Regional Cuisine Recipes

Southern-style no-bean chili with 4 lbs of beef, banana peppers, and a 3-hour simmer in beef stock with barbecue sauce, hot sauce, and a deep spice blend. Bold and beanless.

European-style spice cookies with ground hazelnuts, lemon zest, and warm cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Topped with a whole almond and egg-glazed for a glossy finish.

Traditional Mexican meatball soup with mint and cilantro in the albondigas, simmered in rich beef broth with chayote squash, carrots, cabbage, leeks, and small pasta.

Vegetarian penne baked with broccoli, spinach, and white wine, topped with melted Parmesan and cheddar. A quick green-loaded pasta bake with nutmeg-scented vegetables.

Vegetarian tomato soup with vermicelli pasta, carrots, celery, and basil in a rich stock. A hearty one-pot soup that comes together in 40 minutes.

Sweet rice dumplings (Japanese ohagi) blend cooked sweet brown rice with raisins and cinnamon, then roll the small balls in coarsely chopped roasted walnuts. A naturally vegan, no-sugar treat.

Spiced zucchini and peas simmered in tomato sauce with turmeric, cumin, and cayenne. A quick Indian-inspired vegetarian side dish ready in 30 minutes.

In other parts of Central Asia this dish is made with red beans and I have it made with beef, horse, camel, chicken, and venison for the meat instead of the lamb. It is excellent anyway it comes.

Greek spinach and lentil soup brightened with lemon, cumin, and coriander. A vegan, gluten-free one-pot meal that's earthy, tangy, and ready for a drizzle of olive oil at the table.

Finnish fish chowder layered with salmon, clams, shrimp, bacon, potatoes, and red cabbage in a milk broth. A hearty Nordic soup that freezes beautifully.

A soup this hearty makes a wonderful morning meal by itself or served with whole grain bread.

Tender chicken pieces stir-fried with carrots and celery in tangy plum sauce, finished with ginger, sherry, and Chinese pickles. Glossy cornstarch gravy coats every bite.

Crisp asparagus stir-fried with fresh ginger, toasted sesame oil, and roasted cashews, finished with a splash of soy sauce. A 6-ingredient Chinese side dish ready in 25 minutes.

Greek eel baked Spetses-style in a tomato, honey, and feta sauce with thyme, mint, and lemon. A rustic island dish where the rich fish meets briny cheese and sweet sun-dried tomato.

Highland sausage roll wraps minced venison and pork belly with port-soaked seasonings and tea-plumped prunes inside golden puff pastry. A rustic Scottish showstopper.

Creamy leek soup blended smooth with apples, potato, carrots, orange juice, and a hint of curry. A one-pot pureed soup with a sweet, earthy flavor and no cream needed.