Food Friends: Home Cooking Made Easy

Ever find yourself hitting that midday slump, searching for the perfect bite to keep you going until dinner? We’ve got you covered! This week, we’re rethinking snack time with fresh takes on our favorite in-between meal bites.By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with:A surprising way to turn leftover vegetable peels(!) into a crispy, crave-worthy snackA simple homemade spread that doubles as a dip + a flavorful filling for veggies or wrapsA viral TikTok treat with a name as fun and creative as its flavor comboPress play now to liven up your next afternoon snack!Links:Cool ranch zucchini chips from DelishPotato skin chips from Marcellina in CucinaCrunchy homemade bagel chips from the Practical KitchenVeggie cream cheese from Chef SavvyTortilla pinwheels with cream cheese, a ham & cheese version, and a vegan version with pesto and roasted red peppers Beet pickled eggs from A Cozy Kitchen Sweet peppers stuffed with boursin cheese + air-fried from Whole Lotta YumViral “Chippy Boys” by @kaelahe via All RecipesPolenta pizza bites by Melissa D’Arabian from Food Network(Raw) apple donuts with different toppings from Food NetworkNo-bake cookie dough bars from Wake Up and KaleVariations of ants on a log from Food Network Magazine***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here.Order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!

Craving a little sweetness in your day? In this bite-sized episode, we share delicious moments about the best things we ate this week to inspire each other – and you! By the end of this episode, you'll want to start your morning with a bowl of crunchy homemade granola for a lightly sweet (and gluten-free!) breakfast; we'll also share the secret to getting those perfect granola clusters. You’ll also discover a fudgy brownie recipe that's easy for a beginner baker, comes together in one bowl, and results in a shiny crackly top!Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! ***Links:Minimalist Baker’s simple buckwheat granola, and we both make Kari’s granola recipe that you can find in Sonya's cookbook, Braids Perfect fudgy brownies from Inspired Taste blog ***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here.Order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!

What if the secret to making effortless, delicious meals was already in your pantry?If you’ve ever opened your pantry searching for dinner inspiration but ended up cooking the same-old boring meal, this episode is for you! By the end of this episode, you’ll: Learn how a staple like tomato paste can be the base of a flavor broth or quick sauce Learn why chefs swear by anchovies to bring an umami punch to countless dishes… including an easy dressing!Find out how Japanese curry cubes are your ticket to a quick dinner with any protein or veggies you have on handHit play now! The secret to flavor-packed cooking is already sitting on your pantry shelf! ***Links:Tomato paste:  in Sonya’s manti in brothy tomato sauce, and Alison Roman’s caramelized shallot pasta, and for our go-to coconut red lentil dishCanned chickpeas: Kari’s #1 quick meal = bite-sized pasta with chickpeas, and whatever veg/herbs she has (we also love Serious Eats' pasta e ceci), and a simple chickpea salad is always a great base for a bigger salad. We love a simple chickpea coconut curry, and also using a can for a 5-minute hummus! Anchovies: Discover what to do with a tin of anchovies from Serious Eats, and we love them for a simple dressing, and as the base of pasta sauces like Midnight pastaCoconut Milk: for a 30-minute veggie coconut curry from Minimalist Baker, and for Coconut Miso Salmon Curry from Kay Chun for NYT Cooking (unlocked), and in Kari's sunny chicken soup with lemon and coconut milkTahini: Some of our favorite tahini brands: Soom, Seed & Mill, Whole Foods 365 Organic Tahini, and Eden Foods . Sonya’s 3 favorite tahini sauces , and her sesame sauce for noodles. For a sweet treat, try Sonya’s tahini chocolate chunk cookies (swap the chocolate with dried fruit)Farro: Charlie Bird’s farro salad, the cabbage and farro soup from Six Seasons, and crusty baked cauliflower and farro from Smitten Kitchen Orzo: One-pan garlic butter chicken orzo from How Sweet Eats, and a one-pan lemon orzo and salmon from Something NutritiousCouscous: Ina Garten’s couscous with pine nuts, currants & shallots, a showering of fresh herbsJapanese curry cubes: Here’s a great guide and recipe for Japanese chicken curry, but Sonya typically makes hers vegetarianJarred Roux: Kari’s go-to premade jarred roux for gumbo, soups, stews, and more.Pomegranate Molasses: For salad dressings like this one, as a sauce for wings, and drizzled on top of roasted squash. (We love the Cortas brand for its flavor)***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here.Order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!

Craving easy meals that feel a little special? In this bite-sized episode, we share delicious moments about the best things we ate this week to inspire each other – and you! By the end of this episode, you'll discover a quick salmon dinner that’s with a surprising veggie side, and you’ll be inspired by a secret-ingredient kale salad that accompanies a classic make-ahead Midwestern dish!Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! ***Links:Simple high-heat baked salmon recipe by Kathleen Daelemans from Food Network (Sonya's sauce recipe is below)Braised leek recipe by Hank Shaw from Simply Recipes Massaged kale salad from Minimalist Baker, and how to make homemade lime curd from Tastes of HomemadeTwice baked potatoes with lots of butter from The Pioneer Woman, and one that’s a little less rich from All Recipes***Sonya’s recipe for creamy spicy salmon sauce (for 3-4 6 oz pieces of salmon):Ingredients:½ cup mayo2 Tbsps Tamari or soy sauce1-2 tsps gochugaru ( or red pepper flake, or Sriracha)1½ tsps maple syrup (or to taste)1-2 tsps toasted sesame oil1 inch grated ginger. Whisk everything together, taste and adjust for more spice or saltiness. Use ¾ of the sauce on the salmon before you put it in the oven, and then finish off with the remaining sauce once it’s out of the oven. ***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here.Order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!

Are you craving more ways to incorporate greens into your meals but are feeling stuck and uninspired?If you’re bored with the same old way of cooking greens, or are simply not sure where to start, this episode is here to help! We’re breaking down simple techniques and recipes to bring out the best in dark, leafy greens of all kinds–– from earthy kale to tender Swiss chard!By the end of this episode, you’ll:Master basic techniques for stir-frying and sautéing your favorite greens like kale, bok choy, and spinachDiscover easy one-pot recipes you can make with any green you can findLearn two creamy, decadent ways to make collard greens–– including one that’s completely vegan and gluten-free!Tune in now and learn how to transform your greens into dishes that will leave everyone asking for more!***LINKS:Ali Slagle’s one-pot beans, greens, and grains from NYT Cooking (unlocked)Collard green gratin by Joseph Lenn from Bon AppetitCoconut creamed collard greens by Gregory Gourdet, Chef and owner of kann restaurant You can find the recipe for coconut collards and coconut grits in the cookbook Coconuts and Collards by Von DiazPotato kale and scallion cakes from Smitten KitchenAyse’s recipe for Turkish pojaca from SonyaCollard greens stuffed with pine nuts, currants & rice from Martha Rose Shulman via NYT Cooking (unlocked) Dad’s stir-fried bok choy from Made with LauSwamp soup (also known as green garlic and ginger and rice soup) from Wishbone Kitchen ***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here.Order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!

Do you wish you could get dinner on the table quickly... without an extra trip to the grocery store? In this bite-sized episode, we share delicious moments about the best things we ate this week to inspire each other – and you! By the end of this episode, you'll discover how to whip up a clean-out-your-fridge veggie soup that effortlessly comes together with what you already have on hand. You'll also want to try out a 30-minute chicken soup that’s nourishing, colorful, and made with just a handful of ingredients. Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! ***Links:Clean-out-your-fridge veggie soup from our Substack Kari’s confetti chicken soup recipeHomemade bone broth you can make in your oven from our SubstackOlia Hercules’ Tarragon Soup from her cookbook Kaukasis: The culinary journey through Georgia, Azerbaijan & Beyond***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here.Order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!

This week we're re-releasing a fan-favorite episode. We'll be back with a brand new best bite of the week this Thursday (2/27)!***Packed lunches just got easier! If you need a boost for your midday meal, this week we’re sharing expert tips to help you upgrade your lunch game—whether you're meal-prepping for the week ahead or looking to pack something up in minutes.By the end of this episode, you’ll:Learn the 5 elements for building nutritious and customizable "adult lunchables."Discover flavorful, protein-rich salads that can be prepped in advance (and get better over time).Find out how to stock your freezer with satisfying, grab-and-go lunches that are simple, satisfying, and kid-friendly.If you’re craving lunch that’s delicious, quick, and easy to prep, tune in now and take your packed lunches to the next level!Links:Easy adult Lunchable ideas from Nourished by NicCrispy chickpeas from Minimalist BakerLittle Sesame Hummus, Sonya’s favorite store-bought varietyQuinoa and broccoli spoon salad by Sohla El-Waylly for the NY TimesHerby quinoa salad with feta and pomegranate by Sarah Cook for BBC Good FoodItalian pasta salad with homemade dressing from Tastes Better From Scratch, or the classic Italian pasta salad with bottled dressing from Plowing Through Life Spiced maple roasted carrots with zhoug recipe is in Sonya’s cookbook Braids, and you can find her “health salad” hereKenji Lopez-Alt’s Kale Caesar Salad for Serious EatsMassaged kale salad with tahini dressing from Big Delicious LifeFennel and lentil salad by Yasmin Fahr for NYT CookingShaved brussels sprouts salad with walnut and pecorino from NYT Cooking Homemade bean and cheese burritos and how to freeze them from Two Peas and their PodYewande Komolafe’s breakfast burritos for NYT CookingPotato cheese bourekas from Tori Avey***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here.Order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!

Have you ever struggled to get dinner on the table after a busy day? What if you could easily whip together a one-pot meal that’s dinner-party-worthy in your slow cooker? In this bite-sized episode, we share delicious moments about the best things we ate this week to inspire each other – and you! By the end of this episode, you’ll want to make a weeknight chicken stew that effortlessly braises in your slow cooker (or stove top!) and gets a fresh boost from pantry staples right before serving. You’ll also discover a classic cornbread recipe with irresistibly crispy edges (that’s naturally gluten-free) and comes together in minutes. Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! ***LinksSlow cooker spinach-artichoke chicken stew by Sarah DiGregorio from NYT Cooking (unlocked)Stormie Monday’s Soul Food Grill in Fort Worth, TexasSouthern cornbread recipe similar to Kari’s great-grandmother’s – just makes a larger batch, and be sure to use yellow cornmeal, a preheated cast iron skillet, and generous pats of butter for serving. Adrian Hale’s recipe for: “Communal Table Bread - My easiest first bread recipe”***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here.Order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!

Have you ever found yourself with an undercooked, sad, flimsy potato? What if a few simple techniques could ensure golden, crisp potatoes that melt in your mouth -- every time?From the zesty, bright flavors of Greek potatoes to the gooey, cheesy goodness of tater tot casserole, this episode will teach you simple, foolproof methods to turn your potatoes into show-stopping dishes.By the end of this episode, you’ll:Learn the key to baking potatoes that are crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside—say goodbye to undercooked spuds!Get the inside scoop on making twice-baked potatoes, a classic Midwestern make-ahead comfort dish Discover the crispy-edged, creamy-centered potato kugel of your dreams with one game-changing stepHit play now to cook spuds like a pro and heat up your potato game!***Links: For the best baked potato, make it the British (jacket potato) way by Coco Morante  (i.e. don’t wrap it in foil!)Greek lemon potatoes from Recipe Tin EatsClassic tried and true tater tot casserole from Mom on Time Out , and Molly Yeh’s tater tot hot dish (casserole) with homemade gravyAdeena Sussman’s extra crispy potato kugel, and a great cast iron potato kugel from Smitten KitchenTwice-baked potatoes with lots of butter from The Pioneer Woman, and one that’s a little less rich from All RecipesSonya’s Soviet-style fried potatoes (and hot dogs)Our mushroom soup recipe from SubstackThin and crispy oven-baked potato chips from Feel Good Foodie, or a slightly thicker and more tender version from Elephantastic VeganAlison Roman’s brown butter potato salad***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here.Order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!

Whether you’re having a busy week, or fully moving house, how do you get dinner on the table when you need it the most? In this bite-sized episode, we share delicious moments about the best things we ate this week to inspire each other – and you! By the end of this episode, you’ll discover the tips to make a hard week easier, whether that’s with help from the pantry, or help from a friend. You’ll also learn about a craveable vegetarian pasta dish made with heaps of meltingly tender cabbage. Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! ***LinksLombardi’s Pizza on GoldbellyBrowned butter bucatini with charred cabbage by Ham El-Waylly via NYT Cooking (unlocked) Another favorite from Ham El-Waylly: Cauliflower Salad Sandwiches from NYT Cooking (unlocked)***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here.Order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!