PakistaniBihari BotiThin beef strips tenderised with raw papaya, marinated in roasted spices, poppy seeds and mustard oil, slow-cooked until soft, then grilled for charred edges. Lovely with paratha or naan.6 h 50 min·Serves 4
PakistaniTandoori ChickenBone-in chicken legs marinated overnight in spiced yogurt, then roasted in a hot home oven until charred at the edges and juicy inside. No tandoor needed.1 h 15 min·Serves 4
PakistaniChicken Sajji (Balochi-Style Roast Chicken Stuffed with Spiced Rice)A whole chicken rubbed with garlic, pepper and raw papaya, then roasted with a fragrant rice and raisin stuffing until the skin is deep gold. A showpiece dinner made in a home oven.2 h 15 min·Serves 4
PakistaniChicken Malai BotiTender boneless chicken pieces marinated in cream, cheese, cashew and white pepper, then grilled until lightly browned. Mild, rich and juicy, with no red chilli.45 min·Serves 4
PakistaniReshmi KababSilky, pale golden chicken kababs made with a cashew and cream paste, so they stay tender and juicy. Easy to grill on a pan, in the oven or over charcoal.1 h 5 min·Serves 4
PakistaniChicken Tikka BotiJuicy cubes of boneless chicken marinated in spiced yogurt, skewered and grilled until charred at the edges. A weekend barbecue favourite you can make in a hot oven.4 h 45 min·Serves 4
PakistaniChapli Kabab (Peshawari-Style Spiced Beef Patties on the Griddle)Wide, flat beef patties packed with crushed coriander seed, pomegranate seed, tomato and green chilli, then cooked on a hot griddle until crisp at the edges and juicy inside.1 h 10 min·Serves 6
PakistaniFish Tikka with Ajwain and Mustard Oil MarinadeFirm white fish cubes marinated in spiced yogurt, ginger-garlic, ajwain and a little mustard oil, then grilled until lightly charred. It works on a grill, in the oven or on a stovetop pan.1 h 10 min·Serves 4
Middle EasternChicken Shawarma BowlSpiced grilled chicken thigh over rice and salad with garlic-yogurt sauce. Marinate the night before for the best flavour.55 min·Serves 4
AmericanSmash BurgersThin beef patties smashed onto a very hot pan for a lacy, crusted edge, stacked with cheese and pickles in a soft bun.20 min·Serves 4
KoreanBeef BulgogiThin slices of beef marinated in soy, pear, garlic and sesame, then seared hot for caramelised edges.50 min·Serves 4