noun
home cooking; homemade dish
Refers to food prepared by oneself or by someone close, emphasizing the personal, homemade quality rather than professional cooking. Often carries a warm, caring connotation.
母の手料理はいつも美味しい。
My mother's home cooking is always delicious.
彼女に手料理をふるまってもらった。
She treated me to her homemade cooking.
自炊 refers to cooking for oneself, often as a daily routine, whereas 手料理 can be made for others and highlights the personal touch.
Compound of 手 (て, 'hand') and 料理 (りょうり, 'cooking'), literally 'hand cooking', emphasizing personal preparation.