The delicious. team’s best rainy day recipes for summer

Malteser brownies, chosen by managing editor Les Dunn
“When it rains you need cake – and you need something quick and easy. These Malteser brownies fit the bill perfectly – and my son loves Maltesers so we can make them together… Respect to the squidginess.”

Donal Skehan’s charred chicken ramen bowls, chosen by editorial assistant Mia Rodriguez
“When it rains, I usually stick to the three Rs: ragú, risotto and ramen. All are grateful for a little extra time and attention and can handle any leftovers you throw at them. This pea and broad bean risotto, tagliatelle with sausage ragù and leftover beef ragù rigatoni all have my stamp of approval, too.”

Best of the best lasagne, chosen by head of food Tom Shingler
“If it’s raining and I have a few free hours, I always head to the kitchen – usually so I can hover over something gently simmering away, while I listen to a podcast. Lasagne construction is seriously therapeutic: reduce the ragù at a leisurely pace, mix up a silky bechamel, layer, then bake. And this recipe is the best out there.”

Plum and apricot brioche tart with crème fraîche custard, chosen by deputy digital editor Thea Everett
“This recipe by baker Anna Higham is a proper project that’s worth every second of work. The brioche dough makes enough for two bakes, so you can freeze for half for cinnamon rolls on another rainy day. I love that this recipe makes the most of stone fruit for summer vibes even when it’s gloomy.”

Anelli alla vodka (vodka spaghetti hoops), chosen by food producer Pollyanna Coupland
“Reminiscent of a rainy school day, my grown-up version of this childhood fave has been comforting me throughout this dodgy weather we’re having this summer!”

Chocolate babka, chosen by art director Joss Bowerman
“This is one of my favourites… I love the process of all the kneading, rolling and twisting. Perfect when you have the time.”

Pot-roast beef brisket with ale and onions, chosen by editorial director Laura Rowe
“I picked up some brisket from my local farmers’ market in the rain last weekend and couldn’t resist this recipe. It works well at any time of year, but to make it work for the summer, I served it with simply cooked seasonal veg – wilted rainbow chard, griddled courgettes and some steamed new potatoes with lots of herbs and butter.”

Peanut butter drip cake, chosen by head of digital Vic Grimshaw
“In an ideal world, I’d do something from the storecupboard on a rainy day, removing the need to leave the house. But what my household usually craves is roast chicken. My favourite right now is Julius Roberts’ cream-laden, tarragon-tastic epic roast chicken. Incredibly easy and mega flavoursome.

If we’re talking non-stop, can’t-leave-the-house pouring, I’ll make a cake instead as I’m sure to have the ingredients. I’ll go all-in with this insanely fudgy peanut butter drip cake – then sit on the sofa with my family, play cards, argue about screen time and wait for proper autumn to arrive.”

Norma al forno, chosen by deputy digital editor Phoebe Stone
“This next-level pasta bake is full of the flavours of Italian summer (aubergine, tomatoes, basil), with pockets of gooey mozzarella and a crispy top for full comfort food marks. It’s the best of both worlds! I made it on a recent rainy Saturday night in, with time to indulge in shallow-frying the cubes of aubergine and patiently reducing the tomato sauce and was handsomely rewarded. No wonder this recipe has been a favourite on the delicious. site this summer…”

Explore more of our top recipes for rainy summer days, including easy pickles, satisfying burgers and a popular ginger drizzle cake traybake.