679 basic sauce recipes

This summer lasagna swaps pasta noodles for tender zucchini strips layered with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh tomatoes, and herb-seasoned tomato sauce. Low-carb, veggie-loaded, and ready in about an hour.

Tuscan tuna salad with kidney beans, olives, tomatoes, and a zesty picante-Italian dressing served over fresh spinach. A no-cook, protein-packed lunch ready in 20 minutes flat.

Nothing beats a succulent pot roast dinner and this recipe proves just that.

Flour-dusted veal cutlets seared golden, then tossed with sautéed mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, and basil in a rich Marsala wine sauce. Served over fettuccine with a shower of Parmesan, this romantic Italian dinner for two is ready in 45 minutes.

Pa Nang Nuah, a Thai panang beef curry simmered in coconut milk with red curry paste, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, and fresh basil. Rich, aromatic, and served over steamed rice.

Turkey casserole layered with spaghetti, a savory tomato-mushroom sauce, and creamy white sauce. A comforting leftover turkey bake with Italian-inspired flavors.

Vegetarian Mexican loaf made with crumbled veggie burgers, cornmeal, green chiles, corn, and chili powder baked in a water bath. Sliceable, savory, and served with homemade tomato sauce.

Vegetarian garbanzo cassoulet: chickpeas and carrots simmered with a clove-studded onion, baked under a tomato sauce and a triple layer of crispy herb bread crumbs. A rustic meatless casserole for cold nights.

Noodles Florentine casserole with spinach, cottage cheese, Parmesan, sour cream, and buttery toasted bread crumb topping. A creamy, cheesy make-ahead side that plays nicely with roast chicken or pork.

Popeye's sweet pea soup: a double dose of green peas plus a whole pound of spinach, with yam, onion, celery, and a hint of molasses. Vegan, iron-packed, and ready in an hour.

Layered portabella mushroom pasta bake with wheat germ-crusted mushroom slices, chunky tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella. A vegetarian Italian comfort dinner for two.

Vegetable gumbo is a lighter, meatless take on the Cajun classic: the holy trinity simmered with okra, corn, tomatoes and paprika, thickened naturally by the okra. No roux, no meat, just hearty vegetable comfort.

Vegan vegetable lasagna stacked with mashed tofu ricotta, sauteed mushrooms, cauliflower, swiss chard, and tomato sauce. A dairy-free, plant-packed casserole that holds its own against the classic.

Thai green chicken curry with eggplant simmered in coconut milk and green curry paste, finished with Thai basil, cilantro, and red chilies.

Louisiana courtbouillon of redfish, the classic Cajun fish stew. Whole redfish or red snapper steaks simmered in a brown roux, holy trinity, tomatoes, herbs, and white wine. Spooned over rice, this is bayou comfort food.

Italian garden lasagna layers a rainbow of sauteed vegetables (peppers, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, spinach) with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan in a no-boil lasagna. Vegetarian comfort that uses up the garden haul.