PakistaniMasala Fish CurryFirm fish steaks simmered in a bold onion-tomato masala with cumin, fenugreek and green chillies. It's a quick weeknight curry that goes well with plain rice or roti.55 min·Serves 4
PakistaniLahori Fried FishCrisp, golden pieces of white fish in a spiced gram flour coating, with ajwain, crushed coriander and lemon. It's a Lahore street-style dinner that comes together in under an hour.1 h 3 min·Serves 4
PakistaniKunna Gosht (Sealed Pot Slow-Cooked Mutton)Bone-in mutton cooked in its own juices with yogurt, ghee and whole spices in a dough-sealed pot until it falls off the bone. A rich Punjabi-style dum dish for weekends.3 h 25 min·Serves 6
PakistaniKeema Karela (Bitter Gourd with Spiced Minced Beef)Salted and browned bitter gourd cooked into a savoury beef mince masala with onions and tomatoes. The keema softens the bitterness, so it suits both karela lovers and doubters.1 h 20 min·Serves 4
PakistaniBeef HaleemA thick, slow-simmered porridge of tender beef, wheat and mixed daals, finished with fried onions, ginger and lemon. Cook a big pot for family dinners or gatherings.4 h·Serves 8
PakistaniAchar GoshtA tangy, deeply spiced mutton curry built on yogurt, fennel, nigella and mustard seeds, the flavours of a jar of mixed pickle. Good with hot roti or plain rice.2 h 5 min·Serves 6
PakistaniShinwari Lamb KarahiA simple, meat-forward lamb karahi in the Peshawari Shinwari style, cooked in its own fat with tomatoes, green chillies and black pepper. Rich, glossy and ready in about an hour and a half.1 h 30 min·Serves 6
Middle EasternShakshukaEggs poached in a peppery tomato sauce with cumin and paprika, served straight from the pan with warm bread.35 min·Serves 3
ChineseChicken Fried RiceDay-old rice stir-fried hot with chicken, egg, peas, carrot and soy. Faster than ordering in.25 min·Serves 4
Middle EasternChicken Shawarma BowlSpiced grilled chicken thigh over rice and salad with garlic-yogurt sauce. Marinate the night before for the best flavour.55 min·Serves 4
KoreanBeef BulgogiThin slices of beef marinated in soy, pear, garlic and sesame, then seared hot for caramelised edges.50 min·Serves 4
PakistaniMasala OmeletteThe dhaba-style omelette: eggs beaten with onion, tomato, green chili and coriander, cooked thin and folded.10 min·Serves 1
IndianPalak PaneerSpinach blanched and puréed with onion, garlic and ginger, then simmered with golden cubes of paneer.40 min·Serves 4