174 alum recipes

Polenta pasticciata layers firm cooled polenta squares with porcini-spiked beef ragù, plum tomatoes, and grated pecorino into a rustic Northern Italian bake. Lasagne, but with cornmeal instead of pasta.

Penne with cauliflower, fresh roma tomatoes, and basil tossed in a no-cook olive oil sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. A 25-minute one-pot summer pasta finished with Parmesan.

Homemade Thai sweet chili sauce with rice vinegar, fish sauce, plum sauce, and serrano chilies. Sweet, tangy, and spicy dipping sauce ready in 30 minutes. Better than store-bought.

The crust is a filled Italian bread shell loaded with tasty "toppings". Hearty and vegetarian!

Rustic fish stew with tilapia, white wine, clam juice, zucchini, red pepper, and Roma tomatoes. A light Mediterranean-style one-skillet stew ready in 35 minutes.

Kangaroo Rump marinated in Aniseed Myrtle and Alpine Pepper served with mushrooms filled with ricotta and spinach.

Cheesy pasta salad tossed with olive oil and shredded cheddar while the noodles are still hot, so the cheese melts and clings. Studded with fresh tomato and onion, and just as good hot or chilled. No mayo.

Blueberry ketchup blends ripe berries with tomato, plums, ginger, and warm spice into a savory-sweet condiment. Pair with grilled meats, cheese boards, or burgers for unexpected depth.

Thai pla preeo wan, broiled flounder topped with a fresh sweet-and-sour sauce of diced pineapple, cucumber, tomato, ginger, and cilantro. Light, bright, and healthy weeknight fish.

Mediterranean seafood stew with lobster tails, shrimp, and cherrystone clams in a garlicky white wine and plum tomato broth with fresh parsley and oregano.

Three onion pie with feta layers slow-cooked yellow and red onions and leeks with eggs, feta and fresh herbs in a breadcrumb crust. A Greek-leaning crustless tart that works for brunch, lunch or dinner.

Tossed salad pizza with Caesar-dressed greens, tomatoes, kalamata olives and feta on a mozzarella-melted bread shell. Fun Italian-style salad-meets-pizza lunch.

Flaky Asian pear and lychee strudel with phyllo dough, crystallized ginger, toasted coconut, walnuts, and Chinese five spice. A showstopping fusion dessert dusted with powdered sugar.

Fresh two-tomato salsa with Roma and green tomatoes, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice. A no-cook, chunky salsa with bright tangy flavor that pairs with chips, grilled chicken, or fish.

Extra cheese lasagne layers homemade pasta sheets with ricotta-spinach filling and a triple-cheese mix of provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan. A weekend project Italian classic for six.

Mama Chio's shellfish cioppino simmers Dungeness crab, lobster, shrimp, scallops, clams, and halibut in a sherry-laced tomato broth. The Italian-American San Francisco classic at its richest.