Warm your week with Hari Beavis’ comforting take on salmon, steak frites, and creamy chicken

Comfort food is far more than melted cheese and slow-cooked stews. It’s the joy of gathering friends, the ritual of solo indulgence after a long day, and the warm familiarity of a dish made with love. Sunday Times bestselling author Hari Beavis captures this essence in her new cookbook, Country Comfort — a celebration of hearty, happy-making meals.

Hari’s cooking philosophy is refreshingly inclusive: “There’s no wrong way to cook,” she writes. “For me, it’s a creative art where you combine your favourite flavours to make comforting dishes that bring happiness to those around you.”

From her collection, we’ve handpicked three recipes that embody the spirit of modern comfort food. These dishes are elevated yet easygoing, suitable for a Wednesday night wind-down or a weekend dinner with friends. Ready to feel inspired in the kitchen?

1. Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herb Crumb

Sometimes, the simplest tweaks create the biggest impact. Hari’s baked salmon is topped with a crunchy, garlicky crust that starts with an unexpected hero: shop-bought garlic bread. Blitzed and browned, it turns into a flavour-packed topping that adds bite and richness without fuss.

Served with buttery herbed new potatoes and a crisp green salad, this dish is a lesson in balanced comfort — light enough for midweek, indulgent enough to feel like a treat.

2. Steak Frites with Chimichurri

Hari’s version of this French bistro staple draws inspiration from alpine eateries — think warming après-ski meals that hit the spot after a long day. Her perfectly seared steak is paired with crisp golden frites and a vibrant, herby chimichurri sauce that brings the whole dish alive.

This isn’t just meat and potatoes — it’s a masterclass in texture and contrast: tender beef, crunchy fries, and that punchy, fresh green drizzle. Skip the chimichurri at your peril — it’s the zingy magic that takes this plate from satisfying to spectacular.

3. Creamy White Wine and Tarragon Chicken

If comfort had a scent, this dish would be it. Juicy chicken thighs, simmered in a velvety white wine and tarragon cream sauce, create a deeply fragrant and soothing meal. The tarragon adds an aniseed note that lifts the richness, giving it a slightly nostalgic, slightly French feel — a nod to Sunday roasts and countryside bistros.

Serve with crusty bread to mop up the sauce or a heap of buttery mash for peak satisfaction. Either way, it’s a hug on a plate.

With Country Comfort, Hari Beavis offers more than just recipes — she shares kitchen joy. Her relaxed approach and thoughtful ingredient pairings prove that you don’t need complicated techniques or rare ingredients to create deeply satisfying food.

Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just for yourself, these dishes invite you to slow down, savour the process, and serve something that soothes the soul. And once you’ve tried these three, don’t be surprised if the rest of Country Comfort ends up dog-eared and sauce-splashed in no time.