25 brown use recipes

Thai bananas in coconut cream with brown sugar, jasmine essence, and toasted sesame seeds. A warm, fragrant Southeast Asian dessert using firm green bananas.

Mediterranean beef casserole layered with brown rice, crumbled feta, black olives, and dried mushrooms in a garlicky tomato sauce topped with Parmesan. A great way to use leftover beef.

Double-crust pear pie with apple pie spice, brown sugar, and vanilla, brushed with a milk glaze and baked using a high-then-low oven method for a flaky, golden crust.

Low-fat unfried rice with marinated shiitake mushrooms, bell peppers, brown rice, and teriyaki. All the flavor of fried rice without the oil, using rice wine to keep vegetables from sticking.

Authentic Italian potato gnocchi uses just three ingredients, hand-kneaded into soft pillows and rolled against fork tines for ridges. Tender pasta ready to sauce with brown butter, ragù, or pesto.

Wholesome muffins made with cooked brown rice, whole-wheat flour, egg whites, and honey. No butter, no oil, just a touch of cinnamon and vanilla. A smart way to use leftover rice.

Baked bananas with lime juice and brown sugar caramel sauce. Use slightly underripe bananas, baste as they cook, and you get a glossy tropical dessert ready in 30 minutes with just 4 ingredients.

Chocolate chip date coffee cake uses boiling water-plumped dates to build a moist, caramel-sweet crumb, topped with brown sugar, nuts, and chocolate chips. A brunch bake with serious old-diner charm.

A quick chicken and brown rice casserole with green peas, toasted almonds, and a creamy soy-mayo binding. Mix, bake, and eat in 30 minutes. A great way to use leftover chicken and rice.