Rakkot Krumpli is Hungarian comfort food at its best. My husband jokes that Hungarian foods use the same few ingredients over and over in different ways, and this one is no exception. It brings together many of the Hungarian classics: sour cream, paprika, potatoes and eggs - all which come together in this creamy and delicious one dish meal. My mother used to make this for us as kids and now my children love eating this slightly modernized (sorry Mom) version of the original dish.

Sabich Sandwiches

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This is a great vegetarian meal that includes fresh summer veggies, protein and is packed with flavor. I set up all of the toppings and let people choose what they want to put in in their pita pocket – just as they do at a falafel stand – but don’t skip the tehina! It brings it all together. Try swapping out the traditional Middle Eastern falafel sandwich with this this Sabich sandwich for a great weeknight dinner.

Mexican Chicken Salad

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This is a great (almost) no cook meal! I throw this together if I have some leftover grilled chicken and the rest of the ingredients are pantry and produce staples. Arranging it on a platter makes it look as good as it tastes!
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This pasta dinner is both delicious and super easy to make. The lemon zest and parmesan contribute some punch while the broccoli adds color and a nice bite. You can serve this pasta warm or make this dinner ahead of time and serve it at room temperature. (Adapted from The Barfeoot Contessa)

Salmon with Kale and Cabbage

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When I am looking for a “superfood” meal that can be thrown together quickly, this is the one! It bakes on one sheet and when I am really in a pinch, I turn to the Trader Joes, already washed and sliced, kale and cabbage – each in their own bag -which takes the prep time down to about 5 minutes. When baked, the kale turns into crunchy chips and the lemon-dill sauce poured over the top adds a classic and fresh taste. (Adapted from Martha Stewart)

Springtime Strawberry Rhubarb

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In my backyard growing up, we had this funny looking plant that used to pop up at he beginning of Spring each year, with big leaves and pretty pink stalks – rhubarb. I always know its Spring when I start to see rhubarb on the shelves. The combination of Rhubarb and Strawberries is a family favorite and special weeknight dessert, when I have time to throw it together.

Cucumber Salad

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This cucumber salad is easy, refreshing, and the recipe is really easy to remember: Equal parts sugar and vinegar and double part water. You can make more or less liquid depending on how many cucumbers you are using. Once the cucumbers have been eaten, you can even add new cucumbers to the liquid and after a half hour, you will have a new batch of cucumber salad for lunch the next day!

Mom’s Spaghetti and Meatsauce

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My mother made the best meat sauce. I am biased, but in this case, I have confirmation from all those who have eaten it and then turn it into their own family staple. The secret ingredient here is cinnamon –not too much that it tastes like breakfast, but just enough that it gives it a special taste. My innovation in this is that I throw all of the veggies into the food processor and grind them up to the size of ground meat. In the end, there are equal parts meat and veggies, which adds great flavor, nutrition and lightens it up. This recipe makes enough for a family dinner and then some more to freeze – which I think you’ll want to have on hand… I like to serve this with my favorite cucumber salad.

Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad

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When I was growing up, Kale was that funny green stuff that showed up on a catering platter. As we all know, Kale has become one of the “it” superfoods and Kale salad is a favorite way to eat it. This Kale salad, with its lemon, garlic, and parmesan has a lot of punch. Unlike traditional salads made with lettuces, Kale salad will keep in the fridge without wilting for a day or two or can be made ahead and stored. (Adapted from Marin Mama website)

Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche

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Quiche has a fancy sounding name, but it’s actually quite easy to put together. There are so many different types of quiches you can make and they all follow the same three step formula: 1) Place the cheese of your choice on the bottom of the crust. 2) Put whatever veggie mix you are using on top of the cheese and 3) Pour the milk and egg mixture on top. This quiche is a broccoli cheddar quiche, which is a classic pairing. The below recipe is for one quiche, but for a family of 4 or 5 good eaters, I generally make two quiches, so I recommend doubling the recipe. The leftovers won’t last long. Serve this dinner with my summer corn soup as a starter and my lemony parmesan Kale salad on the side.