Onion and tomato tart with anchovies bakes caramelized onions, tomatoes, briny anchovies, and Nicoise olives on a thin yeasted crust. The Provençal pissaladière at home.
Pasta rabe with steamed broccoli rabe tossed with fresh linguine, sauteed garlic, mushrooms, onion, olive oil, and grated Parmesan. A simple Italian weeknight pasta in 30 minutes.
Pasta with asparagus gremolata tosses fresh asparagus and reduced chicken broth with an orange-zest, garlic, and parsley gremolata. A bright, low-calorie Italian spring pasta.
Lebanese-style eggplant casserole with mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic, and basil layered and baked with Parmesan. A simple vegetarian bake with a flour-thickened tomato sauce.
Sweet bell peppers stuffed with a scalloped corn filling of sauteed onion, green pepper, cilantro, and chili powder bound with egg whites and milk. A light vegetarian side that pairs with any summer main.
Roasted tomato soup purees caramelized roasted tomatoes with potato, onion, and vegetable stock for a creamy bowl with no cream needed. Vegetarian comfort soup ready in 45 minutes.
Whole wheat spaghetti tossed with crisp asparagus, smoky mozzarella, prosciutto ribbons, garlic, and fresh basil. A 25-minute Italian pantry pasta with bold flavors and a hint of springtime.
Cheesy crusted spiced acorn squash roasts wedges of sweet squash under a crunchy Parmesan, sage, garlic, lemon-zest breadcrumb crust with a pinch of cayenne. A fast vegetarian side for weeknight dinners.
Garden herb muffins are savory low-fat muffins studded with grated carrot, green onion, garlic, and mustard. A bread basket savory bake for soups and salads.
Hellenic marinated celery poached in olive oil, lemon juice, fennel, thyme, and parsley, then chilled. A light Greek-style cold appetizer, low calorie.
French-style yogurt salad dressing with double mustard, olive oil, lemon, and mixed herbs. Thick like ranch but tangy and light. A versatile everyday dressing ready in 5 minutes.
Rice pilaf with green peas, bay leaves, and a whole cinnamon stick cooked in the Middle Eastern soaked-rice method. A fragrant vegetarian side with toasted, fluffy grains.
Orange biscotti with fresh orange zest, rum, and olive oil, rolled thin, cut into scalloped strips, and baked twice with a butter-sugar glaze. Crispy Italian cookies for dipping in coffee or dessert wine.
Tuscan lemon chicken marinated overnight in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and rosemary, then roasted until the skin turns golden and crisp. Bright, herby, and simple, a sunny Italian roast for any night.
Lamb stir-fry with leg steaks marinated in lemon, garlic, and oregano, then wok-seared with red bell pepper and mushrooms for a fast, savory weeknight meal.
Grilled corn and tomato salad tosses smoky charred corn kernels with sweet cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a light rice vinegar dressing. A make-ahead summer side that's even better the next day.