Rachel Cohen’s Kitchen: Delicious and Easy Recipes to Try Today

Welcome to Rachel Cohen’s Kitchen, a culinary corner dedicated to simple, delicious, and approachable recipes for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, Rachel’s recipes are designed to be easy to follow and yield impressive results. In this article, we’ll explore a curated selection of Rachel Cohen’s most popular recipes, complete with detailed instructions, helpful tips, and mouthwatering photos to guide you every step of the way.

## About Rachel Cohen

Rachel Cohen is a passionate home cook and food blogger known for her emphasis on fresh ingredients and uncomplicated cooking methods. Inspired by her family’s heritage and her love for sharing good food with others, Rachel creates recipes that are both comforting and flavorful. Her cooking philosophy centers around using high-quality ingredients, embracing simple techniques, and celebrating the joy of creating delicious meals in your own kitchen. Her recipes are featured on several platforms and she has a dedicated following of home cooks who adore her approach.

## Featured Recipes

### 1. Rachel’s Famous Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

This recipe is a staple in Rachel’s kitchen and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The bright, zesty flavors of lemon and herbs infuse the chicken with incredible aroma and taste, while the roasting process ensures a perfectly crispy skin and juicy, tender meat.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
* 1 lemon, halved
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
* 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* Optional: 1 onion, quartered; 2 carrots, roughly chopped; 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This will help the skin crisp up nicely.
2. **Flavor Infusion:** In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, ensuring every part is well coated, including under the skin of the breast. Squeeze the lemon halves over the chicken.
3. **Stuff the Cavity:** Place the lemon halves inside the chicken cavity. If using, add the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and celery stalks to the cavity as well. These vegetables will add flavor and moisture to the chicken as it roasts.
4. **Roast the Chicken:** Place the chicken in a roasting pan or on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
5. **Basting (Optional):** For extra crispy skin, baste the chicken with the pan juices every 20-30 minutes during the roasting process.
6. **Rest and Serve:** Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Carve and serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

**Tips from Rachel:**

* **Dry Brining:** For an even more flavorful and juicy chicken, try dry brining it overnight. Simply rub the chicken with salt and pepper (about 1 teaspoon of salt per pound of chicken) and let it sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. This helps the chicken retain moisture during roasting.
* **Crispy Skin Secret:** Make sure the chicken skin is completely dry before roasting. You can even leave it uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours to help dry it out further.
* **Pan Sauce:** Don’t discard the pan drippings! Use them to make a delicious pan sauce by deglazing the pan with white wine or chicken broth, then simmering until slightly thickened.

### 2. Rachel’s Quick and Easy Tomato Basil Pasta

This classic pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite shape)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Pasta:** Cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. **Sauté the Garlic:** While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. **Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:** Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
4. **Combine Pasta and Sauce:** Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
5. **Add Basil and Serve:** Stir in the fresh basil. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

**Tips from Rachel:**

* **Fresh Tomatoes:** If you have fresh tomatoes, you can use them instead of canned. Simply peel, seed, and chop about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes.
* **Garlic Infused Oil:** For an even more intense garlic flavor, gently heat the olive oil with the garlic over low heat for a few minutes before adding the tomatoes. Remove the garlic before adding the tomatoes to prevent it from burning.
* **Add Protein:** For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp to the pasta.

### 3. Rachel’s Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookies

No recipe collection is complete without a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe. Rachel’s version is soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips, making it the perfect treat for any occasion.

**Ingredients:**

* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup packed brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 large egg
* 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 cup chocolate chips

**Instructions:**

1. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or do it by hand.
2. **Add Egg and Vanilla:** Beat in the vanilla extract and then the egg until well combined.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. **Stir in Chocolate Chips:** Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. **Drop by Rounded Tablespoons:** Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
8. **Cool and Enjoy:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

**Tips from Rachel:**

* **Soft Butter:** Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This will help the cookies have a soft and chewy texture.
* **Chill the Dough:** For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
* **Chocolate Chip Variety:** Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate.

### 4. Rachel’s Hearty Lentil Soup

This lentil soup is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly day. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* ½ teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
* 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
* 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh parsley for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Sauté Vegetables:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
2. **Add Garlic and Spices:** Add the minced garlic, thyme, and oregano and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
3. **Add Lentils, Broth, and Tomatoes:** Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
4. **Season and Serve:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the lemon juice. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

**Tips from Rachel:**

* **Type of Lentils:** Brown or green lentils work best in this soup. Red lentils will cook more quickly and may become mushy.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, spinach, or kale.
* **Make it Creamy:** For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup after it has cooked.

### 5. Rachel’s Simple Garlic Shrimp Scampi

This shrimp scampi recipe is a quick and elegant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The garlic butter sauce is incredibly flavorful and pairs perfectly with the tender shrimp.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* Cooked pasta or rice, for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic:** Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
2. **Add Wine (Optional):** If using, add the white wine to the skillet and let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly.
3. **Add Shrimp and Cook:** Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it will become tough.
4. **Add Lemon Juice and Parsley:** Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Serve:** Serve the shrimp scampi over cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with extra parsley, if desired.

**Tips from Rachel:**

* **Shrimp Preparation:** Make sure the shrimp is completely dry before cooking. This will help it brown nicely.
* **Garlic Lover’s Delight:** Adjust the amount of garlic to your liking. For a more intense garlic flavor, add an extra clove or two.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

## Rachel’s Cooking Tips and Tricks

Rachel Cohen’s approach to cooking is all about simplicity and maximizing flavor. Here are some of her go-to tips and tricks that will elevate your cooking game:

* **Invest in Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the flavor of your dishes. Choose fresh, seasonal produce and high-quality meats and seafood whenever possible.
* **Master the Basics:** Focus on mastering fundamental cooking techniques, such as sautéing, roasting, and grilling. These skills will form the foundation of your culinary repertoire.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season your food liberally with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning is essential for bringing out the flavors of your ingredients.
* **Taste as You Go:** Taste your food frequently during the cooking process and adjust the seasonings as needed. This will help you ensure that your dishes are perfectly balanced.
* **Embrace Simple Recipes:** You don’t need complicated recipes to create delicious meals. Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most satisfying.
* **Get Creative with Leftovers:** Don’t let leftovers go to waste! Use them to create new and exciting dishes. Leftover roasted chicken can be used in salads, sandwiches, or soups.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** Cooking should be fun and creative. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. You might discover your new favorite dish!
* **Proper Knife Skills:** Improving your knife skills will not only make cooking faster but also safer. Invest time in learning the basic cuts.
* **Understanding Heat:** Learn how different heat levels impact cooking. This will enable you to control the cooking process and get the results you want.
* **Batch Cooking:** Prepare ingredients in large batches. Chop vegetables, cook grains, and roast meats on the weekend, so that on weekdays it takes less time and effort to assemble meals.

## Connecting with Rachel Cohen

If you’re looking for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, be sure to follow Rachel Cohen online:

* **Blog:** RachelCohenKitchen.com (Example)
* **Instagram:** @RachelCohenCooks (Example)
* **Facebook:** Rachel Cohen’s Kitchen (Example)
* **Pinterest:** RachelCohenRecipes (Example)

By following Rachel, you will find new recipes, cooking videos, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into Rachel’s culinary life. Also, you can find tips, tricks, and answers to cooking-related questions.

## Conclusion

Rachel Cohen’s recipes are a testament to the power of simple, flavorful, and approachable cooking. Whether you’re craving a comforting classic or something new and exciting, her recipes are sure to inspire you in the kitchen. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with Rachel Cohen!

Bon appétit!