March is that in-between month. Some days still call for cozy stews and slow-simmered comfort, while others start hinting at brighter, lighter spring meals. It’s the perfect time to mix things up in the kitchen.
This list gives you a little bit of everything. Hearty Latin stews. Bold Thai curries. Mediterranean seafood. Rustic Italian pastas. Bean-based comfort. Southern classics. Quick weeknight dinners and slow weekend projects.
If you’re cooking through March and want variety without getting bored, this lineup has you covered.
1. Coq au Vin
This French classic is the definition of slow-cooked comfort. Chicken gently braised in red wine with mushrooms and aromatics becomes incredibly tender and deeply flavorful. It feels elegant enough for guests but cozy enough for a quiet Sunday dinner. Perfect for those lingering cool evenings in early spring.
Get the Recipe: Coq au Vin
2. Blackened Salmon with Mango Salsa
Smoky Cajun spices create a bold crust on the salmon, while fresh mango salsa brings brightness and sweetness. It’s colorful, vibrant, and full of contrast. This is the kind of meal that feels fresh and exciting without being complicated. A perfect bridge between winter comfort and spring flavor.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Salmon with Mango Salsa
3. Puerto Rican Carne Guisada
Tender chunks of beef simmer low and slow in a rich, tomato-based sauce packed with Latin flavor. The gravy is deeply seasoned and perfect spooned over rice. It’s hearty without being heavy, making it ideal for cooler March nights. Comfort food at its best.
Get the Recipe: Carne Guisada
4. Pasta alla Norma
Roasted eggplant melts into a garlicky tomato sauce that clings beautifully to pasta. Salty cheese finishes it off with bold flavor. It’s rustic, satisfying, and completely meatless without feeling like you’re missing anything. A perfect way to brighten up pasta night.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma
5. Thai Penang Curry
Creamy, nutty, and layered with warm spices, this curry delivers bold flavor in every bite. It has just the right balance of heat and richness. The aroma alone will draw everyone into the kitchen. Cozy enough for winter, but vibrant enough for spring.
Get the Recipe: Thai Penang Curry
6. Shrimp Mozambique
Juicy shrimp simmer in a garlicky, buttery, slightly spicy sauce that’s begging for crusty bread. It comes together quickly but tastes restaurant-worthy. The sauce is bold and deeply flavorful. This is one of those dishes that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Mozambique
7. Chicken Murphy
Juicy chicken, sausage, peppers, and potatoes all simmer together in a bold white wine sauce. It’s rustic, hearty, and packed with garlicky flavor. This one feels like an old-school Italian-American comfort dish. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Murphy
8. White Bolognese Sauce
This creamy, tomato-light ragù is rich, savory, and beautifully balanced. It clings to pasta in the most satisfying way. If you love classic Bolognese but want something a little different, this is it. Cozy, indulgent, and perfect for March pasta nights.
Get the Recipe: White Bolognese Sauce
9. Mediterranean Fish with Tapenade
Tender fish topped with briny olive tapenade and fresh herbs makes for a light yet flavorful meal. It’s simple but elegant. The flavors are bright and Mediterranean-inspired. A great option when you’re ready to lean into lighter cooking.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Fish with Tapenade
10. Pozole Rojo
This Mexican classic features tender pork and hominy in a rich red chili broth. It’s bold, comforting, and layered with flavor. Topped with fresh garnishes, it feels hearty yet balanced. A perfect weekend cooking project.
Get the Recipe: Pozole Rojo
11. Butter Beans Mediterranean Style
Creamy butter beans simmered with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs until perfectly tender. It’s simple cooking that delivers big flavor. This dish works as a side or a satisfying vegetarian main. Rustic, wholesome, and incredibly comforting.
Get the Recipe: Butter Beans Mediterranean Style
12. Jerk Chicken Pasta
Spicy, smoky jerk seasoning meets creamy pasta in this bold fusion dish. It’s rich, flavorful, and just a little fiery. The heat builds beautifully with each bite. A fun way to shake up your usual pasta routine.
Get the Recipe: Jerk Chicken Pasta
13. Spanish Clams with Chorizo
Briny clams and smoky chorizo cook together in a garlicky broth that’s full of depth. The flavors are bold and savory. Serve with crusty bread to soak up every drop. It feels special without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Clams with Chorizo
14. Pad Kra Pao
This Thai street food favorite is spicy, garlicky, and packed with fresh basil. It’s quick, bold, and perfect over rice with a runny egg. The flavors are punchy and addictive. A weeknight winner with serious personality.
Get the Recipe: Pad Kra Pao
15. Steak Pizzaiola
Tender steak simmered in a robust tomato sauce with garlic and herbs. It’s simple but incredibly satisfying. The sauce is bold and perfect for spooning over the meat. A comforting Italian classic.
Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola
16. Cannellini Beans with Garlic and Herbs
Creamy beans cooked with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs create a rustic, satisfying dish. It’s light but full of flavor. Perfect as a side or a simple main with crusty bread. Proof that beans can absolutely shine.
Get the Recipe: Cannellini Beans with Garlic and Herbs
17. Moqueca
This Brazilian fish stew is vibrant, fragrant, and layered with bold flavor. It’s comforting without feeling heavy. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients makes it stand out. A seafood dish that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Moqueca
18. Dominican Pollo Guisado
Chicken simmered in a rich tomato-based gravy with bold Caribbean flavor. It’s hearty, comforting, and deeply satisfying. The sauce is perfect over rice. Even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Dominican Pollo Guisado
19. Dirty Martini Pasta
Briny olives and creamy sauce create a pasta that’s playful and full of flavor. It’s unexpected but totally addictive. The salty notes balance beautifully with the creaminess. A fun twist for pasta lovers.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Martini Pasta
20. Red Beans and Rice
Smoky, savory, and deeply comforting, this Southern classic is always a good idea. The flavors develop beautifully as it simmers. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal. Perfect for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Red Beans and Rice
21. Marry Me Chicken
Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is rich and irresistible. The sauce is silky and packed with flavor. It’s perfect over pasta or mashed potatoes. No wonder it earned its name.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken
22. Mie Goreng
This Indonesian fried noodle classic is smoky, savory, and packed with bold flavor. Sweet soy sauce, garlic, chili, and tender noodles all come together in one sizzling pan. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but tastes like something you’d order from your favorite street stall.
Get the Recipe: Mie Goreng
23. Sudado de Pollo
A Colombian-style chicken stew simmered with tomatoes and bold aromatics. It’s cozy but not overly heavy. The flavors are vibrant and deeply satisfying. A wonderful change from everyday chicken dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sudado de Pollo
24. Cioppino
A seafood-packed tomato stew loaded with shrimp, clams, and fish. The broth is rich and full of depth. It feels impressive but is surprisingly doable at home. Perfect for a weekend meal.
Get the Recipe: Cioppino
25. Pasta alla Boscaiola
Creamy pasta loaded with mushrooms and savory richness. It’s rustic and indulgent in the best way. The sauce clings beautifully to every bite. A cozy pasta night favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Boscaiola
26. Sancocho
This hearty Latin stew is packed with meats and root vegetables. It’s deeply comforting and full of bold flavor. Perfect for slow cooking on a lazy weekend. A true crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Sancocho
27. Shrimp and Polenta
Creamy polenta topped with flavorful shrimp in a rich sauce creates the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. It’s hearty but refined. A wonderful seafood option for March.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Polenta
28. Thai Massaman Curry
Warm spices and tender meat simmer in a creamy, comforting curry sauce. It’s rich without being overwhelming. The flavors are deep and beautifully layered. Perfect for cooler evenings.
Get the Recipe: Thai Massaman Curry
29. Chicken Provencal
Bright Mediterranean flavors of herbs, tomatoes, and olives come together in this rustic dish. It’s light yet satisfying. A perfect step toward spring cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Provencal
30. Brunswick Stew
This Southern favorite is loaded with smoky depth and hearty texture. It’s comforting and deeply flavorful. Perfect for when March still feels like winter.
Get the Recipe: Brunswick Stew
31. Firecracker Salmon
Sweet, spicy, and bold, this salmon packs serious flavor. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but exciting enough for guests. A vibrant way to finish the month.
Get the Recipe: Firecracker Salmon
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former worldwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
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