Great Today, Better Tomorrow: 8 Killer Make-Ahead Recipes
What a Difference a Day Makes
Our food editors know a good idea when they see one. Over the years they've learned from each other and discovered lots of tricks, including this one: Some dishes are better when made ahead. Here's a roundup of some of our test kitchen experts' favorite foods that become just that much tastier the next day.
Yesterday's Braise
Meats braised in advance are a great boon when entertaining. They not only get us ahead but are actually better made ahead. It's simply a matter of the flavors' mingling, evolving, and heightening.
Braised Pork Shoulder
Make an irresistible dinner (or three!) with a slow-cooked pork shoulder enriched with pancetta, Belgian ale, and earthy spices.
Get the Braised Pork Shoulder Recipe
Related: Hands Down, The 20 Grilling Recipes You Must Try This Summer
Sleep with the Fishes
An overnight bath in broth gives lobster stew and seafood gumbo more nuance.
Cioppino (Seafood Stew)
Impress your family with this famous San Franciscan seafood stew. Invented by Italian-American fishermen, this recipe for cioppino features an assortment of seafood cooked in a tomato broth. The recipe calls for clams, firm white fish, shrimp, and crab legs, but feel free to use your favorite seafood combination.
It All Adds Up
When made ahead, minestrone, chili, beans, curries, and Bolognese sauce become more than the sum of their parts.
Heather's Texas Red Chili
Chipotle adds a hint of smokiness as well as a touch of heat to this earthy chili.
Get Heather's Texas Red Chili Recipe
Bolognese Sauce
Pair this meaty, velvety ragu with fresh tagliatelle for a soul-satisfying family dinner.
Get the Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Classic Minestrone
This beloved Italian soup isn't just hearty and healthy -- it's really flexible. Minestrone typically includes lots of leafy greens, other veggies, and beans. Which to choose? You're limited only by the contents of your refrigerator and pantry.
Get the Classic Minestrone Recipe
Related: 20 Delicious New Brown-Bag Lunch Ideas
Big-Batch Beans
Beans are money in the bank for the weeknight cook.
Get the Big-Batch Beans Recipes
On the Side
Barbecue sauce, salsa, chutney, Bloody Mary mix: Even add-ins and condiments will be all the better for a day's rest.
Classic Barbecue Sauce
This all-purpose tomato-based sauce balances sweet, savory, and earthy flavors.
Get the Classic Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Salsa Trio and Homemade Tortilla Chips
Start the fiesta with not one but three salsas -- cruda, verde, and roasted tomato.
Get the Salsa Trio and Homemade Tortilla Chips Recipes
More from Martha Stewart:
35 Beyond Delicious No-Bake Dessert Recipes
15 Kitchen Shortcuts That Will Change the Way You Cook
Fast, One-Pot Meal Ideas To Feed the Whole Family
Martha Stewart's All-Time Favorite Dessert Recipes
This chili takes only 30 minutes, but will taste even better after a night in the fridge.
