This is one of those dishes that hits your nose before it hits your plate in the best possible way. Crispy caramelized pork is built on contrast: deeply savory pork meeting a lightly sweet, salty glaze, all brightened by the sharp snap of lime juice and zest. It’s rich but not heavy, bold without being […]
Fish in coconut curry—known as Mtuzi wa Samaki—is a dish that instantly evokes its coastal roots. Warm spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender fish come together in a way that feels effortless yet deeply intentional—exactly what you’d expect from a cuisine shaped by the sea. This classic preparation hails from the island of Zanzibar, East […]
Vodka sauce has long been a favorite in Italian-American cuisine, but when paired with hearty sausage, silky burrata cheese, and the perfect pasta shape—bucatini—it becomes an irresistible dish that balances richness, spice, and indulgence in every bite. This version takes the beloved creamy tomato sauce and elevates it with savory sausage and the luscious, milky […]
If there’s one fast-food item that quietly achieved cult status, it’s the crunchwrap. Not a taco, not quite a burrito, but something far more strategic—a layered, hexagon-shaped marvel designed to deliver maximum texture in every bite. Crispy, creamy, cheesy, fresh, and handheld, the crunch wrap has earned its place in the DIY dinner hall of […]
Quick, easy, and full of flavor—that’s exactly what this blackened halibut with cheesy grits is all about. I recently came across this lovely recipe by Vallery Lomas, a former winner of The Great American Baking Show, in The New York Times’ food section, and I just had to share it. Chef Paul Prudhomme The technique […]
When dinner needs to be quick, satisfying, and a little elevated (for the foodies in your family), pork chops with white wine and capers deliver every time. This 20-minute meal is a weeknight dream—light, flavorful, and elegant without all the fuss. In this dish, lean, boneless pork chops are the star, seared quickly until golden […]
Shrimp scampi is a dish deeply rooted in Italian-American cuisine, blending traditional Italian flavors with an emphasis on seafood. The term “scampi” originally referred to Nephrops norvegicus, a small, lobster-like crustacean found in the Mediterranean and northeastern Atlantic, commonly known as langoustine. In Italy, scampi were typically prepared simply—sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and white […]
If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful dinner option that doesn’t compromise on taste, look no further; this flavorful soy-honey glazed cod is for you. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome meal in a flash. With its savory-sweet glaze and minimal prep time, it’s bound to become a staple […]
Crispy butter garlic chicken is a quick, flavorful dish for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe creates tender, juicy chicken thighs topped with irresistibly golden, crispy skin. The secret to achieving perfectly crispy chicken is using a cast iron skillet. Its even heat distribution ensures the chicken skin renders beautifully while […]
There’s something profoundly comforting about a dish that marries simplicity with indulgence, and cheesy baked gnocchi perfectly encapsulates this sentiment. Gnocchi, those delightful Italian potato dumplings, have a knack for transforming even the most ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences. Originating from Northern Italy, gnocchi has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, loved for […]
This beauty is a chickpea flatbread, known more traditionally as a “socca” (in France) or “farinata” (in Italy). Translated to English, these are savory, tender, unleavened pancakes made from chickpea flour, water, and olive oil. Extremely popular in Mediterranean cuisine, these chickpea flatbreads are easy to whip up, and topping-wise, they are limitless allowing your culinary creativity […]
Summer squash pasta is a delightful ode to the vibrant flavors of summer, making it a perfect quick meal that celebrates the abundance of zucchini and yellow summer squash. This dish embraces simplicity without compromising on taste and captures the light and refreshing essence of the season. The addition of fresh lemon juice at the […]
Golden-brown, crispy fried coconut shrimp served with a chili garlic sauce is a culinary masterpiece born from the inventive minds of coastal kitchens and delivers a symphony of flavors and textures with each bite. This delightful dish, with roots likely tracing back to the vibrant shores of Southeast Asia, boasts a perfect marriage of succulent […]
This baked pasta with cauliflower is my latest and greatest easy meal and I can’t praise it enough. Baked pasta is a classic comfort food that’s been around, in some form, for centuries. Food historians can trace baked pasta dishes to the ancient Greeks, who would toss cooked pasta with eggs and cheese before baking […]
Crispy tofu with Napa cabbage slaw is a tried and true family favorite. Dredging the tofu in cornmeal and cornstarch, before lightly pan frying, creates a crunchy exterior with a soft, pillowy texture inside. This is not my recipe, it’s from Cook’s Illustrated magazine. I have adapted this recipe a little over the years, but […]
Welcome to my blog Simmer + Sauce. I always thought I was going to be a lawyer, but going to culinary school was one of the best decisions I ever made. I’m a former professional chef from NYC who loves to eat, cook and talk about food. My focus is great food, with solid recipes and reasonable ingredient lists. Cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful. Many of my recipes are family friendly and often on the healthy(ish) side.