Take a new approach to cooking by trying out our recipes for the new year! In 2023, the world is still facing challenges brought about by the pandemic, such as limited social interactions, travel restrictions, and lifestyle changes. But amidst these challenges, we have discovered new ways to connect and find joy in the simplest things. One of these simple joys is cooking and enjoying delicious food in the comfort of our own homes.
Our recipes offer a wide variety of cuisines, ingredients, and flavors that will satisfy your taste buds and bring excitement to your daily meals. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, our recipes are designed to be easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure that your dishes turn out perfectly.
Carbonara
Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish that originated in Rome, although its exact origins still need to be determined. The plate is made with spaghetti or another type of long pasta coated in a creamy sauce made from eggs, cheese, pancetta or guanciale (cured pork jowl), and black pepper.

Ingredients:
Spaghetti or other long pasta (enough for 4 servings)
4 ounces of pancetta or guanciale, diced
2 large eggs
1/2 cup of grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente, and reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, cook the diced pancetta or guanciale in a pan over medium heat until it is crispy. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Whisk the eggs and grated cheese together in a separate bowl until they are combined.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the pan with the pancetta or guanciale. Add the reserved pasta water to the pan and toss everything together.
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, and toss everything together quickly to coat the pasta in the sauce. The heat from the pasta and the pan should cook the eggs, creating a smooth, silky sauce.
- Sprinkle black pepper over the pasta and serve immediately.
Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its creamy and flavorful tomato-based sauce. The dish typically consists of tender pieces of chicken marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce spiced with a blend of aromatic Indian spices. The sauce is made with butter, cream, and tomato puree, which gives it its characteristic creamy texture and rich flavor. Butter chicken is often served with rice, naan bread, or other Indian flatbreads, making it a filling and satisfying meal. It is a beloved dish both in India and worldwide and is a great introduction to the diverse and delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.

Here are our easy-to-follow instructions for making butter chicken.
Ingredients:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 cup tomato puree
1 cup heavy cream
Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add the onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato puree to the skillet and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is tender.
- Serve the butter chicken over rice or with naan bread, and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Baked Salmon
Baked salmon is a dish where a fresh salmon fillet is baked in the oven until tender and flaky. The salmon is typically seasoned with herbs, spices, and lemon juice to enhance its natural flavor. Baking salmon is a simple and healthy way to prepare this popular fish, and it can be served with various sides such as roasted vegetables, rice, or salad. The dish is a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients, making it a nutritious and delicious meal option.

Ingredients:
1 pound fresh salmon fillet
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges and fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Rinse the salmon fillet under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Brush both sides of the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down.
- Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve the baked salmon hot with lemon wedges and fresh herbs, if desired.
Sweet and Sour Pork
Sweet and sour pork is a popular Chinese dish that typically consists of tender pork coated in a crispy batter and served with a tangy, sweet, and sour sauce. The sauce combines sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce and is often flavored with ginger, garlic, and other spices. The dish may also include colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and pineapple, which add texture and flavor. Sweet and sour pork is a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine and is often served with steamed rice or noodles as a main course.

Ingredients:
1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 green bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 small onion, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup pineapple chunks
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, coat the pork pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated pork and cook until it is browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside.
- Add the green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and onion to the skillet and cook until they are tender about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and 1/2 cup of water.
- Add the pineapple chunks and the ketchup mixture to the skillet and stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked pork to the skillet and stir well to coat it in the sauce.
- Serve the sweet and sour pork hot over rice, and garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Air Fryer Zucchini
Air fryer zucchini is delicious because it is cooked perfectly in a hot air fryer that creates a crispy exterior and a tender and flavorful interior. The zucchini is lightly seasoned with herbs and spices and then quickly cooked in the air fryer, which results in a healthy and tasty snack or side dish. The air fryer also allows the zucchini to retain its natural moisture, ensuring it remains juicy and delicious. Air fryer zucchini is a quick and easy dish perfect for anyone looking for a healthier alternative to fried snacks without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients:
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the zucchini rounds in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the seasoned zucchini rounds in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Cook the zucchini in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the air fryer zucchini hot as a snack or side dish.
Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Tuscan chicken pasta is a well-known Italian-inspired entree that features tender pieces of chicken cooked in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce and served over a bed of pasta. The dish typically includes hearty vegetables, such as sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms, which add texture and flavor. Tuscan chicken pasta is often seasoned with various herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes, which give it a slightly spicy and aromatic taste. This dish perfectly balances creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser at any dinner table.

Ingredients:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast sliced into thin pieces
8 ounces of pasta
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 tablespoons of butter
1 cup of heavy cream
1 cup of chicken broth
1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms
2 cups of fresh spinach
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of dried basil
1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and mushrooms, and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, and stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- Add the cooked chicken and spinach to the skillet, and stir well to coat them in the sauce.
- Serve the Tuscan chicken sauce over the cooked pasta, and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
More New Dinner Ideas To Try This Month
Check out more dinner ideas by browsing through our recipes page. We’ve tried many ways to create new flavors using everyday ingredients, and our fans love it. If you have a favorite recipe that you’ll love to share, please contact us on social media so we can include it in our next feature!

Get the latest recipes, reviews, & more!
Join our TOP FOOD priority list to keep up with the latest news, recipes, reviews & more! Get Inspired & be inspiring.