Pasta recipes

A big-batch vegetable stew loaded with carrots, turnips, parsnips, and mushrooms in a spicy tomato-chicken broth. Freezer-friendly and served over couscous.

Pignoli cookies (pine nut macaroons): the chewy almond-paste Italian classic studded with toasted pine nuts and dusted with powdered sugar. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and totally addictive.

Classic hummus made the simple Levantine way: chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic blended smooth, finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprig of parsley.

Vegan lentil carrot burgers with mashed lentils, tomato paste, and bread crumbs pan-fried until golden. A simple, egg-free plant-based patty ready in 25 minutes.

A bold Texas-style BBQ sauce made with beer, brown sugar, jalapeños, tomato paste, and lime juice. Five cups of tangy, smoky heat for ribs, brisket, and pulled pork.

Jo Mazzotti casserole, a hearty baked noodle dish of ground pork, onions, and mushrooms in a rich tomato sauce with cubes of sharp cheddar melted through. An old-school Midwestern crowd-pleaser.

Ethiopian red lentil stew (Kae Misr Wot) simmered with tomato paste and chow spice blend. A vegan, protein-rich puree traditionally served with injera bread.

Bold, smoky homemade BBQ sauce with a whole head of garlic, brown sugar, orange juice, and cayenne heat. Simmers for 2 hours in a cast-iron Dutch oven.

Thai-style stir-fried spinach with crushed garlic, soy bean paste, dried red chilies, and tomato wedges. A bold, savory side dish that comes together in the wok in under 5 minutes.

Slow-simmered Italian tomato sauce with 4 pounds of fresh plum tomatoes, garlic, basil, oregano, and a full tablespoon of black pepper. Three hours on the stove.

Green lentil soup with crushed tomatoes, garlic, bay leaves, and grated onion simmered for 2 1/2 hours. A splash of red vinegar at the end lifts the whole pot. Hearty, vegetarian, and deeply flavored.

A hearty soup made with succulent beef, potatoes, corn and stewed tomatoes.

Baked red beans braised in red wine with garlic, bell pepper, tomato paste, and bay leaf. A simple, rustic bean casserole with deep, wine-rich flavor and almost no fat.

Hummus bi tahini is the traditional Middle Eastern chickpea dip, blended creamy with tahini, lemon, olive oil, and garlic. The tahini-first technique gives it that authentic silky texture.

Five beans and sausage casserole loads pork-and-beans, wax, lima, green, and chili beans into a tomato-mustard sauce with cooked sausage. A potluck legend that feeds a crowd.

Italian rainbow cookies (seven layer cookies): three almond paste sponge layers tinted red, green, and yellow, stacked with raspberry jam, and coated in chocolate. A classic holiday bakery tradition.