year-round. The pork, combined with vegetables and herbs, make for a rich and flavorful stock. (For extra flavor, feel free to sub in chicken broth for the water.) Slowly simmering the dried beans adds body and creaminess that isn’t quite the same with canned beans.
Shish Kebab
Cooking pieces of skewered meat over fire is a practice almost as old as the discovery of fire itself, and it’s a culinary tradition that has been embraced across the globe. Shish kebab, from the Turkish words şiş (sword or stick) and kebap (roasted meat), is beloved across the Mediterranean and beyond. There are endless regional preparations for shish kebab; in this version inspired by Turkish flavorings, a yogurt and tomato paste-based marinade, punched up with lively spices like Aleppo pepper, paprika and cumin, tenderizes succulent pieces of lamb or beef. If you prefer a milder lamb taste, use boneless leg of lamb; for a more pronounced lamb taste, use boneless shoulder meat. If you’d like to skip the lamb altogether, use beef sirloin or top loin, which each make for tender and juicy kebabs without the expensive price tag. Shish kebab is best grilled, but you can also use a broiler or a stovetop grill pan (see Tip). For a complete meal, skewer peppers and onions (or any other vegetables you like), grill them alongside the kebabs and serve with flatbread.
Fish Sticks With Peas
Two childhood classics — fish sticks and green peas — find their rightful place back at the dinner table for eaters of all ages to enjoy in this wholesome weeknight meal. The fish stick, coined “the ocean’s hot dog” by the historian Joseph Peterson, was first manufactured by Gorton’s, the Massachusetts seafood company, in 1953. It soon became popular as a tasty and effortless family meal for Americans wary of cooking fresh fish at home. The key to flavorful homemade fish sticks is to season them well every step of the way. Here, turmeric provides the nostalgic yellow tint while adding a warm, earthy flavor to meaty cod fillets (or any firm white fish). The accompanying peas get a lift from tangy lemon zest and fresh mint, and red-pepper flakes provide just enough heat to liven up your taste buds and dinner plates. Serve with tartar sauce for dipping and lemon wedges.