PakistaniMutton KarahiA tomato-rich, Lahori-style mutton karahi cooked slowly in its own juices until tender, then finished on high heat until the oil shines. Serve it straight from the pan with hot naan.1 h 55 min·Serves 4
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
PakistaniWhite Chicken KarahiA creamy, mild karahi made with yogurt, cashew paste, white pepper and green chillies. It's rich but gentle, and it's a good choice when you want something different from the usual red tomato karahi.55 min·Serves 4
PakistaniChicken KormaA mild, creamy Pakistani chicken korma built on yogurt, golden fried onions and ground almonds. It is rich but gentle, so it suits family dinners and guests.1 h 25 min·Serves 6
PakistaniChicken JalfreziA quick, thick-sauced chicken stir-fry with crisp-tender peppers, onion wedges and fresh ginger. It's bright, lightly tangy and ready in under an hour.1 h·Serves 4
PakistaniChicken HandiTender bone-in chicken simmered in a silky onion, tomato and yogurt gravy, then finished with cream and kasuri methi. A mild, rich curry that's ideal with fresh naan.1 h 10 min·Serves 4
PakistaniChicken BiryaniLayers of long-grain basmati and a tangy, spiced chicken masala, steamed together until every grain stays separate. Made with potatoes and dried plums, the way many Karachi homes make it.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
PakistaniChicken KarahiChicken cooked hard and fast in a wok-shaped karahi with tomatoes, green chilies and ginger. No onions, no cream, and ready in under an hour.45 min·Serves 4
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
PakistaniAloo ParathaWhole-wheat flatbread stuffed with spiced mashed potato and griddled in ghee until crisp in spots.45 min·Serves 4
AmericanSmash BurgersThin beef patties smashed onto a very hot pan for a lacy, crusted edge, stacked with cheese and pickles in a soft bun.20 min·Serves 4
PakistaniMasoor Daal with TarkaRed lentils simmered until silky, then finished with a sizzling tarka of cumin, garlic and dried chilies. Weeknight comfort for very little money.35 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
PakistaniChana ChaatTangy chickpea salad with potato, onion, tomato and tamarind chutney. The iftar favourite that works any afternoon.15 min·Serves 4
ThaiThai Green Vegetable CurryVegetables and tofu simmered in coconut milk with green curry paste, lime leaves and Thai basil.35 min·Serves 4
AmericanFluffy Yogurt PancakesThick, fluffy buttermilk-style pancakes made with yogurt and milk, so there is no need to buy buttermilk.25 min·Serves 4
PakistaniBeef NihariBeef shank slow-cooked in a spiced gravy thickened with toasted flour. A weekend project that mostly cooks itself.4 h 30 min·Serves 6
PakistaniOnion & Potato PakorasCrisp gram-flour fritters with onion, potato and spinach. Made for rainy afternoons and a cup of chai.30 min·Serves 4
PakistaniChawal ki KheerRice simmered slowly in milk with cardamom until creamy, finished with pistachios and almonds. Serve chilled in clay bowls.1 h·Serves 6
IndianPalak PaneerSpinach blanched and puréed with onion, garlic and ginger, then simmered with golden cubes of paneer.40 min·Serves 4
IndianChana MasalaChickpeas in a dark, tangy onion-tomato masala with amchur and garam masala. Pantry cooking at its best.40 min·Serves 4