Are you tired of cooking the same old dishes every week? Look no further! The Washington Post has brought together a collection of mouth-watering recipes that are sure to spice up your culinary routine. From classic comfort foods to international flavors and vegetarian delights, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll be showcasing 19 extraordinary recipes from the Washington Post’s archives, each one featuring a unique blend of flavors and techniques that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, these dishes are sure to impress.
First up, we have Classic Chicken Piccata with Lemon and Capers – a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the beauty of fresh lemon and caper flavors. Next, we’ll dive into Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa, a fiesta-inspired recipe that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed beaches of Mexico.
And there’s much more where these came from! Read on for more mouth-watering recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen…
Classic Chicken Piccata with Lemon and Capers
Classic Chicken Piccata with Lemon and Capers
This Italian-inspired dish is a staple of fine dining, yet remarkably simple to prepare. Thinly sliced chicken breasts are dredged in flour, sautéed in butter, and finished with a bright and tangy lemon-caper sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium.
5. Add lemon juice and capers to the skillet; simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve the chicken with the lemon-caper sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe: Add a touch of heat to your taco Tuesday with this flavorful and vibrant recipe, featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a spicy tomato sauce and topped with creamy avocado salsa.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 corn tortillas
– Avocado salsa (recipe below)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced radishes, sour cream
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2. Add shrimp to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos with grilled shrimp, avocado salsa, and desired toppings.
Avocado Salsa:
– 3 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in Brussels sprouts, while a tangy balsamic glaze adds a depth of flavor. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy side dish or as a topping for your favorite salad.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until coated.
3. Spread sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
5. While sprouts are roasting, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Reduce glaze by half, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes.
7. Remove sprouts from oven and toss with the reduced glaze. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Creamy Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan
A rich and creamy risotto dish infused with the earthy flavors of mushrooms and topped with the salty goodness of Parmesan.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Arborio rice; cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Add white wine (if using); cook until absorbed.
6. Add 1/2 cup broth; stir until absorbed. Repeat process, adding broth in 1/2 cup increments, and waiting for it to absorb before adding more. This should take about 20-25 minutes or until rice is cooked and creamy.
7. Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Grilled Salmon with Herb Butter
Elevate your salmon game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the richness of grilled fish with the bright, herby flavors of fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, parsley, dill, and lemon zest until well combined.
3. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Place salmon on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of cooking, spread herb butter evenly over each fillet.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Vegetarian Lentil Soup with Spinach
This hearty and nutritious soup is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, packed with fiber-rich lentils, leafy spinach, and aromatic spices. Enjoy the comforting warmth on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a little water until tender.
2. Add lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30-40 minutes or until lentils are tender.
3. Stir in spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
4. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Rosemary
Elevate your steak game with these tender and aromatic bites, infused with the warmth of garlic butter and the earthiness of rosemary. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef steak (such as ribeye or sirloin), cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, and rosemary.
3. Place the steak cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the steak cubes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional rosemary if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day with a stack of fluffy and delicious homemade buttermilk pancakes, perfectly balanced by a drizzle of pure Canadian maple syrup. This classic recipe is easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Drop 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the preheated skillet or griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt
Elevate your classic chocolate chip cookie game with the added crunch and flavor of flaky sea salt. These chewy treats are perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Thai Green Curry with Vegetables
This vibrant and flavorful curry is a staple of Thai cuisine, made with a rich green curry paste and a variety of colorful vegetables. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms)
– 1/4 cup Thai green curry paste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup water or vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the curry paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
3. Add the garlic, mixed vegetables, coconut milk, water or broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve over steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Beef Bourguignon with Red Wine
This rich and flavorful French stew is a staple of comfort food, perfect for a special occasion or cozy night in. By slow-cooking tender beef short ribs in red wine, onions, and mushrooms, you’ll create a hearty and aromatic dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef short ribs
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 ounces mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 1 cup red wine (Burgundy or Merlot)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme and parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Brown beef short ribs in a hot skillet, then set aside.
3. In the same skillet, cook onions, garlic, and mushrooms until softened.
4. Add red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return browned beef to the pot and bring to a simmer.
6. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven for 2-3 hours or until beef is tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with thyme and parsley.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Lemon Blueberry Scones with Glaze
Lemon Blueberry Scones with Glaze: A sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for a spring morning.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– Confectioners’ sugar, for glaze
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together cream, egg, and lemon juice. Pour into dry ingredients and stir until dough forms.
5. Fold in blueberries.
6. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
7. Pat dough into an 8-inch circle, about 1 inch thick.
8. Cut into wedges or use a biscuit cutter to create shapes.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Allow scones to cool before drizzling with glaze (whisk together 1 cup confectioners’ sugar and 2 tablespoons lemon juice).
Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce
Elevate your seafood game with this quick and flavorful recipe that combines succulent scallops with a tangy lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and cook until melted, about 1 minute.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Add scallops to the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove scallops from the skillet and set aside.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and honey. Pour into the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Return scallops to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for an additional minute.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Soy Ginger Sauce
This flavorful and nutritious stir-fry is a perfect blend of Asian-inspired flavors, featuring a sweet and savory soy ginger sauce. With a variety of colorful vegetables and a hint of spice, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
4. Pour the soy ginger mixture over the vegetables and stir-fry for an additional minute.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing
A timeless favorite, this Caesar salad recipe combines crispy romaine lettuce, savory croutons, and a rich homemade dressing to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup homemade Caesar dressing (see below)
– 1/4 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Homemade Caesar Dressing:
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, lemon juice, egg yolk, and mustard. Blend until smooth.
3. With the blender running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss romaine lettuce with homemade Caesar dressing until well coated.
5. Top with croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (includes prep time)
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Sage
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful soup, perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening. Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the earthy flavor of sage.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
– Pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Roast the squash for 45 minutes, or until tender.
4. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until softened.
5. Add the roasted squash, broth, salt, and pepper to the pot. Blend until smooth.
6. Stir in heavy cream (if using) and chopped sage.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional sage if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Pasta Carbonara with Pancetta and Eggs
A classic Italian recipe that combines the richness of pancetta, the creaminess of eggs, and the simplicity of pasta.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 6 slices of pancetta, diced
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a small saucepan, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the egg mixture and toss to combine.
5. Add the pancetta to the pasta mixture and toss again.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time:
– Spaghetti cooking time: 8-10 minutes
– Pancetta cooking time: 4-5 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins
Start your day with a delicious and nutritious treat that combines the comforting flavors of apple, cinnamon, and oatmeal. These moist and flavorful muffins are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup diced apples (about 2 medium-sized)
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together oats, flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in diced apples and cinnamon.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grilled Vegetable Platter with Chimichurri
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with this flavorful and colorful grilled vegetable platter, perfectly paired with a tangy and herby chimichurri sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 large zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), seeded and sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1 large red onion, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
– 1 cup mixed cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chimichurri sauce (recipe below)
Chimichurri Sauce:
– 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 cup fresh oregano, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Add sliced vegetables and toss to coat.
4. Grill vegetables for 8-10 minutes per side, or until tender and lightly charred.
5. Meanwhile, combine chimichurri sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
6. Serve grilled vegetables with chimichurri sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
The Washington Post has shared its collection of extraordinary recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds. From classic dishes like Chicken Piccata with Lemon and Capers and Beef Bourguignon with Red Wine, to international flavors like Thai Green Curry with Vegetables and Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce, there’s something for everyone. The article also features comforting breakfast options like Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes with Maple Syrup and sweet treats like Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty soup or a decadent dessert, these recipes are sure to impress.
