These 8 dishes taste even better the next day and the surprising reasons behind their flavor boost
Some dishes, once prepared, seem to gain in flavor over time. You've probably noticed: a gratin, a curry or a bolognese reheated the next day often seems much better. But why? And above all, which dishes are really worth cooking in advance?
Why do some dishes taste better after a night in the fridge?
It's all a question of culinary chemistry:
- Flavours continue to diffuse after cooking. Spices, herbs and sauces impregnate ingredients better.
- Sauces thicken slightly, making them rounder and more binding.
- Resting softens acidity (as in tomato sauce) and develops deeper flavors.
The result: a dish prepared the day before is often tastier and more harmonious the next day.
8 even better dishes the next day
1. Lasagne
The undisputed star. Layers of pasta, tomato sauce and cheese melt into a symphony of flavors after an overnight rest.
If we had to choose one dish that everyone agrees on, it would be lasagne bolognese ;) With its generous layers of pasta, long-simmered Bolognese sauce , creamy béchamel sauce and golden Parmesan gratin, it's the recipe par excellence for a...
2. Curry (vegetable, chicken, chickpea...)
The spices have time to blend and intensify. The next day, each bite is even more fragrant.
In the list of comforting dishes , we gladly ask for a chickpea curry ! Served with rice, this fragrant recipe will warm your stomach :-) You'll see how easy this recipe is with the steps explained below ↓
3. Chili con carne or sin carne
Like curry, this simmering dish gains in depth over time. Ideal for preparing in large quantities.
Head for Mexico and let your taste buds travel with a sombrero on your head thanks to our Chili Con Carne! This emblematic Tex-Mex recipe promises a heart-warming meal of spicy flavors. Let yourself be tempted by this delicious blend of meats and...
4. Bolognese sauce
With a night's rest, it's softer, rounder and coats the pasta better.
Fancy a good homemade bolognese sauce , just like in Italy? This recipe for ragù alla bolognese is simple, authentic and full of flavor :) With finely chopped vegetables, well-seared meat, good red wine and slow cooking, you get a rich, flavorful...
5. Gratins (pasta, vegetables, Dauphinois)
The sauce and cheese set a little, then melt again when reheated, for an irresistible texture.
It is a simple and delicious vegetarian gratin , ideal for making the most reluctant to eat vegetables. This preparation brings together all the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine that we love: mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and of course eggplant. If...
6. Stews and casseroles
Beef bourguignon, blanquette de veau, tajine... these long-cooked dishes always benefit from a little more patience.
An iconic French dish, beef bourguignon is a generous and convivial recipe, loved by all gourmets for generations! Originally from Burgundy, this culinary specialty showcases pieces of beef simmered for a long time in a fragrant red wine,...
7. Couscous
The semolina absorbs even more of the flavors of the vegetables and sauce, making for a tastier dish the next day.
For all of you that love couscous, here is the real recipe, directly coming from Morocco !
8. Soups
A vegetable soup, onion soup or creamy velouté reveals more of its flavor after a few hours' rest.
When you come home in the evening after a day in the rain and cold, the solution lies in dinner with this delicious leek, coconut, and curry soup! Creamy and very easy to make, it will bring sunshine into your home as well as a touch of exoticism! You...
Practical tips
- Always allow to cool before refrigerating.
- Store in an airtight tin.
- Reheat gently, over low heat or in the microwave, to avoid drying out.
- Some dishes (such as pasta on its own) are not made to wait: it's better to save the sauce and cook the fresh pasta at the last minute.
In a nutshell
Preparing your dishes the day before not only saves time, it also makes for even more intense flavors. So the next time you cook a gratin, a curry or a simmered sauce, remember to do a little more... the next day, you'll be rewarded!
Adèle Peyches
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