Esquire's Eastern Establishment chili with whole brisket, two types of chile, and a surprising splash of coffee. A refined East Coast take on Texas chili with masa harina thickening and deep beef flavor.
Tender lamb rib chops marinated overnight in red wine, crushed juniper berries, garlic and extra-virgin olive oil, then grilled until charred and smoky. Serve with olives and charred pepper skewers.
Slow cooker vegetarian chili with red kidney beans, brown rice, potatoes, cabbage, and tomatoes. Set it and forget it for 6 to 8 hours, then ladle out thick, hearty bowls for a crowd of 8.
Old-school firehouse chili with beef suet, long slow simmer, and layers of heat from chile powder, paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Four-hour labor of love for authentic Texas-style flavor.
Whole fish wrapped in a banana leaf with garlic, tomato, cilantro, and achiote, then roasted on a comal or dry skillet. A traditional Central American pachay recipe that's simple and full of smoky, earthy flavor.
Thai pad Thai-style fried rice noodles with shrimp three ways (fresh, dried, and paste), scrambled egg, and a sweet-sour-salty sauce of fish sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar. Topped with crushed peanuts and lime.
Herb-seasoned beef meatballs baked in a red wine and tomato sauce with potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and whole onions. A cozy one-pot stew that's great for make-ahead meals.
Italian-style tomato sauce simmered with kelp seaweed (alaria or laminaria), garlic, oregano, and Worcestershire. A mineral-rich, umami-packed sauce for spaghetti, meatballs, or browned meat.
Cozy white bean chicken chili spiced with ground red chile, basil, and a warm hint of cloves. Simmers for an hour and serves 6 with tortilla chips on the side.
Baked pork chops glazed with a maple syrup, ketchup, and white wine sauce seasoned with thyme, basil, ginger, and dry mustard. A sweet and savory New England-style dinner.
Slow cooker pineapple baked beans with ground beef, mushrooms, barbecue sauce, and soy sauce. A sweet and savory one-pot side that cooks low for hours.
Ravioli in roasted garlic broth with sauteed bell peppers, green peas, and golden garlic breadcrumb topping. A lighter, brothy take on stuffed pasta.
Chunky veggie spaghetti sauce with pressed tofu, broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, and sunflower seeds in a tomato-herb base. Meaty texture, fully plant-based.
Italian-style hot fish pickle made from canned tuna, salmon, or anchovy mashed with white wine, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. A bold spread for crackers, crostini, or pasta.
Louisiana catfish courtbouillon: tender catfish steaks layered with onions, garlic, and tomato sauce, then slow-simmered into a rich Cajun gravy. Spoon over rice with hot French bread.
Sweet and fiery banana chutney with Granny Smith apples, raisins, cayenne, ginger, and apple cider vinegar, baked until thick and jammy. Makes 4 cups of bold condiment for canning.