PakistaniBadam HalwaA rich, glossy almond halwa made from freshly ground blanched almonds, milk, ghee and saffron. It suits Eid tables, dinner parties and winter evenings.1 h·Serves 6
JapaneseChicken Shoyu RamenA clear, savoury chicken broth seasoned with soy sauce, poured over springy noodles with soy eggs and tender shredded chicken. A cosy bowl you can make with ingredients from a Pakistani supermarket.1 h 15 min·Serves 4
JapaneseMizutaki Chicken Hot PotA gentle Japanese hot pot of bone-in chicken simmered in a clear, savoury broth with cabbage, tofu and mushrooms, then dipped in ponzu. Easy to share at the table.1 h 25 min·Serves 4
PakistaniSuji ka HalwaA soft, glossy semolina halwa roasted in ghee and set with sugar syrup, cardamom and nuts. Quick enough for a weekday sweet craving, and a staple of Pakistani celebrations and Friday mornings.35 min·Serves 6
AmericanCorn ChowderA thick, creamy American soup packed with sweet corn and soft potatoes, with a little smoked paprika for depth. Simple pantry cooking that turns into a filling dinner.1 h·Serves 4
ItalianMinestrone SoupA thick Italian vegetable soup with beans, small pasta and a spoonful of tomato, simmered until everything is tender. Filling, budget-friendly and even better the next day.1 h·Serves 6
PakistaniChicken Corn SoupA thick, gently peppery soup of shredded chicken, sweet corn and silky egg ribbons, in the style of Pakistani Chinese restaurants. Easy to make at home on a cold evening.55 min·Serves 4
IndianTomato Tamarind RasamA thin, peppery South Indian soup of tomato, tamarind and lentil water, finished with a sizzling mustard and curry leaf tempering. Quick to make and good with rice or on its own.50 min·Serves 4
PakistaniKahwaA fragrant, golden-green tea simmered with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and saffron, then topped with sliced almonds. It is served without milk and is lovely after a heavy meal or on a cold evening.15 min·Serves 4
PakistaniKashmiri ChaiA soft pink, lightly salted milk tea made by boiling green tea leaves with a little baking soda, then finishing with milk and crushed nuts. It is a warming winter cup with a rich, silky body.40 min·Serves 4
PakistaniDaal ShorbaA thin, silky soup of red and yellow lentils blended with ginger, tomato and carrot, then finished with a sizzling cumin and garlic ghee. Good on a cold evening with bread on the side.55 min·Serves 4
PakistaniChicken YakhniA clear, gently spiced chicken soup simmered with fennel, ginger, garlic and whole spices, then finished with shredded chicken and lemon. Warming, light and easy to make on a cold evening.1 h 15 min·Serves 4
PakistaniSarson ka SaagA thick, deeply savoury Punjabi winter dish of slow-cooked mustard greens and spinach, thickened with cornmeal and finished with a sizzling garlic-ginger ghee tarka. Best with makki ki roti.1 h 25 min·Serves 6
PakistaniPayaGoat trotters simmered with onions, yogurt and whole spices until the gravy turns silky and the meat slips off the bone. A classic weekend breakfast to eat with naan.2 h 50 min·Serves 6
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
PakistaniDoodh Patti ChaiStrong black tea brewed straight in milk, the way it is poured at dhabas across Pakistan. Add cardamom if you like.10 min·Serves 2
PakistaniGajar ka HalwaGrated red carrots cooked slowly in milk, then fried in ghee with sugar and cardamom. Winter in a bowl.1 h 15 min·Serves 6