Ingredients

• 1 whole cucumber
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 large handful arugula
• 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3/4 cup cooked pasta, cooled

For the dressing

• 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon pesto
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

For finishing

• 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or chopped toasted cashews
• 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze, optional

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

Cook the pasta in well-salted water until just tender. Drain and let it cool completely. Do not add warm pasta to the jar or it will soften the greens and make the salad watery.

2. Smash the cucumber

Place the cucumber on a cutting board and gently smash it with a rolling pin, meat mallet, or the bottom of a sturdy glass until it cracks and splits open. You do not want to flatten it completely. Just break it enough to create rough, jagged pieces. Cut it into bite-sized chunks.

3. Make the dressing

In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, pesto, mayo, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

4. Build the jar

Layer the ingredients in this order:

• smashed cucumber
• sliced onion
• olives
• cherry tomatoes
• cooled pasta
• arugula
• dressing
• toasted pine nuts or cashews

If you want a little extra sweetness and depth, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top just before sealing, or wait and add it right before serving.

5. Chill

Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate until ready to eat. It is best the same day, but it also works well made a few hours ahead.

6. Shake and serve

When ready to eat, secure the lid tightly. Turn the jar upside down a few times, then shake well until the dressing coats everything. Eat it from the jar or pour it into a bowl and toss once more.

Love this cucumber pasta salad? Save the image below to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it whenever you need a fresh, easy meal idea.

Notes

• Use short pasta: Rotini, fusilli, penne, or farfalle work best.
• Cool the pasta fully: Warm pasta will make the jar steamy and soggy.
• Keep the heat light: A small pinch of red pepper flakes is enough.
• Balsamic is optional: It works best as a light finish, not as a main part of the dressing.
• Toast the nuts: They taste richer and stay crunchier.

Once everything is blended with cream, basil, and broth, the sauce turns silky and smooth, then finishes cooking right in the oven with the spaghetti.

This is the kind of dinner that looks colorful, tastes cozy, and doesn’t leave you standing over the stove the whole time. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, but it still feels like something a little more special when it lands on the table.

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Veggie Pasta

This roasted veggie pasta keeps things easy without tasting plain. Roasting the vegetables first gives the sauce a fuller flavor, and blending everything together makes it creamy without needing a long list of ingredients. The spaghetti cooks right in the sauce, which means fewer dishes and even more flavor in every bite.

You’ll love this recipe because:

• the sauce is rich, smooth, and full of roasted vegetable flavor
• roasted garlic gives it a softer, deeper taste than garlic powder
• everything bakes in one dish
• spaghetti works beautifully with the creamy sauce
• it looks vibrant and feels comforting at the same time

Ingredients

For the roasted vegetables

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 yellow or orange bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 medium zucchini, chopped
• 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
• 1 whole garlic bulb
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

For the seasoning

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

For the sauce

• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Small handful fresh basil

For the pasta

• 7 ounces spaghetti

Equipment

• Deep oven-safe baking dish
• Small piece of foil
• Blender or immersion blender
• Spoon or spatula

Instructions

1. Roast the vegetables
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Add the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion to a deep baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, if using.

Cut the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with a little oil, wrap in foil, and place it in the dish. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and the tomatoes have burst.

2. Blend the sauce
Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the dish. Add the heavy cream, vegetable broth, and basil, then blend until smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small splash of broth.

3. Add the spaghetti
Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the sauce. Press it down gently so most of it is covered.

4. Bake the pasta
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, stirring once halfway through. If needed, add a splash of broth or hot water so the pasta cooks evenly.

5. Serve
Stir well, then serve warm with extra basil, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan on top.

Love how this Creamy Roasted Veggie Pasta turned out? Save the image below to your Pinterest board so it’s right there when you need an easy pasta dinner that still feels special.

Tips and Tricks

• Use a deep baking dish: This helps hold enough liquid for the spaghetti to cook properly.
• Do not skip the roasted garlic: It adds a sweeter, more rounded flavor that makes the sauce taste much better.
• Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces: That way they roast evenly and blend more smoothly.
• Stir halfway through baking: This keeps the spaghetti from clumping and helps it cook evenly.
• Add extra liquid only if needed: Ovens and baking dishes vary, so keep an eye on the sauce near the end.
• Blend until fully smooth: A silky sauce works best here because it coats the spaghetti more evenly.

Variations

This version is already full of flavor, but you can still tweak it depending on what you have on hand.

• Add a little grated Parmesan to the sauce for an even richer finish
• Stir in spinach at the end and let it wilt into the hot pasta
• Add cooked chicken on top to turn it into a heartier dinner
• Use a little more red pepper flakes if you want more heat
• Finish with burrata or torn mozzarella for a creamier serving option

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth, cream, or water to loosen the sauce. The pasta will continue soaking up liquid as it sits, so adding a little moisture helps bring it back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another pasta shape?

Yes, but spaghetti works especially well in this version. Short pasta can work too, though cooking time may vary slightly.

Do I have to roast the garlic separately?

Yes, it’s worth it. Wrapping the garlic in foil keeps it soft and prevents it from drying out or burning in the oven.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes. You can roast and blend the sauce ahead, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it with the spaghetti.

What if my sauce gets too thick?

Add a splash of broth or hot water and stir. That usually fixes it quickly.

Can I make it more cheesy?

Absolutely. Parmesan on top or mixed into the sauce works really well here.

They’re especially handy when you need something simple that both kids and adults will actually want to eat. The potatoes keep everything soft and creamy inside, while the carrots and broccoli blend right in. Serve them with the quick lemon-garlic dip, and you’ve got an easy snack, side dish, or light lunch that feels a lot more fun than plain cooked vegetables.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Veggie Balls

• Crisp outside and soft, fluffy inside
• A simple way to use everyday vegetables
• Kid-friendly and easy to serve
• Great for snacking, lunch, or as a side
• Air fryer and oven friendly

Ingredients

For the Veggie Balls

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch, plus more if needed
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

For the Dip

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise or plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the vegetables

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and carrots and cook for 8 minutes. Add the broccoli and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, until everything is very soft.

Drain well, then let the vegetables sit for a few minutes so extra moisture can steam off. This helps the mixture hold together better later.

2. Mash and season

Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl. Mash until mostly smooth. A few small pieces are fine, but the mixture should be soft enough to shape easily.

Add the olive oil, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs. Mix well, then fold in the Parmesan and parsley.

The mixture should feel soft but still hold its shape when pressed together. If it feels too wet, add a little more cornstarch, 1 teaspoon at a time.

3. Shape the balls

Scoop out small portions and roll them into bite-sized balls. If the mixture sticks to your hands, lightly oil your palms or chill the mixture for 10 minutes first.

Place the balls on a tray or plate as you go.

4. Cook until golden and crisp

Air fryer:
Preheat to 390°F. Lightly brush or spray the veggie balls with oil. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp on the outside.

Oven:
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the veggie balls on a lined baking tray and lightly brush the tops with oil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until lightly browned and crisp.

5. Make the dip

In a small bowl, stir together the mayo or yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, and parsley. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.

6. Serve

Serve the veggie balls warm with the dip on the side. They’re best right after cooking, while the outside is still crisp.

Love these crispy veggie balls? Save the image below to your Pinterest board so you can come back to them anytime.

Tips for Success

Drain well after boiling.
Too much water is the fastest way to end up with a soft mixture that will not hold its shape.

Mash while the vegetables are still warm.
They come together more easily and make a smoother mixture.

Add cornstarch gradually.
You want the mixture moist enough to stay tender, but firm enough to roll.

Do not make them too large.
Smaller veggie balls cook more evenly and crisp up better.

Give them a light coating of oil.
That helps the outside turn golden instead of drying out.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven so they crisp up again. The microwave works, but they will be softer.

This is the kind of noodle recipe that works when you want something bold and comforting without a long ingredient list or a complicated method. It’s easy to adjust too, whether you like it extra spicy, a little sweeter, or more silky with a bit of noodle water stirred in at the end.

Ingredients

• 9 ounces thick noodles, hand-cut or any noodles you like
• 1 1/2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes, optional
• 1/3 cup sliced green onion
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon white sugar, optional
• 1 tablespoon chili crisp
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 1/3 cup neutral oil, such as avocado oil
• 3 tablespoons reserved noodle water, optional
• 2 more tablespoons chili crisp, for serving
• More sliced green onion, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package directions, but stop about 30 seconds early so they do not get too soft later in the sauce.

Before draining, scoop out about 3 tablespoons of the noodle water and set it aside. Drain the noodles, then rinse them briefly under cold water to stop the cooking and keep them from sticking together.

2. Build the sauce base

Add the peanut butter, chili flakes if using, sliced green onion, sesame seeds, minced garlic, sugar if using, 1 tablespoon chili crisp, rice vinegar, and dark soy sauce to a large heatproof pan or bowl.

Do not turn on the heat yet.

3. Heat the oil

Pour the neutral oil into a small saucepan and heat until very hot. It should shimmer and be hot enough to sizzle immediately when poured over the garlic mixture.

Carefully pour the hot oil over the ingredients in the pan or bowl. Everything should sizzle right away. Stir well until the peanut butter loosens and the sauce looks smooth and glossy.

4. Toss with the noodles

Add the cooked noodles and toss until fully coated.

For a smoother, silkier sauce, place the pan over medium-low heat and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the reserved noodle water. Toss again until the sauce clings to the noodles evenly.

5. Finish and serve

Turn off the heat and serve right away. Top with extra chili crisp, more sliced green onion, and lime wedges on the side.

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the noodles just before eating if you want a brighter finish.

A bowl like this deserves a spot on your Pinterest board — save the image below so you can make these spicy peanut noodles again anytime.

Tips for Better Results

• Use thick noodles if possible. They hold the sauce better and give the dish more chew.
• Do not burn the garlic. The oil should be hot, but not smoking heavily.
• Reserved noodle water is optional, but it helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling better.
• Adjust the heat by adding more or less chili crisp and chili flakes.
• A little sugar helps balance the salt and heat, but you can leave it out.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta of choice
• 3 to 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon sugar, optional
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan 
• 2 tablespoons chili oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 to 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided, plus more for pasta water
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Start the onions

Set a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts, add the sliced onions along with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the onions soften and begin to lose their raw bite.

2. Caramelize them slowly

Stir in the sugar, if using. Pour in 1/2 cup water and let the onions continue cooking over medium to medium-low heat for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally so they cook evenly and do not catch on the bottom.

If the pan starts looking dry before the onions are fully golden, add another splash of water. You are looking for onions that are soft, reduced, and deep golden, not rushed or browned in patches.

3. Cook the pasta

While the onions cook, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions.

Before draining, reserve about 1 cup pasta water. Then drain the pasta and set it aside.

4. Add the garlic and seasonings

Once the onions are nicely caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Add the smoked paprika, sweet paprika, dried oregano, the remaining 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the chili oil. Stir well so the onions are evenly coated.

5. Build the sauce

Lower the heat. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined. Let it warm through for 1 to 2 minutes, then add the Parmesan a little at a time, stirring as it melts into the sauce.

Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, just until it thickens slightly. If it feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. The sauce should be creamy enough to coat the pasta without turning gluey.

6. Toss everything together

Add the drained pasta straight into the skillet. Toss until the noodles are fully coated and glossy. Add more pasta water, a little at a time, if needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling.

Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or a small drizzle of chili oil if you want a little extra heat.

7. Finish and serve

Scatter chopped parsley over the top and serve right away. Add extra Parmesan if you like.

Love this Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta? Save the photo below to your Pinterest board so it’s there when you’re craving something rich, cozy, and easy to make.

Tips for Better Results

• Slice the onions evenly so they cook at the same speed.
• Do not rush the onions. This is where the flavor comes from.
• Use pasta water carefully. A few tablespoons can turn a thick sauce silky very quickly.
• Add the cheese over low heat so the sauce stays smooth.
• Short pasta or long pasta both work. Fettuccine, linguine, penne, and rigatoni all do well here.

Ingredients

• 4 medium potatoes
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 ounce cheese, finely grated
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Butter, for brushing after cooking

Instructions

1. Cook the potatoes

Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunks so they cook faster and more evenly. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and boil until fork-tender. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.

Drain them well, then let them sit for a minute or two so excess moisture can steam off. Mash the potatoes until smooth. Try to get rid of lumps so the dough is easier to work with later.

2. Make the dough

While the potatoes are still warm, transfer them to a large bowl. Add the flour, grated cheese, parsley, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

Mix everything together with a spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. You want it soft and pliable, not dry or stiff.

3. Divide and shape

Lightly flour your work surface. Divide the dough into equal portions, depending on how large you want the flatbreads. For medium flatbreads, divide it into 6 pieces.

Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it gently with your hands or a rolling pin into a round about 1/4 inch thick. If the dough sticks, dust lightly with more flour.

4. Cook the flatbreads

Heat a dry skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat. Once hot, place one flatbread in the pan.

Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, or until golden spots appear on the bottom. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes. The flatbread should be cooked through with light golden brown patches on both sides.

Repeat with the remaining dough.

5. Finish with butter

As soon as each flatbread comes off the pan, brush it lightly with butter while still hot. This keeps it soft and adds extra flavor.

Serve warm.

Love this potato flatbread? Save the photo below to your Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to make it.

Tips for the Best Potato Flatbread

• Drain the potatoes well: Too much water will make the dough sticky and harder to shape.
• Mash while warm: Warm potatoes mix more easily with the flour and seasonings.
• Do not add too much flour: A little extra is fine for sticky dough, but too much can make the flatbread dense.
• Keep the heat at medium: If the pan is too hot, the outside will brown before the inside is fully cooked.
• Brush with butter at the end: This keeps the flatbreads soft and gives them a better finish.

Serving Ideas

These potato flatbreads are great with:

• sour cream or Greek yogurt
• garlic butter
• hummus
• grilled chicken or kebabs
• soups and stews
• eggs for breakfast

Small Recipe Notes

• For a cheesier flavor, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or feta.
• If you want a milder version, reduce or skip the red pepper flakes.
• These are best served warm, but leftovers can be reheated in a dry skillet for a minute or two on each side.

Ingredients

For the potato balls

• 3 medium potatoes, about 1.3 pounds (600 g)

• 3 tbsp cornstarch

• 2 tbsp dried oregano

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• 2 tsp onion powder

• 2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

• Salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Neutral oil, for frying

For the sriracha mayo

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup sriracha sauce

Instructions

1. Cook the potatoes

Peel the potatoes and cut them into medium chunks so they cook faster and more evenly. Add them to a pot of cold salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are very tender and easy to pierce with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Drain them well, then let them sit in the colander for 2 to 3 minutes so excess moisture can evaporate. This step matters because wetter potatoes make a softer mixture that’s harder to shape.

2. Mash and season

Transfer the hot potatoes to a large bowl and mash until mostly smooth. A few tiny lumps are fine, but you don’t want big chunks.

Add the cornstarch, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is fully combined and the mixture starts to feel like a soft dough.

If it feels too loose or sticky to shape, let it cool for a few minutes first. As it cools, it will firm up a bit.

3. Shape the potato balls

Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, scoop out small portions and roll them into balls. Aim for roughly walnut-sized pieces so they fry evenly.

Place them on a tray or plate as you go. If the mixture sticks to your hands, lightly oil your palms or chill the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes before shaping.

4. Heat the oil

Pour neutral oil into a deep pan or pot so there’s enough depth for the potato balls to float and fry evenly. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).

If you don’t have a thermometer, test with a small piece of the potato mixture. It should sizzle right away and slowly rise to the surface without browning too fast.

5. Fry until golden and crisp

Carefully lower the potato balls into the hot oil in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan or the oil temperature will drop.

Fry for 3 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re deep golden brown and crisp all over. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels or a wire rack.

While they’re still hot, sprinkle with a little extra salt if needed.

6. Make the sriracha mayo

In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and sriracha until smooth and evenly mixed.

7. Serve

Serve the crispy potato balls hot with the sriracha mayo on the side. Finish with extra chopped parsley if you want a little fresh color on top.

Save this one for later — these crispy potato balls are too good to lose. Pin the image below to your Pinterest board so it’s there when you need an easy, crunchy snack idea.

Tips for Better Crispy Potato Balls

• Let the potatoes dry out a little after draining. Too much moisture makes the mixture softer and less crisp after frying.

• Mash while the potatoes are still hot. It gives you a smoother mixture and helps the seasonings blend in better.

• Don’t make them too large. Smaller potato balls fry more evenly and get crisp all the way around.

• Fry in batches. Crowding the pan drops the oil temperature and can make them greasy instead of crisp.

• Keep the heat steady. If the oil is too hot, they brown too fast before the outside fully crisps. If it’s too cool, they soak up more oil.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until hot and crisp again. The microwave works, but the outside won’t stay nearly as crunchy.

For make-ahead prep, shape the potato balls and refrigerate them on a tray until you’re ready to fry.

Ingredients

For the Potato Dough

• 1 pound (450 g) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 to 5 tablespoons cornstarch or potato starch

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• Pinch of garlic powder, optional

For Frying

• 2 cups (500 ml) neutral oil, such as canola or sunflower oil

For Serving

• Mayo or spicy mayo

• Chopped fresh parsley

• Grated parmesan

Optional Vegan Alternatives

• Vegan mayo

• Vegan parmesan

Equipment

• Medium pot

• Potato masher or potato ricer

• Rolling pin

• Zip-top bag or parchment paper

• Knife or pizza cutter

• Slotted spoon

Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes

Boil the cubed potatoes in lightly salted water for 15 to 20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well, then return them to the hot pot for 1 to 2 minutes to remove excess moisture.

2. Mash until smooth

Mash the potatoes until completely smooth. A ricer gives the best texture, but a masher works too.

3. Make the dough

Transfer the mashed potatoes to a bowl. Add 4 tablespoons of starch, salt, chili flakes, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder if using. Mix into a soft dough. Add a little more starch if needed.

4. Shape the dough

Place the dough in a zip-top bag or between parchment sheets. Press or roll into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.

5. Chill

Freeze for 30 to 45 minutes, until firm but not fully frozen.

6. Cut into fries

Cut the chilled dough into long strips about 1/2 inch wide. Keep them as long as possible without breaking.

7. Fry

Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry the potato strips in small batches for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well.

8. Serve

Serve hot with mayo or spicy mayo, chopped parsley, and grated parmesan. For a vegan version, use vegan mayo or vegan parmesan instead.

If this recipe caught your eye, save the image below to your Pinterest board so you can find it again when you’re ready to make it.

Tips and Tricks

• Dry the potatoes well after boiling. Too much moisture makes the dough soft and harder to shape, so give the potatoes a minute or two in the warm pot after draining.

• Mash while the potatoes are still hot. This helps you get a smoother texture, which makes the Japanese extra long fries easier to cut and helps them fry up more evenly.

• Do not add all the starch at once. Start with the smaller amount, then add more only if the dough still feels too soft. You want a dough that holds together without turning dense.

• Chill the dough until firm. This step makes a big difference. Cold dough is much easier to cut into long strips and less likely to break when you lift it.

• Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Clean cuts help the fries keep that neat, extra-long shape.

• Keep the fries similar in size. When the strips are close in thickness, they cook more evenly and finish at the same time.

• Fry in small batches. Crowding the pot lowers the oil temperature and can make the fries greasy instead of crisp.

• Serve them right away. These extra long potato fries are at their best when hot and freshly fried, with the outside still crisp and the center soft.

This is the kind of pasta that works when you want something comforting without making a heavy cream sauce. The tomatoes do most of the work here. Once roasted, they become jammy and concentrated, and when blended with butter and garlic, they turn into a smooth, glossy tomato butter that coats hot pasta beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb cherry tomatoes

• 1 whole garlic bulb

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp salt, plus more for pasta water

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, or more to taste

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (vegan butter, optional)

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

• 1 to 2 tsp balsamic glaze

• 12 oz pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine

• 1/3 to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

• Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving

• Extra basil, for serving

Instructions

1. Roast the tomatoes and garlic

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Add the cherry tomatoes to a baking dish or sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss well so the tomatoes are evenly coated.

Slice the top off the garlic bulb just enough to expose the cloves. Set it on a piece of foil, drizzle with a little olive oil, then wrap it loosely in the foil.

Place the tomatoes and garlic in the oven. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and look soft and slightly caramelized. The garlic should be very soft when pressed.

2. Cook the pasta

While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions.

Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set it aside.

3. Make the tomato butter sauce

Transfer the roasted tomatoes to a blender or food processor. Squeeze the soft roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them in. Add the softened butter, basil, and balsamic glaze.

Blend until mostly smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust if needed. Add a pinch more salt, more chili flakes, or another small drizzle of balsamic if you want a slightly deeper flavor.

4. Toss everything together

Pour the warm sauce into a large skillet or pot over low heat. Add the drained pasta and toss well.

Pour in a little reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce loosens and turns glossy. You want it silky enough to coat the pasta without becoming watery.

5. Serve

Divide the pasta into bowls and finish with grated Parmesan and extra basil. Serve right away while the sauce is warm and smooth.

Made this pasta once and already thinking about it again? Save the image below to your Pinterest board so it’s there the next time you want something rich, cozy, and easy to make.

Tips and Tricks

• Use ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. The sweeter they are, the richer and rounder the sauce will taste after roasting.

• Roast the tomatoes until they look collapsed and a little jammy, not just softened. That deeper roast gives the sauce much more flavor.

• Let the garlic cook until fully soft all the way through. If it is still firm in the middle, the sauce can taste harsher than it should.

• Don’t forget to save some pasta water before draining. A few spoonfuls help loosen the sauce and make it coat the pasta better.

• Add the balsamic glaze slowly. A little goes a long way, and you want it to deepen the sauce, not take over.

• Blend the sauce while the tomatoes are warm, not scorching hot. It will come together more smoothly and be easier to handle.

• If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of hot pasta water or a drizzle of olive oil.

• If the sauce feels too loose, let it sit over low heat for a minute before tossing with the pasta.

• Finish with freshly grated Parmesan just before serving. It adds saltiness and helps round out the flavor.

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water so the sauce turns silky again instead of drying out.

Ingredients

Salad

• 2 large cucumbers (or 4–5 Persian cucumbers)

• 1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced

• 1–2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (white or mixed)

Dressing

• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated (or minced very small)

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp chili oil (more to taste)

• 1 tbsp agave or honey

• 1 tbsp pepper paste (see note)

• 1/4 tsp black pepper (optional)

• Pinch of salt only if needed (pepper paste + soy can be salty)

Pepper paste note: If you don’t have gochujang (Korean pepper paste) use whatever you have (e.g., roasted red pepper paste, ajvar-style paste, or a thicker pepper spread). If it’s very thick, thin it with 1–2 tsp water so it shakes/mixes easily.

Instructions 

1) Toast the sesame seeds (takes 1 minute, worth it)

Add sesame seeds to a dry pan over medium heat. Shake/stir until they smell nutty and look slightly deeper in color, 60–90 seconds. Pour out to cool.

2) Smash the cucumbers

Trim the ends. Place cucumbers on a cutting board and lightly smash with the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin—just enough to crack and split them.

Cut into bite-size pieces (roughly 1-inch / 2–3 cm). The messy edges are what hold the dressing.

3) Make the dressing in the jar

In a large jar with a lid, add garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, agave/honey, and pepper paste.

Close the lid and shake hard for 10–15 seconds.
If the pepper paste sticks to the bottom, add 1–2 tsp water and shake again.

4) Add cucumbers + onion, then shake

Add smashed cucumbers and sliced red onion to the jar. Close and shake until everything is glossy and coated.

5) Finish with sesame

Pour into a bowl (or eat straight from the jar). Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.

Taste. If you want it:

• tangier: add a splash more vinegar

• sweeter: add a small drizzle of honey/agave

• hotter: add more chili oil

• saltier: a tiny splash more soy sauce (usually better than adding salt)

That crunch and chili oil combo is hard to forget—pin the image below so you can make it the next time cucumbers are in your fridge.

Tips & Tricks

• Watery cucumbers? If you’re using big cucumbers, you can scrape out the seedy center, or let the smashed pieces sit with a pinch of salt for 5–10 minutes, then drain before shaking.

• Garlic intensity: Grating makes it punchier. If you want it milder, mince and use half a clove.

• Pepper paste thickness matters: If it’s dense like a spread, it needs a teaspoon of water to turn into a shakeable dressing.

• Best texture: Let it sit 5 minutes after shaking so the onion softens slightly.