Experience the best of global and comfort cooking with my top 20 personal favorite new recipes from Gimme Some Oven in 2020.
Following yesterday’s exciting showcase of your most beloved new Gimme Some Oven recipes from 2020, today, I’m thrilled to unveil my personal favorites from a truly unforgettable year. While there was, as expected, a delightful overlap between our lists – notably with the ever-popular homemade tortillas, which became a staple in our casita – diving into my selections reveals a clear theme: a profound sense of wanderlust.
2020 presented unprecedented challenges, and I remain incredibly grateful for the immense privilege my husband and I had to safely work from home throughout the pandemic. However, like so many of you, I deeply missed the joy of travel and the exciting adventures we had planned for the year. This included a much-anticipated springtime birthday trip to Morocco, an extended visit back to Kansas City for the holidays, and a babymoon somewhere, anywhere! As someone whose travel itineraries are meticulously crafted around culinary experiences, missing out on exploring new restaurants and tasting novel flavors on these planned trips was a particular bummer.
Instead, we embraced our home in Barcelona for most of the year, a pattern likely to continue well into 2021. Unable to hop on planes and explore the world physically, we embarked on a flavorful culinary journey right from our kitchen. This might not have been the year of travel-eating we envisioned, but it certainly turned out to be a very delicious one. From reliving our vibrant adventures in Istanbul with countless batches of menemen and comforting lentil soup, to expanding my Mexican salsa repertoire with incredibly tasty raw tomatillo, peanut chipotle, and shortcut-mole sauces. This year also saw a slight obsession with curries of all kinds, finally perfecting my dream Caesar salad recipe, and a delightful marathon of nostalgic American baked goods this fall. Alongside these, countless other new recipes and culinary experiments, many yet to grace the blog, filled our kitchen with joy. Cooking with ingredients and recipes inspired by our favorite places around the world truly became its own wonderful adventure and a bright spot in an otherwise challenging year. For that, I am profoundly grateful.
So, without further ado, here are the 20 recipes that stood out as my personal new favorites on Gimme Some Oven in 2020. I’m incredibly excited to kick off 2021 next week with a fresh lineup of healthy and vibrant recipes that I believe you’re going to adore. Stay tuned for more deliciousness to come!
Menemen (Turkish Egg Scramble)
Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Istanbul with our cherished Menemen recipe, a traditional Turkish egg scramble that became a true revelation during our travels. This incredibly cozy and flavorful breakfast dish marries ripe, juicy tomatoes, sweet peppers, and tender onions, all gently simmered before eggs are cracked directly into the mixture and cooked to your preferred runny or firm consistency. We were thrilled to discover how remarkably simple it is to recreate this authentic taste at home, using just a handful of fresh ingredients. The rich, savory aromas filling your kitchen are just the beginning of this delightful experience. For the ultimate indulgence, serve this bubbling, hot scramble with plenty of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delectable tomato and egg goodness. It’s a healthy, satisfying start to any day, a truly unforgettable culinary memory brought right to your table.
Cabbage Egg Drop Soup
If you’ve followed Gimme Some Oven for any length of time, you’ll know my love for a comforting bowl of egg drop soup runs deep. This year, I perfected a beloved variation for the blog: my Cabbage Egg Drop Soup. This delightful recipe features a light, aromatic sesame ginger broth, beautifully delicate egg ribbons, and an abundance of crisp Napa cabbage. It’s a remarkably easy dish to prepare, coming together in a mere 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick side or a healthy main course. The flavors are so cozy and satisfying, offering a gentle warmth that’s perfect on a chilly evening or whenever you need a soothing meal. For an extra touch of freshness and texture, I highly recommend adding some baby bok choy if you have it on hand. This soup quickly became a monthly favorite in our household!
Korean Steak Bowls
I simply cannot get enough of the exquisite flavor combination in these Korean Steak Bowls. This recipe brings together succulent, soy-marinated steak bites, a crisp and refreshing sesame cucumber slaw, and the star of the show: an incredibly flavorful 2-ingredient gochujang sauce that you absolutely must try if you haven’t already. Served over your choice of fluffy rice or hearty quinoa, this bowl is a symphony of textures and tastes. What makes it even more fantastic is its versatility; we often adapt this recipe in our home to include crispy tofu or serve it with Beyond Burgers, ensuring my vegetarian husband can enjoy it just as much. It’s a consistently winning dish, perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner or for effortless meal prep, offering a taste of vibrant Korean-inspired cuisine that’s naturally gluten-free and utterly delicious.
Mole Chicken Tacos
For anyone craving tacos bursting with rich, complex flavors, these Mole Chicken Tacos are an absolute must-try. The secret lies in our amazing shortcut mole sauce, which comes together in just 20 minutes, offering all the depth of traditional mole without the lengthy preparation. Simply toss this incredible sauce with shredded or diced chicken for a truly sublime filling. These tacos are beyond delicious, or as we say, buenísimos, especially when paired with creamy slices of fresh avocado and a generous squeeze of zesty lime. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, finely diced onion, or a sprinkle of cheese. For a vegetarian or vegan option, roasted cauliflower makes a fantastic substitute for the chicken, making this a versatile and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Peanut Chipotle Salsa
Speaking of full-flavored, this creamy, savory, smoky, and subtly sweet Peanut Chipotle Salsa quickly became another standout favorite in our home this year. Its unique character comes from a classic base of fresh tomatoes, aromatic onions, pungent garlic, and vibrant cilantro, beautifully layered with the unexpected yet incredibly effective addition of sweet peanut butter and smoky chipotle peppers. Trust me, the peanut butter works wonders, adding a delightful richness and depth that elevates this salsa far beyond the ordinary. It’s remarkably easy to make in just 10 minutes, and is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone. This crazy delicious salsa is perfect for serving as a versatile dip with tortilla chips, a flavorful sauce for grilled meats or vegetables, or a delightful spread on sandwiches and wraps – truly whatever sounds good!
Salmon Asparagus Orzo Salad
I absolutely adored this vibrant, spring-inspired pasta salad, which features tender orzo (or your pasta of choice) as its base. This Salmon Asparagus Orzo Salad is a refreshing combination of flaky smoked salmon, crisp sautéed asparagus, thinly sliced red onions, and fragrant fresh dill, all brought together with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese and a bright, zesty lemon dressing. It’s a wonderfully versatile dish that tastes equally fantastic whether served warm or cold, making it perfect for both lunch and dinner. What’s even better is that the flavors truly meld and deepen overnight, meaning the leftovers are often even more delicious the next day. This recipe is an ideal make-ahead option for busy weeks or delightful gatherings, offering a taste of fresh, healthy, Italian-inspired cuisine that’s packed with flavor.
Chipotle Cheddar Chopped Salad
One of the unexpected culinary comforts I’ve missed most since living abroad in Spain has been the convenience and deliciousness of those awesome bagged chopped salads from the States, especially the chipotle cheddar varieties. Determined to recreate that familiar craving, I developed my own Chipotle Cheddar Chopped Salad from scratch, elevating it with the addition of tender chopped chicken and creamy avocado. While nothing quite beats the sheer convenience of a store-bought version, I must confess that this homemade recipe is undeniably even tastier! It’s brimming with a delightful mix of crunchy greens, sharp cheddar cheese, perfectly seasoned chicken, fresh cilantro, and a rich, creamy chipotle honey-lime dressing that ties all the flavors together beautifully. This healthy, gluten-free, Mexican/Tex-Mex inspired salad is now a staple for dinners, satisfying that longing for a taste of home with superior flavor.
Fresh Salsa Verde
Barclay and I completely fell head over heels for salsa verde cruda, or raw green salsa, during our recent trips to Mexico City. For anyone who has yet to experience the sheer brilliance of this unique raw salsa – which stands quite apart from the more common salsas verdes typically found in grocery stores and restaurants (those usually feature roasted tomatillos) – I was thrilled to share my favorite recipe for it earlier this year. This Fresh Salsa Verde is an absolute revelation, quick and effortless to prepare in just 5 minutes. It highlights the natural sweetness and vibrant tang of raw tomatillos, blended with creamy avocado, creating a sauce that is refreshingly light, subtly sweet, and incredibly delicious. Perfect as a dip with crispy tortilla chips, a zesty drizzle over tacos, burgers, or kabobs, or simply enjoyed however your taste buds desire, this salsa is a delightful culinary discovery.
Best Caesar Salad
As I boldly declared in its original post, this is, quite simply, the Caesar salad of my dreams. This “Best Caesar Salad” recipe is a masterclass in classic flavors and textures, featuring crisp, fresh Romaine lettuce, perfectly toasted sourdough croutons, and generous shavings of nutty Parmesan cheese. The magic, however, truly lies in my absolute favorite, boldly flavored Caesar dressing. Yes, for that authentic, umami-rich depth, anchovies are, in my opinion, non-negotiable. However, if raw eggs in the dressing give you pause, rest assured that delicious pasteurized egg options or alternative preparations are available. With its harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and fresh notes, this salad stands as my definitive, truly superior Caesar recipe. It’s perfect as a vibrant side or can be easily transformed into a hearty main by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
Tomato Lentil Curry
For those days when you’re deeply craving a bowl of cozy, healthy, and incredibly satisfying vegetarian comfort food, this Tomato Lentil Curry is here to deliver. This recipe stands out with its rich and aromatic coconut curry tomato broth, which serves as the perfect foundation for hearty lentils and tender, sweet cubes of sweet potato. The flavors are warm, subtly spiced, and deeply comforting, making it an ideal meal for chilly evenings or any time you need a nourishing boost. We thoroughly enjoy serving this vibrant curry with fluffy rice or warm naan bread, allowing you to savor every last drop of its deliciousness. Best of all, it’s an absolute breeze to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a fantastic and inclusive option for a wide range of dietary preferences. This curry truly became a cherished, go-to favorite for a wholesome and flavorful dinner.
Coconut Lime Chicken and Broccoli
I’m pretty sure my affection for all things chicken and broccoli will endure forever, but this year, this simple stir-fry simmered in a tangy, creamy, and irresistibly aromatic coconut lime sauce became an extra-special favorite. This Coconut Lime Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a testament to how quickly you can create vibrant, restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen, coming together in just 30 minutes. The sauce is a star in itself, beautifully seasoned with fresh ginger, fragrant lemongrass, and pungent garlic, infusing every bite with a delightful Thai-inspired zest. We often prepare this dish with juicy chicken and crisp broccoli, but we’ve also enjoyed it immensely with succulent shrimp and broccoli, proving its delicious versatility. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a quick, healthy, and utterly satisfying dinner that transports your taste buds to tropical climes.
Five Spice Tofu with Sesame Noodles
2020 was the year I finally embraced five-spice powder with a fervor I hadn’t before (seriously, why haven’t I been cooking with this incredible spice more over the years?!). The secret to this dish’s success lies in its remarkably simple yet flavor-packed 3-ingredient sauce, which quickly became my favorite way to utilize this aromatic blend. In this recipe, I tossed perfectly crispy tofu (though you could easily substitute chicken, pork, shrimp, or tempeh if you prefer) with this sweet and savory sauce, featuring hoisin, rice vinegar, and, of course, five spice. It’s then served generously over my all-time favorite sesame noodles, creating a harmonious and utterly delicious meal. Honestly, the versatility of this five-spice sauce is immense – it can elevate countless dishes. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try for something distinctly different, healthy, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for a weeknight dinner or easy meal prep with an Asian-inspired twist.
Ginger Kale Fried Rice
Fried rice is an absolute go-to in our dinner rotation, a beloved staple that offers endless possibilities for customization. We constantly enjoy experimenting with my original fried rice recipe, introducing different proteins, a variety of vegetables, and new seasonings to keep things exciting. In 2020, this Ginger Kale Fried Rice variation soared to the top of our favorites list. It’s crafted with wholesome brown rice, pan-fried until it achieves that coveted extra-crispy texture, making every bite a delight. What sets this version apart is the generous inclusion of an entire bunch of fresh, vibrant kale, adding a healthy boost and a pleasant slight bitterness that complements the dish beautifully. And, as the name suggests, it’s packed with an abundance of fragrant ginger and garlicky flavor, making it incredibly aromatic and comforting. Quick and easy to make, this healthy, vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly fried rice is truly so good, and you can always add extra protein like chicken or shrimp, or more veggies, to make it your own.
Watermelon Lime Mocktails
Between navigating various fertility diets, undergoing IVF, and eventually becoming pregnant (hooray!) last summer, 2020 turned out to be a decidedly dry year in our household. This meant one fantastic thing: more mocktails! Among the many delicious non-alcoholic concoctions we experimented with, these Watermelon Lime Mocktails quickly became a radiant favorite for both us and all our friends. This refreshingly simple recipe requires just two core ingredients, making it effortlessly easy to whip up a batch. The magic, however, is truly elevated with the addition of a fun Tajín rim, which adds a delightful tangy, salty, and subtly spicy kick that perfectly complements the sweet fruit. It’s the quintessential frozen slushy, offering a vibrant burst of summer flavor that’s both invigorating and satisfying. Stay tuned, as another exciting mocktail recipe will be hitting the blog this week, just in time for New Year’s Eve celebrations!
Green Curry Salmon
This incredibly simple and flavorful Green Curry Salmon was another standout favorite in our kitchen, cherished particularly for how wonderfully quick and easy it is to prepare, coming together in less than 30 minutes. This dish features perfectly tender salmon fillets, which flake beautifully, alongside crisp fresh baby bok choy. The true star, however, is the most delicious Thai-inspired lime coconut green curry sauce. This vibrant, aromatic sauce beautifully infuses the salmon and vegetables with layers of zesty lime, rich coconut, and a gentle warmth from the green curry paste, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying meal. The beauty of this recipe also lies in its adaptability; you can effortlessly play around with whatever kinds of vegetables you prefer to sauté in the curry, from bell peppers to snap peas. It tastes magnificent served over a bed of fluffy rice, silky noodles, or even cauliflower rice, making it a versatile and healthy gluten-free dinner option for any night of the week.
French Lentil and Mushroom Soup
Turns out, I did a little more lentil-hoarding during quarantine than I initially realized, which meant we enjoyed lots of lentil soups throughout 2020! Among them, this French-inspired Lentil and Mushroom Soup quickly rose to become one of our absolute new favorites. This hearty yet healthy soup is simmered to perfection with a most delicious blend of fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and tender greens, creating a wonderfully complex and comforting flavor profile. It’s truly the epitome of comfort food, offering warmth and nourishment in every spoonful. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of diets. It’s particularly delightful during this time of year, offering a cozy embrace that feels both indulgent and incredibly good for you. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary and deeply satisfying.
Pumpkin Scones
My nostalgia for classic American fall and holiday desserts hit particularly hard this year, especially with the inability to travel home for the holidays. (And yes, there may have been some delightful pregnancy cravings mixed in there too! 😉) As you might have noticed, the final months of the year transformed the blog into a bit of a bake-a-thon, brimming with all my favorite sweet treats. Among these, these Pumpkin Scones stood out as one of my absolute faves. They are wonderfully quick and easy to make, boasting the quintessential cozy pumpkin flavors that define autumn. Each scone is beautifully drizzled with a light, sweet vanilla glaze, adding a touch of elegance and extra indulgence without being overly sweet. These scones are truly the perfect treat for any occasion – whether enjoyed as a comforting breakfast, a delightful brunch item, a satisfying snack, or a decadent dessert. They capture the essence of fall in every soft, spiced bite.
Nut Roast
2020 also marked the year that Barclay and I completely fell in love with the culinary brilliance of British-style nut roasts. Our wonderful friends from the UK and South Africa introduced us to this incredible vegetarian classic, which offers endless possibilities for customization. This particular Nut Roast recipe, rich with a deliciously sweet and savory blend of various nuts, wholesome vegetables, hearty lentils, plump dried apricots, and aromatic fresh rosemary and sage, was the one we ultimately made and proudly served for our Christmas dinner at home. It’s an exceptionally flavorful and satisfying alternative to traditional holiday roasts, packed with texture and depth. What’s more, it’s remarkably easy to prepare in advance, making holiday meal planning a breeze. Naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan, this nut roast is absolutely delicious, especially when served with vibrant cranberry sauce and/or a rich gravy. If you’re new to the world of nut roasts, I wholeheartedly encourage you to put this recipe on your list for next year’s holidays or any special Sunday dinner – I genuinely believe you will adore it!
Linzer Cookies
This past year, I found immense joy and comfort in baking, and consequently, made a ridiculous amount of these classic Linzer Cookies to share with our friends and neighbors. I also happily discovered that they pair absolutely perfectly with my morning coffee! These cookies are truly a delight – so simple yet incredibly delicious, and never overly sweet. They feature a delicate, buttery almond shortbread base, beautifully sandwiched around your choice of vibrant jam (or luscious lemon curd or even decadent Nutella). The intricate snowflake and Christmas cut-outs make them especially festive and visually stunning, serving as my personal baking therapy throughout the month. Beyond the holidays, these charming cut-out cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion that calls for a touch of elegance and homemade sweetness. I was so happy that all of our loved ones here enjoyed them just as much as I did, making them a truly memorable treat.