Recipes with water

Hungarian meatballs simmer in a paprika-rich onion and red wine sauce, fragrant with caraway and marjoram, then thickened into a glossy gravy. Spoon over buttered noodles or boiled potatoes for a cozy main.

Lentil lasagna layers red lentils, broccoli, mushrooms and corn with no-boil spinach noodles, finished with a vegan cheeze sauce of soy milk, nutritional yeast and turmeric. Dairy-free, hearty and weeknight-friendly.

Indian pot roast braises beef in rum or red wine with allspice, peppercorns, bay leaf, garlic, and horseradish, finished with carrots and steamed dumplings. A West Indies-influenced colonial-era recipe.

Authentic Veneto-style pasta e fagioli with dried beans, prosciutto, rosemary-infused olive oil, and freshly grated Parmigiano. A rich Northern Italian classic that's worth every minute.

Italian chocolate nut cookies (mostaccioli) are dense, spiced cocoa cookies with chopped almonds and raisins on whole wheat flour. A traditional Calabrian holiday cookie with deep chocolate-clove flavor.

Light, airy no-bake cheesecake made with blended cottage cheese, gelatin, and bright lemon, crowned with tangy lemon curd topping for a refreshing make-ahead dessert.

Italian spaghetti with sauteed shrimp, white wine, fresh basil, mint, and cherry pepper. A light, herb-bright coastal pasta that comes together in 45 minutes.

Cajun wild duck and andouille sauce piquant simmered low and slow in a dark roux with tomato sauce, white wine, and hot pepper. Louisiana bayou cooking at its boldest.

Creamy Dutch leek soup with whole wheat flour, mace, and melted Edam cheese stirred in at the table. Simple, elegant, and ready in 35 minutes.

Rocky road cake: a moist devil's food bundt loaded with chocolate chunks, marshmallows, raisins, and nuts. Mayonnaise in the batter keeps every slice tender and rich.

Puliszka is a traditional Hungarian polenta layered with feta cheese, sour cream, butter, and fresh dill. Hearty cornmeal dish topped with crispy fried onions for a rustic Eastern European meal.

Traditional German braune bohnen: green beans tossed in a dark brown roux gravy with clove-studded onion and bay leaf. A savory-sweet side dish that turns simple beans into something extraordinary.

Layers of buttery shredded kadayif dough sandwich rich cream filling, then get soaked with lemon syrup for this indulgent Middle Eastern dessert.

Marzetti casserole with ground beef, egg noodles, Swiss cheese, tomato sauce, and mushrooms made entirely in the microwave. A Columbus, Ohio comfort food classic with butter-toasted breadcrumbs in the meat.

Spicy black bean soup with eight jalapeños, smoky ham hock, cumin, and a final splash of tequila stirred in off heat. Half-pureed for body, garnished with sour cream.

Beef stroganoff braised with Coca-Cola for a sweet, caramelized depth, finished with sour cream and mushrooms. A unique twist on the classic that tenderizes tough cuts beautifully.