There’s something sacred about the meals that stick with you — the ones that feel like home, like warmth, like mama cooked this with her whole soul.
So I asked my 16-year-old son to name his top 5 favorite meals that I make — with one rule:
They had to be from scratch, filling, and comforting.
He gave me his list without hesitation — no fancy dishes, no Pinterest recipes, just real food made with love. These meals? They’ve seen us through long days, late nights, and everything in between.
Here’s what made the list:
1. Any Pasta Dish I Make 🍝
Whether it’s creamy Alfredo, spicy rigatoni, or my weeknight beef stir-fry — if it’s noodles and it came from my stove, he’s asking for seconds. Pasta is the canvas, but the seasoning? That’s the love.
2. Chicken & Sausage Gumbo 🍲
This one is a whole event — slow-cooked roux, smoked sausage, shredded chicken, and layers of flavor that fill the whole house. My son has a seafood allergy, so we have adapted to this version and it doesn’t feel like we’re missing anything! Every time I make it, he posts up in the kitchen like, “Is it ready yet?” and I am constantly sending him away threatening him that he has to help chop the veggies!
3. Ground Beef or Chicken & Rice 🍽️
Simple. Humble. Reliable. This is one of those meals that’s never let us down. I switch up the seasoning, sometimes add peppers or gravy, but the bones of it stay the same: hearty and comforting. If you follow me on Instagram, you know this is also one of my favorite meal, too!
4. Baked Chicken, Potatoes & Veggies 🍗🥔🥕
This one is as nourishing as it is nostalgic. I throw it all on a sheet pan, season it to the heavens, and let the oven do the work. He calls this one “the Sunday meal,” even when it’s not Sunday.
5. My “Ghetto” Spaghetti 🍝✨
That’s his (& his dad’s) name for it — not mine! You know the one: ground beef, canned tomato sauce, seasoned to perfection, with a little sugar to cut the acid, and cheese on top. It’s not a recipe you find in cookbooks. It’s passed down in vibes and taste memory. It’s childhood. It’s survival. It’s Black mama magic in a bowl.
What I love most is that this list isn’t just about food. It’s about consistency. Comfort. Care. These meals are my way of saying “I see you,” “I love you,” and “You’re safe here.”
Food has always been a love language in my home — and this little moment reminded me that sometimes the simplest meals leave the deepest mark.
If you’re in your Thirty Now What era like me — trying to raise good humans, stay sane, and make something nourishing out of what you’ve got — just know: the meals don’t have to be perfect. They just have to be yours.
Until next time,
XO, Siara
