Everyday life can sometimes overwhelm us, leaving little time for simple pleasures such as cooking with the family. Did you know that a regular family meal can improve mood and strengthen bonds between family members? In this article, we’ll share three mouth-watering family recipes and tips on how to transform your cooking routine into a real moment of conviviality.
5 simple recipes for convivial family moments
Recipe 1: Homemade spaghetti bolognese
Preparing homemade spaghetti bolognese is a real pleasure for home cooks.
To begin with, here’s the list of ingredients you’ll need:
- spaghetti (approx. 400 g) ;
- ground beef (approx. 150 g) ;
- peeled tomatoes (approx. 800 g) ;
- onions (approx. 2) ;
- garlic (approx. 2 cloves) ;
- thyme (about 2 sprigs) ;
- bay leaf (about 1).
Start by cooking 400 g of spaghetti according to package instructions. Meanwhile, in a frying pan, heat a little olive oil and add 2 sliced onions and 2 chopped garlic cloves. Sauté until translucent.
Then add 150 g of minced beef and cook until golden brown. Stir regularly to avoid lumps.
Next, add 800 g of peeled tomatoes to the pan, along with 2 sprigs of thyme and 1 bay leaf. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the Bolognese sauce over a low heat for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little water.
Finally, serve the spaghetti on plates and pour the Bolognese sauce over it.
Recipe 2: Roast chicken with seasonal vegetables
To make a delicious roast chicken and seasonal vegetables, you’ll need :
- A chicken (choose the size according to the number of people you wish to serve) ;
- Seasonal vegetables : you can choose from a variety of vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, squash (pumpkin, butternut), turnips, sweet potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, onions, cauliflower, mushrooms, zucchinis, eggplants, etc ;
- Olive oil (for basting chicken and vegetables before cooking) ;
- Herbs and spices : you can add salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, oregano, parsley or other spices of your choice to season chicken and vegetables ;
- Salt and pepper (to adjust the seasoning to your taste).
To prepare a delicious roast chicken and seasonal vegetables, start by preheating your oven to 180°C.
Start by peeling and chopping the vegetables of your choice, such as carrots, potatoes, squash, turnips and so on. Arrange them on an ovenproof dish and sprinkle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables.
Next, prepare the chicken by cleaning and drying it with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper and herbs of your choice, such as rosemary, thyme or parsley. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the ovenproof dish.
Bake for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the vegetables are tender. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious all-in-one dish!
Keep an eye on the chicken by pricking it with a fork: if it’s cooked through, the juices should run clear.
Recipe 3: Homemade apple pie
Homemade apple pie is a classic family recipe that everyone loves.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make it:
- 1 shortcrust or shortbread pastry ;
- 4 to 5 apples of your choice (Golden or Reinette type) ;
- 3 tablespoons sugar ;
- 20 cl liquid cream ;
- 1 pinch cinnamon ;
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar ;
- 3 eggs
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C. Roll out the pastry in a tart tin and prick the base with a fork. Peel and slice the apples. Arrange them evenly on the tart base.
Mix the eggs, sugar, cream, cinnamon and vanilla sugar in a bowl.
Pour the mixture over the apples in the tin. Place the tart in the oven for around 30-35 minutes, until the filling is set and golden-brown.
Once baked, allow the apple tart to cool before removing from the mold. Serve warm or cold, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a little whipped cream.
Recipe 4: Homemade pizza
For a delicious, family-friendly meal, why not try making a homemade pizza? Here’s a simple, tasty recipe to satisfy every palate.
- Pizza dough (homemade or purchased) ;
- Tomato sauce ;
- Grated cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, etc.) ;
- Toppings of your choice (tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, pepperoni, olives, etc.) ;
- Herbs and spices (oregano, basil, garlic powder, etc.)
Start by preheating your oven to the recommended temperature for the pizza dough. Next, roll out the pizza dough on a lightly oiled baking sheet. But before moving on to the next step, here’s an idea to make your pizza even more delicious.
Now add the tomato sauce to the dough. Make sure you spread the sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, for an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Then it’s time to sprinkle grated cheese generously over the tomato sauce. Tempt yourself with a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar or any other variety you like.
Now it’s time to add the toppings of your choice. You’re spoilt for choice: juicy tomatoes, tasty mushrooms, colorful peppers, tangy pepperoni, melting olives, and many more. Use your creativity to personalize your pizza to your taste.
To add a touch of aroma, don’t forget to sprinkle herbs and spices over the pizza. Try oregano for a Mediterranean flavor, basil for a fresh note or garlic powder for a spicy kick.
Now place the pizza in the oven and let it bake for the time recommended for the pizza dough. When the cheese is melted and lightly browned, you’ll know your pizza is ready to eat.
Take it out of the oven, cut into generous slices and serve warm to your family. You can accompany this homemade pizza with a green salad or a light soup for a balanced and convivial meal.
Recipe 5 :Tacos, fajitas or burritos
Tacos, fajitas and burritos are delicious and versatile dishes that add a touch of conviviality to your family meals. Here’s an easy-to-follow recipe for preparing these Mexican delights at home.
- Corn or wheat tortillas ;
- Meat (beef, chicken, pork) or vegetables for vegetarian/vegan options;
- Spices for meat marinade (cumin, paprika, chili, salt, pepper, etc.);
- Vegetables for garnishes (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, etc.) ;
- Grated cheese;
- Sauce (salsa, guacamole, sour cream, etc.)
To begin, heat the tortillas in a dry frying pan. You can choose corn or wheat tortillas, depending on your preferences and those of your family.
Next, prepare your choice of meat or vegetables. If you opt for meat, let it marinate in a mixture of spices such as cumin, paprika, chili, salt and pepper. Leave the meat to stand for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Cook your marinated meat in a frying pan until well done and tender. Grilled meat will add irresistible flavor to your tacos, fajitas or burritos.
Meanwhile, prepare the garnishes to accompany your Mexican delights. Chop fresh vegetables such as crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy onions and colorful peppers.
Grate cheese generously to add a touch of creaminess and flavor to your tacos, fajitas or burritos.
Don’t forget to prepare your favorite sauces. Whether it’s a spicy salsa, creamy guacamole or smooth sour cream, these sauces will enhance the flavor of your Mexican delicacies.
Now you can assemble your tacos, fajitas or burritos. Place a generous portion of cooked meat on each tortilla, add the fresh vegetables of your choice, sprinkle with grated cheese and top with the sauce of your choice.
Finally, for tacos, roll up the tortillas to form delicious little packages. For fajitas, fold in the sides of the tortilla to contain all the fillings. For burritos, fold in the sides first, then roll up completely.
Serve your Mexican delights hot and accompanied by rice, beans or tortilla chips for a family-friendly meal.
Why is it important to have family meals?
Family meals offer a unique opportunity to create a space where everyone can express themselves freely, listen attentively and learn from each other. Whether discussing recipes, sharing anecdotes or discussing more serious matters, time spent at the table fosters family bonds and strengthens the emotional connection between all family members.
It’s a great way to connect with one another and create precious memories that will last a lifetime.
At the same time, it creates memories and strengthens family traditions. Indeed, sharing moments around a meal gives us the opportunity to create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds that unite us.
So take the time to savour every moment spent in the kitchen with your family. Explore new recipes, involve all family members and share your culinary traditions.
Conclusion
Family cooking is a precious opportunity to share convivial moments and create unforgettable memories. By preparing and enjoying simple, tasty recipes together, you strengthen family ties and foster open, warm communication.
