What should I cook today?
A new week, seven new lunch ideas. In our fourth Jernej Kitchen weekly meal plan, we’ve gathered a varied selection of recipes for every day of the week – from a delicious risotto to a one-pan meal and an autumn-inspired fish dish. For the weekend, we’ve chosen two comforting homemade meals worth taking a little extra time over.
Something sweet? Seasonal pears and caramelized apples.
We hope this week’s meal plan helps you answer that familiar question: What shall we cook today?
Monday: Mushroom Risotto
We’re starting the week with a creamy mushroom risotto that brings comforting autumn flavors to the table. Sautéed mushrooms add a rich depth of flavor, while butter and Parmesan create a wonderfully creamy texture. Serve it as a main course with a fresh salad on the side.
A lovely choice for Meatless Monday, when we’re craving something warm, comforting, and satisfying.
Tuesday: Mongolian Chicken
For a little variety in our weekly meal plan, we’re making Mongolian chicken. Crispy chicken pieces are tossed in a sweet and sour sauce with garlic, ginger, and spring onions for a dish packed with flavor. Serve it with steamed basmati rice and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, if you like.
A great choice for a weekday lunch when we’re craving something different but only have half an hour to cook.
Wednesday: Spaghetti Marinara
Wednesday is all about simple flavors and a quick lunch. This spaghetti with tomato sauce comes together in just 15 minutes, using ingredients we often already have at home. Grated carrots add a lovely natural sweetness to the sauce, while garlic and oregano bring plenty of flavor.
Serve it with fresh basil and grated Parmesan, if you like. A great choice for days when we have less time to cook but still want a delicious homemade lunch that the kids will enjoy too.
Thursday: Potato Goulash with Sausage
On Thursday, we’re serving homemade potato goulash with hot dogs – one of those dishes that takes us back to childhood. Tender chunks of potato, vegetables, and fragrant spices make a hearty stew, with pan-fried hot dogs adding the finishing touch.
Serve it with chopped parsley and a spoonful of sour cream, if you like. A lovely choice for a family lunch that you can also make ahead and simply reheat the next day.
Recipe for Potato Goulash with Sausage
Friday: Oven-Roasted Salmon with Rice and Savoy Cabbage
Friday is fish day again this week. This time, we’re making juicy oven-baked salmon served with rice and sautéed savoy cabbage. The whole meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy Fridays.
For the finishing touch, we add a quick peanut sauce with lemon juice that brings all the flavors together. A simple, delicious lunch with an autumn feel.
Recipe for Oven-Roasted Salmon with Rice and Savory Cabbage
Saturday: Hungarian Goulash
Saturday is perfect for a slow-cooked beef goulash. As it gently simmers, the meat becomes meltingly tender, while the onions and spices create a rich, thick sauce. A hearty, comforting homemade dish that’s especially welcome on colder days.
It takes a little longer to cook, making the weekend the ideal time to prepare it. Serve it with mashed potatoes, polenta, or wide ribbon pasta. You can also make a larger batch and freeze a portion for days when you have less time to cook.
Sunday: Roasted Stuffed Whole Chicken
For Sunday lunch, we’re making Mom’s stuffed roast chicken. Golden, crispy skin, juicy meat, and a generous bread stuffing with pancetta and herbs make this a comforting homemade meal that brings the whole family together.
We roast carrots, kohlrabi, and celeriac in the same pan, where they soak up the delicious chicken juices. The stuffing and roasted vegetables take care of the side dishes, so all you might want to add is a fresh salad.
Recipe for Roasted Stuffed Whole Chicken
Two gorgeous desserts to end the week
Because weekends are almost always better with something sweet, we’re sharing two dessert ideas again this week. The first is perfect for celebrations or a weekend treat, while the second is a lovely apple dessert that warms the heart and soul.
Sour Cream–Topped Cheesecake Slices
Moist, creamy, and made with three delicious layers. This triple-baked cheesecake combines a cookie crust, a delicate cottage cheese filling, and a smooth sour cream topping.
It’s perfect for a weekend afternoon with a cup of coffee or tea, or for family celebrations. Make it a day ahead, as it’s best after a night in the fridge, when the layers have had time to set.
Recipe for Sour Cream–Topped Cheesecake Slices
Spiced Apple Tarte Tatin
Our second dessert is a lovely autumn treat. Apple tarte Tatin is a French upside-down tart that pairs juicy, caramelized apples with crisp puff pastry. Cinnamon, vanilla, and other fragrant spices fill the kitchen with a wonderful aroma as it bakes.
We use ready-made puff pastry to make things a little easier. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream – a delicious way to finish a weekend lunch or enjoy an afternoon cup of tea.
Recipe for Spiced Apple Tarte Tatin
What to cook this week?
We hope our fourth weekly meal plan makes planning lunch a little easier and saves you from wondering what to put on the table every day. Feel free to swap recipes between days, cook a larger batch, or prepare a dish the day before.
This week, we’ve combined quick weekday lunches with comforting homemade dishes for a more relaxed weekend – from creamy mushroom risotto, Mongolian chicken, and spaghetti with tomato sauce to potato goulash with hot dogs and salmon with rice and savoy cabbage. For the weekend, we’re making slow-cooked beef goulash and stuffed roast chicken, followed by two sweet treats: triple-baked cheesecake and apple tarte Tatin.
You’ll find plenty more ideas for quick lunches, family meals, soups and stews, meatless recipes, and desserts on Jernej Kitchen, so you can always revisit our previous weekly meal plans for inspiration.
Next week, we’ll be back with seven new lunch ideas to make answering “What to cook this week?” a little easier.
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