Recipe Sifter

Squid with a spicy Sichuan-style pepper sauce: scored squid blanched until it curls, then tossed in a fiery soy, sesame, and chili dressing. A quick Chinese appetizer with tender squid and bold heat.

Apple City BBQ ribs: championship-style competition pork ribs with a layered dry rub, applewood smoke, and a finish sauce with grated apple, onion, and bell pepper. Slow-smoked low and slow.

Monkfish chili with kidney beans, bell peppers, and a bold spice blend of cumin, cayenne, and Cajun seafood seasoning. A seafood twist on classic chili with real depth.

Texas-style beef chili with coarsely ground chuck, beer, Rotel tomatoes, and a bold nine-spice blend. No beans, all meat. Make it in the microwave or slow cooker.

Marinated black beans and red lentils on a composed salad platter with red potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. A tangy mustard-garlic vinaigrette with red pepper flakes ties this high-protein salad together.

Pasta and kidney bean soup is a quick Italian pasta e fagioli style soup with rosamarina (orzo), canned tomatoes, red kidney beans, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Spaghetti with fresh tomatoes and arugula tossed in a quick shallot and garlic sauce with red pepper flakes. A peppery, vegan pasta dinner ready in under an hour.

Lamb roghan josh with toasted coriander, saffron cream, and garam masala. Tender cubed lamb simmered in yogurt sauce, finished with toasted almond flakes.

Peg's many bean soup simmers a pound of mixed dried beans with pork, hot Italian sausage, peppers, carrots, and grated potato that thickens the broth naturally. A rib-sticking, two-hour pot of soup.

Mexican green chili quiche swaps pastry for a corn tortilla crust, layering cumin-spiced ground chicken, sharp cheddar, and green chilies under a custard of evaporated milk and eggs.

Spaghetti tossed with black-eyed peas, artichoke hearts, black olives, and Parmesan in a garlicky bean broth. A hearty, protein-packed meatless pasta dinner in 30 minutes.

Pork chili with pinto beans, blended tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and garlic served over beans with corn tortillas. A New Mexican-style chile that skips the ground beef for tender cubed pork simmered in a simple red sauce.

Cincinnati Skyline chili with cinnamon, allspice, and cumin simmered for 3 hours. A unique Midwest-style chili with warm spices that's built for topping spaghetti or coneys.

Baked rigatoni loaded with shredded roast beef in a quick crushed tomato sauce, topped with bubbly provolone and mozzarella. A meaty pasta bake ready in 40 minutes.

Black bean stew baked over brown rice with sharp cheddar, cumin, oregano, and red wine. Bubbly, cheesy, and packed with warm spices in every bite.

Slow-simmered Brazilian black bean soup with cumin, coriander, orange juice, and a splash of dry sherry. Partially pureed for velvety thickness and topped with a cool dollop of sour cream.