Easy Recipes from Brazil

Tag: family lunch

  • Oven-Baked Bolognese Pancakes with White Sauce (Easy)

    Oven-Baked Bolognese Pancakes with White Sauce (Easy)

    Oven-baked bolognese pancakes with white sauce prove that a classic everyday recipe can be transformed into a surprising, complete, and incredibly flavorful meal. Prepared in a baking dish and finished in the oven, this dish stands out for its practicality and irresistible presentation.

    This version is perfect for a family lunch, combining soft pancakes, juicy ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and a creamy white sauce that truly makes all the difference. It is also a crowd-pleasing recipe that both kids and adults love, without requiring complicated techniques.

    If you are looking for an easy, budget-friendly meal that serves several people, this oven-baked pancake with white sauce and bolognese is an excellent way to change up your weekly menu.

    Ingredients

    For the ground beef (bolognese)

    • 2.2 lb (1 kg) ground beef
    • A drizzle of olive oil
    • 1 onion, finely chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • Salt to taste
    • Black pepper to taste (optional)
    • Fresh herbs or parsley to taste
    • About 1½ sachets (or cans) of tomato sauce

    Substitution: ground beef can be replaced with shredded chicken or a sautéed plant-based protein.

    For the white sauce

    • 3½ tbsp butter (50 g)
    • 3½ tbsp all-purpose flour (50 g)
    • 2 cups (500 ml) milk
    • A small amount of finely chopped onion (optional)
    • Nutmeg to taste
    • Salt and black pepper to taste

    For assembly

    • Prepared pancakes (traditional savory pancakes)
    • Shredded cheese for topping

    Instructions

    1. Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion until translucent.
    2. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
    3. Add the ground beef, stirring well so it stays loose and juicy.
    4. Season with salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs. Set aside.
    5. In another saucepan, melt the butter and sauté the onion for the white sauce.
    6. Add the flour and stir until it forms a smooth paste.
    7. Cook briefly until it releases a light nutty aroma.
    8. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
    9. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
    10. Fill the pancakes with the ground beef and arrange them in a baking dish.
    11. Cover with the tomato sauce, then pour the white sauce on top.
    12. Finish with shredded cheese.
    13. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) until golden and bubbly.

    Chef’s Tips / Variations

    • Add Parmesan or gorgonzola cheese to the white sauce for deeper flavor.
    • For a more budget-friendly version, use only tomato sauce and cheese.
    • Smoked cheeses add a special touch to the final gratin.
    • This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.

    Prep Time, Yield, and Difficulty

    • Total time: approximately 50 minutes
    • Yield: 6 to 8 servings
    • Difficulty: easy

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Can I use store-bought pancakes?
    Yes. This recipe works perfectly with pre-made savory pancakes.

    Can oven-baked pancakes be frozen?
    Yes. Assemble the dish without baking, cover well, freeze, and bake when needed.

    Can I skip the white sauce?
    You can, but the white sauce is the highlight of this recipe. If preferred, use only tomato sauce and cheese.

    Conclusion

    These oven-baked bolognese pancakes with white sauce are the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a family favorite. Easy, creamy, and incredibly satisfying, they turn a simple lunch into something special.

    If you enjoyed this recipe, leave a comment, save it for later, and share it with anyone who loves comforting homemade food.

  • Easy and Delicious Fish Stew for Mother’s Day

    Easy and Delicious Fish Stew for Mother’s Day

    Making an easy fish stew is one of the most special ways to show love, especially on meaningful occasions like Mother’s Day. This recipe combines bold flavor, simple preparation, and accessible ingredients, resulting in a dish that impresses without being complicated.

    In addition, this version is perfect for anyone looking for practicality in the kitchen without giving up a homemade, aromatic, and comforting meal. The fish turns tender, the sauce becomes rich and creamy, and the final result is perfect for a family lunch.

    If you want to get it right and serve a simple and flavorful fish stew, keep reading and learn how to prepare this classic dish with ease.

    📝 Ingredients

    Easy fish stew with coconut milk, bell peppers, and tender white fish served in a pot
    • 2.2 lb tilapia fillets (or another white fish)
    • Salt to taste
    • Black pepper to taste
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 medium onion, sliced
    • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
    • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
    • 2 tomatoes, chopped
    • Olive oil for sautéing
    • Turmeric, to taste
    • Smoked sweet paprika, to taste
    • 2 cups coconut milk
    • Water (a small amount, if needed)
    • Palm oil (dendê oil), to taste
    • Chopped parsley (or cilantro, optional)

    Possible Substitutions

    • Tilapia can be replaced with any firm white fish.
    • Parsley can replace cilantro for those who dislike its flavor.
    • Palm oil can be adjusted or used sparingly, depending on preference.

    👩‍🍳 Instructions

    1. Cut the fish fillets into medium-sized pieces.
    2. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic. Mix well and set aside.
    3. Heat a pot with a generous drizzle of olive oil.
    4. Sauté the onion, bell peppers, and garlic until lightly golden.
    5. Season with salt, pepper, turmeric, and smoked paprika.
    6. Add the tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes.
    7. In a separate skillet, sear the fish fillets in olive oil until golden on both sides.
    8. Return to the sauce and add the coconut milk, stirring well.
    9. If needed, add a little water to adjust the consistency.
    10. Gently add the fish to the sauce, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes.
    11. Finish with palm oil and chopped parsley.

    💡 Chef’s Tips and Variations

    • Searing the fish separately enhances flavor and texture.
    • Serve with white rice and toasted cassava flour or breadcrumbs.
    • For a lighter version, reduce the palm oil and use more fresh herbs.
    • The fresher the fish, the better the final result.

    ⏱️ Prep Time, Yield, and Difficulty

    • Prep time: 35 minutes
    • Servings: 4
    • Difficulty: Easy

    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Can I make this fish stew without palm oil?
    Yes, palm oil is optional, but it adds a traditional flavor.

    What is the best fish for fish stew?
    Firm white fish like tilapia works very well.

    Can I make it ahead of time?
    Yes, the stew tastes even better after resting for a few hours.

    ✅ Conclusion

    This easy and delicious fish stew is perfect for bringing the family together and creating special moments around the table. If you enjoyed this recipe, leave a comment, save it for later, or share it with someone who loves cooking.