Pasta/2 recipes

Low-carb lasagna swapping noodles for sliced zucchini, layered with a slow-simmered beef and red wine meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan. All the comfort, none of the pasta.

Mom's German meatballs: hearty egg-sized meatballs seasoned with celery seed, mustard seed, and garlic water, rolled in flour and pan-browned. Old-world German-American home cooking.

During the fall and winter I make homemade soup once a week. I’ve got dozens of delicious soup recipes, but the Pizza Soup was the favorite of our sons, Keith and Mark. It’s really easy to make. I apologize for the inexact quantities, but this is another recipe that I’ve never written down…and haven’t made it since last winter! I’ve given the basic recipe, but don’t be afraid to add other items you enjoy on your pizza…including a dash of red pepper sauce!

Thai kanom jin nam prik curry noodles built on a fragrant coconut-moong bean sauce with red curry paste, tamarind, and crispy fried shallots and garlic. Rich, tangy, and earthy, served over soft rice noodles with long beans and sprouts.

Chicken liver stroganoff: quickly seared livers, sauteed mushrooms, and sweet softened onions in a tangy soured cream and yogurt sauce. A rich, economical twist on stroganoff over rice or pasta.

Easy chicken cacciatore with strips of chicken breast, mushrooms, red and green bell peppers, and a kick of red pepper flakes. The classic Italian hunter's stew adapted for a 45-minute weeknight dinner.

Spicy Thai cold pasta salad with red and green bell peppers, scallions, and toasted black sesame seeds in a hot sesame oil, brown rice vinegar, and mirin dressing. A fast vegetarian potluck salad served chilled.

Lentil lasagna layers red lentils, broccoli, mushrooms and corn with no-boil spinach noodles, finished with a vegan cheeze sauce of soy milk, nutritional yeast and turmeric. Dairy-free, hearty and weeknight-friendly.

Hearty spicy spaghetti sauce: a fast 25-minute tomato sauce with garlic, red wine, dried chili, and your choice of beef, pork, or chicken. Pantry-friendly Italian dinner sauce with a kick.

Greek manestra cooked in lamb broth with tomato bits and topped with grated Romano cheese. A simple, traditional Greek pasta side dish with just four ingredients.

Cold buckwheat noodles tossed in a creamy peanut sauce made with brewed Chinese tea, chili oil, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. A nutty, spicy appetizer or side dish ready in 40 minutes.

Stale bread simmers with Roma tomatoes, garlic, white wine, and marjoram in this hearty Italian peasant stew. Tiny pastina added at the end gives it body. Ready in 45 minutes.

Quick vegan one-pot meal with black beans, pineapple, corn, and tomatoes spiced with curry and ginger. Serve over rice or pasta in 25 minutes flat.

Chicken marinara made with a fast homemade tomato sauce of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, and basil spooned over cooked chicken pieces. A 25-minute weeknight Italian dinner with pantry staples.

Neapolitan spaghetti sauce slow-simmered for 3 hours with ground beef, three forms of tomato, whole chili peppers, and sliced stuffed green olives. Rich, thick, and full of heat.

Sweet Jewish noodle pudding baked with eggs, raisins, and apple juice, topped with crunchy walnuts. A traditional kugel that's comforting as dessert or served alongside brisket.