15+ European Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

European cuisine offers a delightful mix of flavors and traditions from various regions, making it an exciting choice for any home cook. These recipes reflect the rich culinary heritage of Europe. From hearty Italian pastas to light French pastries, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Exploring European recipes allows you to travel through food without leaving your kitchen. You can discover unique ingredients and cooking techniques that bring a taste of Europe right to your table.

Embracing these recipes can add variety and richness to your meal planning.

1) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian dish that is both simple and delicious. It uses just a few ingredients: garlic, olive oil, and spaghetti. This recipe is perfect for a quick meal.

Start by cooking your spaghetti until it is al dente. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan and add thinly sliced garlic. Cook the garlic until it is golden brown, but be careful not to burn it.

Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Once the spaghetti is cooked, toss it into the pan with the garlic oil. You can finish it off with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if you like.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh parsley
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan.
3. Add sliced garlic and cook until golden.
4. Stir in red pepper flakes.
5. Toss spaghetti in the garlic oil.
6. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

2) Croque Monsieur

The Croque Monsieur is a classic French sandwich. It features layers of ham and cheese, all tucked between slices of buttery bread. It’s then baked and often topped with creamy béchamel sauce.

To make this tasty treat, you begin by buttering your bread. Then, add slices of ham and cheese on top. Once assembled, the sandwich gets a nice toasting until golden brown and bubbly.

You can serve it with a side salad for a complete meal. It’s a comforting option for lunch or a light dinner that’s simple yet delicious.

Ingredients

• 8 slices of bread
• 4 slices of ham
• 4 slices of cheese (like Gruyère)
• Butter (for spreading)
• Dijon mustard (optional)
• Béchamel sauce (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
3. On the unbuttered side, spread Dijon mustard if desired.
4. Layer cheese and ham on four slices.
5. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

3) Patatas Bravas

Patatas bravas are a popular Spanish tapas dish. They consist of crispy fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce.

To make this delicious dish, you’ll need to choose the right potatoes. Varieties like Maris Piper or King Edward work best. They should be cut into bite-sized pieces for frying.

The sauce is a key part of patatas bravas. It usually includes tomatoes, garlic, and spices for that extra kick.

This dish can be enjoyed alone or with a garlic aioli for dipping. It’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a tasty snack.

Ingredients

• 1 kg potatoes (Maris Piper or King Edward)
• 50 ml light olive oil
• Salt to taste
• 1 head of garlic
• 1 can of chopped tomatoes
• Spices (paprika and chili powder)

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
3. Fry the potatoes until golden and crispy, about 15-20 minutes.
4. In another pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
5. Add chopped tomatoes and spices. Cook for 10 minutes.
6. Serve the crispy potatoes with the spicy tomato sauce. Enjoy!

4) Horiatiki Salad

Horiatiki Salad, also known as Greek salad, is a fresh and flavorful dish. It highlights ingredients that come straight from the Mediterranean. This colorful salad usually features tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese.

To make your salad, start by chopping ripe tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers. Add sliced red onions and green bell peppers for extra color and taste. Kalamata olives bring a nice salty touch, while a drizzle of olive oil enhances the flavors.

This salad is great on its own or as a side with grilled meats. It’s perfect for hot days when you want something light and refreshing.

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Green bell peppers
• Red onion
• Kalamata olives
• Feta cheese
• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar

Cooking Instructions:

1. Chop tomatoes and cucumbers.
2. Slice green bell peppers and red onion.
3. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
4. Add olives and feta cheese.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar.
6. Toss gently to mix. Enjoy!

5) Lithuanian Cepelinai

Lithuanian Cepelinai are delicious potato dumplings filled with meat. They are a traditional dish in Lithuania and are often enjoyed at special gatherings. The dumplings are named for their shape, which resembles zeppelins.

To make Cepelinai, you’ll start with a potato dough. You can fill them with ground pork, beef, or even veggies. They are usually served with a tasty sauce on top.

For a warm meal that brings comfort, Cepelinai is a classic choice. They are popular and loved by many for their hearty flavor and filling nature.

Ingredients

• 6 large russet potatoes
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 egg
• 1 medium onion
• 2-3 tablespoons potato starch
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes until soft.
2. Mash them and let them cool.
3. Mix in egg, potato starch, salt, and pepper.
4. Form the dough into flat circles.
5. Place meat filling in the center and fold over.
6. Boil in salted water for about 20 minutes.
7. Serve hot with your favorite sauce.

6) Polish Pierogi

Polish pierogi are delicious dumplings with a rich history. They are typically filled with mashed potatoes and cheese. These comforting bites are often enjoyed during family gatherings or celebrations.

To make pierogi, start by preparing the dough. You’ll need flour, water, and egg. Roll it out and cut circles for the dumplings. For the filling, use cooked potatoes and farmer’s cheese or other cheese of your choice.

Once filled, you can boil the pierogi until they float. After boiling, many people like to pan-sear them in butter for added flavor and crispiness.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup of water
• 5 medium potatoes
• 8 oz farmer’s cheese
• Salt to taste
• Butter for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil potatoes until tender, then mash them.
2. Mix mashed potatoes with farmer’s cheese and salt.
3. Combine flour, egg, and water to form a dough.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
5. Place filling on each circle, fold, and seal.
6. Boil pierogi in salted water until they float.
7. Fry in butter until golden brown.

7) Russian Borscht

Russian borscht is a delicious beet soup that has become a favorite in many homes. It features a savory broth with tender meat and a mix of vegetables.

You can enjoy it hot, often topped with a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. The rich flavors come from beets, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots.

This dish is not only hearty but also vibrant, thanks to its deep red color from the beets. Each family may have its own version, making it a personal favorite for many.

Ingredients

• 2 medium beets, peeled and grated
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 1 potato, diced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Sour cream, for serving
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat the broth over medium heat.
2. Add beets, carrots, onion, and potato. Cook for 15 minutes.
3. Stir in cabbage and vinegar. Cook for another 10 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot, topped with sour cream.

8) German Schnitzel

German Schnitzel is a delicious dish made from thinly sliced meat, usually pork or veal. It is coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown. This classic recipe is popular in Germany and enjoyed by many around the world.

To make Schnitzel, you will need simple ingredients like flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. The result is a crispy, tender meal that pairs well with a lemon wedge and potatoes or salad.

Ingredients

• 1 pork tenderloin (about 2 lbs / 900 g)
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Vegetable oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the pork tenderloin into thin cuts.
2. Set up three bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for breadcrumbs.
3. Season the flour with salt and pepper.
4. Dredge each piece of meat in flour, dip it in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
6. Fry the Schnitzel for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve with lemon.

9) French Ratatouille

French Ratatouille is a delicious vegetable stew from the Provence region of France. It features a mix of fresh vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. This dish is perfect for using up summer harvests.

You can enjoy Ratatouille as a main dish or a side. It pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread. The flavors come together beautifully when you cook the vegetables with garlic and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients

• 1 eggplant
• 2 zucchini
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 onion
• 2 tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Fresh herbs (such as basil and thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion into small pieces.
2. Dice the tomatoes and mince the garlic.
3. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
4. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
5. Add the eggplant and bell pepper, cooking until they start to soften.
6. Stir in the zucchini and tomatoes, cooking for about 10 minutes.
7. Add your herbs, salt, and pepper.
8. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until all vegetables are tender.

10) Italian Risotto Milanese

Italian Risotto Milanese is a delicious, creamy dish known for its rich saffron flavor. This risotto is a comforting choice for any meal and pairs perfectly with meat dishes.

You start by heating chicken stock in a pot. In another pan, sauté finely chopped onions in olive oil until soft. Then, add Arborio rice and stir until it turns translucent.

Next, slowly add the warmed stock, one ladle at a time, allowing the rice to absorb it. Stir often to create that creamy texture. Once the rice is tender, mix in saffron and some grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Ingredients

• 5 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• A pinch of saffron
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Kosher salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the chicken stock in a pot.
2. Sauté onions in olive oil until soft.
3. Add Arborio rice and stir until translucent.
4. Gradually add chicken stock, stirring frequently.
5. Once the rice is tender, mix in saffron and Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with salt to taste, and serve warm.

11) Greek Moussaka

Greek Moussaka is a delicious layered casserole that brings flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. It typically includes eggplant, potatoes, and a rich meat sauce topped with a creamy béchamel sauce.

To make moussaka, start by slicing and frying or baking the eggplants and potatoes. Then, layer them with a savory mix of ground meat and tomato sauce. Finish with a generous layer of béchamel.

This dish is perfect for family gatherings. Each bite is hearty and satisfying. It’s also a great way to experience traditional Greek flavors right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 2 potatoes
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 can (14 oz or 400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 cups (720ml) béchamel sauce
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the eggplants and potatoes. Salt them and let sit for 30 minutes.
3. Cook ground meat with onion and garlic until browned.
4. Add tomatoes and cinnamon, and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Rinse and dry eggplants and potatoes. Then, fry or bake until golden.
6. Layer potatoes, then eggplants, followed by meat sauce.
7. Pour béchamel on top and sprinkle with cheese, if desired.
8. Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!

12) Spanish Paella

Spanish paella is a classic dish that brings vibrant flavors to your table. It typically includes rice, saffron, chicken, seafood, and vegetables all cooked in one pan. You can customize it to suit your taste.

To make a delicious paella, you’ll need a large, flat pan called a paella pan. The key is to use short-grain rice, which absorbs flavors well.

Here’s a simple ingredient list:

Ingredients

• 2 cups short-grain rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 pound chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a paella pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
3. Stir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until soft.
4. Add rice, saffron, and broth. Do not stir after adding broth.
5. Cook for about 20 minutes, then add shrimp for the last 5 minutes.
6. Let rest before serving. Enjoy!

13) Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian goulash is a flavorful beef stew that warms you up on cold days. It features tender beef, paprika, onions, and a mix of vegetables. The rich, deep red color comes from the generous amount of paprika used in the recipe.

This dish is traditionally slow-cooked, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it with bread or noodles for a complete meal. You’ll enjoy the comforting taste of this hearty stew.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 4 cups (1 L) beef broth
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides.
5. Mix in paprika and tomato paste.
6. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
7. Add potatoes and carrots, then season with salt and pepper.
8. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours at 300°F (150°C) until beef is tender.

14) Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs are a classic dish loved by many. They are usually made with a mix of ground beef and pork, which gives them a rich flavor. Spice things up with a hint of allspice and nutmeg for that traditional taste.

To make them, you’ll first combine the meat with breadcrumbs, onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Then, roll the mixture into small balls and fry them until golden brown.

You can serve these meatballs with creamy beef gravy and mashed potatoes. A touch of lingonberry sauce on the side adds a nice contrast to the flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, meats, onion, egg, and spices.
3. Roll mixture into small meatballs.
4. Fry meatballs in a pan until golden.
5. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

15) Belgian Liege Waffles

Belgian Liege waffles are a delicious treat known for their unique texture. They have a crisp outside and a soft, chewy inside. What makes them special is the use of pearl sugar, which caramelizes during cooking.

To make these waffles, you’ll start with a brioche-style dough. This dough is rich and full of flavor, making each bite delightful. You can easily enjoy them for breakfast or as a sweet snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup pearl sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and butter. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes. Let it rise for 1 hour.
5. Gently fold in the pearl sugar.
6. Preheat your waffle maker.
7. Cook waffles until golden brown and crispy. Enjoy!