traditional Recipes
501 delicious traditional recipes from around the world
Migas Alentejanas
Migas Alentejanas is a rustic and comforting Portuguese dish originating from the Alentejo region, featuring fried breadcrumbs and succulent pork. It's a classic example of making the most of simple ingredients.
Mors
A traditional and refreshing Russian berry drink, primarily made from cranberries, known for its vibrant color and tart-sweet flavor. This recipe focuses on preserving the natural goodness of the berries.
Oscypek (Smoked Polish Sheep Cheese)
Oscypek is a traditional, smoked cheese made from sheep's milk, originating from the Tatra Mountains region of Poland. It is a protected designation of origin (PDO) product, known for its distinctive spindle shape and firm texture. This recipe outlines the traditional process, which is complex and time-consuming, often requiring specialized equipment and knowledge passed down through generations.
Paella Valenciana
Valencia's iconic rice dish, traditionally cooked with rabbit, chicken, and beans in a wide, shallow paella pan over an open flame. The goal is to achieve a perfectly toasted rice crust at the bottom, known as 'socarrat'.
Palt
Hearty Northern Swedish potato dumplings filled with savory salted pork. A traditional and filling dish from the Norrland region.
Panettone
A traditional Milanese Christmas bread, characterized by its tall, domed shape and rich, airy crumb studded with candied citrus peel and raisins. This is a challenging but rewarding bake.
Pão de Ló
A classic Portuguese sponge cake known for its light, airy texture and often a delightfully moist center. This recipe aims for a tender crumb with a slightly underbaked, custardy core, characteristic of many regional variations.
Papoutsakia (Greek Stuffed Eggplant)
Papoutsakia, meaning 'little shoes' in Greek, are a comforting and classic dish of tender eggplant halves filled with a savory spiced ground meat and tomato mixture, then topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden. A true taste of Greek home cooking.
Parkin
A traditional sticky, moist, and intensely gingery oat cake from Yorkshire, often associated with Bonfire Night. It improves significantly with age.
Pashka
A traditional Russian sweet cheese dessert, shaped into a pyramid, typically prepared for Orthodox Easter celebrations. It's rich, creamy, and studded with candied fruits for a delightful texture and flavor.
Pasta alla Gricia
A classic Roman pasta dish, often considered the ancestor of both Carbonara and Amatriciana. It features crispy guanciale, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper, creating a rich and savory sauce without the addition of eggs or tomatoes.
Pastiera Napoletana
A traditional Neapolitan Easter cake, this rich and fragrant tart features a sweet shortcrust pastry filled with a creamy mixture of cooked wheat berries, ricotta cheese, candied citrus peel, and the distinctive aroma of orange blossom water.
Pastila (Russian Fruit Paste)
A historic Russian confection, Pastila is an airy, dried fruit paste with a delicate texture. This recipe focuses on a classic apple-based version.
Pataniscas de Bacalhau
Pataniscas de Bacalhau are traditional Portuguese cod fritters, featuring flaky salt cod encased in a light, airy batter. They are a popular appetizer or light meal, often served with rice and salad.
Pelmeni
Russian dumplings - small pouches of thin dough filled with seasoned meat, traditionally frozen and boiled in bulk. This recipe yields approximately 50-60 pelmeni.
Pepparkakor (Swedish Ginger Snaps)
Thin, crisp, and wonderfully spiced Swedish ginger snaps, a quintessential Christmas cookie. Perfect for decorating or enjoying plain.
Pfefferkuchen (German Pepper Cakes)
Authentic German Pfefferkuchen, also known as pepper cakes, are a traditional spiced gingerbread cookie, especially popular during the Christmas season. They are known for their distinct spicy kick, often more pronounced than other gingerbread varieties.
Pieczeń Cielęca (Polish Veal Roast)
A classic Polish Sunday dinner centerpiece, this tender veal roast is infused with flavor and served with a rich, creamy gravy.
Pljeskavica
A traditional Serbian spiced meat patty, typically a blend of beef, pork, and lamb, grilled to achieve a delicious char on the outside while remaining juicy within. It's traditionally served in a soft lepinja bread with creamy kajmak and flavorful ajvar.
Polvo à Lagareiro (Portuguese Roasted Octopus with Potatoes)
A classic Portuguese dish featuring tender, slow-cooked octopus roasted to a delightful crisp, served with olive oil-infused potatoes. This 'Lagareiro' style emphasizes the generous use of high-quality olive oil.
Pryaniki (Russian Honey Spice Cookies)
Soft, fragrant Russian honey spice cookies, traditionally sweetened and flavored with a warm spice blend. These pryaniki are delightful served with tea.
Psarosoupa (Greek Fish Soup)
A comforting and flavorful Greek fish soup, featuring a whole fish simmered with aromatic vegetables. The soup is enriched with a silky avgolemono (egg-lemon sauce) for a truly authentic taste.
Pyttipanna (Swedish Hash)
A classic Swedish comfort dish, Pyttipanna, meaning 'small pieces in a pan', is a hearty hash made from finely diced leftover cooked potatoes, meat, and onions, fried until golden and crispy, and traditionally topped with a fried egg. Perfect for using up leftovers!
Pyzy Z Mięsem (Polish Potato Dumplings with Meat Filling)
Fluffy, tender steamed potato dumplings filled with a savory ground pork and onion mixture. These are a comforting and traditional Polish dish, often served with crispy pork cracklings.