Recipe Sifter

Vegetarian spinach lasagna layered with fresh spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and three cheeses, ricotta or cottage, mozzarella, and Parmesan. A meatless Italian comfort dinner with herby flavor and bubbling cheese.

Chicken cacciatore braised in tomato sauce with onions, garlic, oregano, and bay leaves. A rustic Italian hunter-style chicken simmered tender and served over spaghetti or noodles.

Homemade pizza on a nutty whole wheat crust topped with a quick-simmered tomato sauce, chopped green chilis, mozzarella, pepperoni, and olives. From dough to table in about 40 minutes.

Bean chili built from scratch with toasted cumin and oregano, ground dried ancho or negro chilies, smoky chipotle, and a splash of red wine for depth. A meatless chili with serious heat and layered spice.

Layered confetti macaroni casserole with whole wheat pasta, cottage cheese, zucchini, yellow squash, peppers, and tomatoes. No-boil casserole, healthy weeknight dinner.

Cozy chili con carne with chunks of beef, pinto beans, ripe tomatoes, sage, oregano, cumin, and chili powder. A long-simmered Texas-style stew for cold nights.

Whole trout baked under a saucy Creole blanket of sauteed bell pepper, onion, celery, and stewed tomatoes with oregano. Simple, flaky, and on the table in an hour.

Rustic dried tomato soup simmered with garlic, olive oil, basil, oregano, and a touch of ginger. Made entirely from pantry staples, this low-effort soup deepens in flavor the longer it cooks.

Big-batch Italian pasta sauce made with fresh canned tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, sage, and grated Romano and Parmesan cheese cooked right into the sauce. Perfect for simmering with homemade meatballs.

Five-spice broiled chicken breasts with a warm Mediterranean-style potato and green bean salad. A 30-minute weeknight dinner that crosses Chinese pantry with Italian sides.

Fresh tomato pasta toss simmers blanched and peeled tomatoes with garlic, basil, parsley, and oregano, finished with a splash of cream over penne. A high-summer pasta sauce when tomatoes are at their peak.

Hearty black bean soup with cubed ham, cumin, oregano, tomatoes, and a splash of dry sherry. Simmers in 30 minutes and freezes beautifully for meal prep.

Hearty hominy and butternut squash stew with pinto beans, toasted cumin, cinnamon, and ground red chile. A warming Southwestern vegetarian stew with deep, layered spice.

New Orleans jambalaya loaded with chicken, andouille sausage, and shrimp in a rich tomato base. Fresh herbs and three types of onions create complex Creole flavor.

Vegetarian chili with soybeans and wheat berries instead of traditional kidney beans. Simmered with fresh tomatoes, jalapeno, red bell pepper, and warm spices. Better the next day.

Grilled lime-marinated chicken breasts with a fresh tomato, olive, and jalapeño salsa featuring mint, cilantro, and slivered almonds. Served with avocado and tortilla chips.