PakistaniZeera RiceFluffy basmati rice tempered in ghee with toasted cumin, a few whole spices and a slit green chilli. It's a simple side that goes well with any daal, curry or karahi.1 h 2 min·Serves 4
PakistaniMatar PulaoA fragrant, one-pot basmati pulao with sweet green peas, golden onions, cumin and whole spices. It's simple enough for a weekday lunch and good with raita.1 h 15 min·Serves 4
PakistaniPrawn KarahiJuicy prawns tossed quickly in a tomato, ginger and green chilli masala until the oil glistens. A fast, punchy karahi that suits a weeknight dinner with hot naan.42 min·Serves 4
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
PakistaniChicken AchariBone-in chicken simmered in a tangy, onion-yogurt gravy flavoured with the whole spices used in pickling. Bold and sharp, it goes well with plain roti or rice.1 h 30 min·Serves 6
PakistaniKunna GoshtBone-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
PakistaniDum ka KeemaYogurt-marinated beef mince cooked down until rich, then sealed and steamed on low heat with golden onions, mint and ginger. It is dry, deeply savoury and full of aroma.1 h 20 min·Serves 4
PakistaniShimla Mirch KeemaTender spiced beef mince cooked down with onions and tomatoes, then finished with crisp-tender capsicum for a fresh, green bite. A quick weeknight dinner that goes well with hot rotis.1 h 10 min·Serves 4
PakistaniKeema KarelaSalted 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
PakistaniMatar KeemaA dry-style everyday keema where sweet green peas cook into browned, well-spiced beef mince. Quick enough for a weeknight and perfect with hot roti.1 h 5 min·Serves 4
PakistaniAloo KeemaA everyday Pakistani dinner of minced beef and soft potato cubes in a thick, spiced tomato-onion masala. It is quick to make and tastes best with hot roti.1 h·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
PakistaniAloo GoshtA everyday Pakistani home curry of bone-in mutton and soft potatoes in a golden onion and tomato gravy. It is comforting, filling and best scooped up with fresh roti.2 h 15 min·Serves 6
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
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
ThaiThai Green Vegetable CurryVegetables and tofu simmered in coconut milk with green curry paste, lime leaves and Thai basil.35 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