Pasta recipes

Herb-marinated braised lamb shanks: shanks rubbed with cumin, coriander, curry, and rosemary, then oven-braised fall-off-the-bone tender with carrots, potatoes, and zucchini in a rich gravy. A one-pot showpiece dinner.

Deep-fried ice cream balls coated in almond paste and graham cracker crumbs, served in a peach half with homemade vanilla sauce and chopped walnuts. A restaurant-style showstopper dessert.

Braising can turn a tough piece of meat into a tender, fall off the bone, comfort food. I can think of no better example than the classic dish osso buco, made from veal shanks.

Polenta pasticciata layers firm cooled polenta squares with porcini-spiked beef ragù, plum tomatoes, and grated pecorino into a rustic Northern Italian bake. Lasagne, but with cornmeal instead of pasta.

Italian zucchini casserole with a spaghetti sauce, cheddar cheese, and mushroom topping baked under Parmesan. A vegetarian main dish or side that uses up summer zucchini.

Traditional chickpea hummus made from dried beans soaked overnight, cooked until tender, then blended with tahini, garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Makes a large batch for freezing.

Sautéed eggplant and tofu glazed in a savory miso-honey-sesame sauce served over fluffy bulgur wheat. A high-fiber vegetarian main dish ready in 35 minutes.

Cauliflower gratin with a savory dressing of olive oil, anchovy paste, capers, lemon, and Dijon mustard, topped with Parmesan bread crumbs and baked until golden and crisp.

Gulf Coast Creole fish stew with turbot, minced clams, stewed tomatoes, mushrooms, and Creole seasoning served over rice. A hearty one-skillet seafood dinner with Southern soul.

Vegetarian lentil pie in a whole wheat double crust with celery, Brazil nuts, soy sauce, and warming spices of cinnamon and cloves. A hearty meatless main with savory-sweet depth.

Asian cucumber salad with rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili paste, and garlic. A cool, crunchy side dish that comes together in minutes with no cooking.

Vegetarian cabbage rolls stuffed with pressed tofu, brown rice, and nuts, seasoned with herbs and spices, then baked in a tomato-sauerkraut sauce until tender.

Hot and sour garlic chive soup with silky tofu, cloud ear mushrooms, seaweed, and miso. A vegetarian Asian-style broth with tangy rice vinegar, chili heat, and herbaceous garlic chive garnish.

This savory tomato sauce made with carrots, green bell peppers and tomatoes will become one of your crockpot favorites.

Vegan lemon tofu cheesecake with silken tofu, tahini, and lemon zest on a Grape-Nuts crust with maple syrup. Dairy-free and egg-free.

Kotopoulo Kapanici: Greek braised chicken with tomatoes, white wine, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. A warmly spiced one-pot casserole with optional artichoke hearts.