Rice/3 recipes

Cod baked in a foil packet over sautéed red peppers, black olives, and garlic with a hint of allspice. Open at the table for a burst of Mediterranean aroma. Single-serving and ready in 45 minutes.

Lean chicken tetrazzini using melted cottage cheese instead of cream sauce, with spaghetti, mushrooms, dry sherry, and a Parmesan breadcrumb topping. Lower fat, full flavor.

Turn on the oven for this succulent dish that will have you licking your lips and your fingers!

Cheddar braids are rich, egg-heavy yeast bread studded with sharp cheddar, brushed with egg wash, and topped with celery seeds. A stunning braided loaf with a brioche-like crumb.

Eggplant and tomato casserole baked under a parmesan crust, loaded with mushrooms, peppers, garlic, and a briny hit of capers. A rustic Mediterranean vegetable bake that works as a main or a hearty side.

Classic French Provencal dish usually cooked in a heavy casserole on the stove top or in the oven; would also work well in slow cooker. Use inexpensive stewing beef or oyster blade; it will not be anywhere near as good if you use more expensive cuts of beef.

Chicken a la king with sauteed breast, mushrooms, roasted red and green peppers, scallions, and a sherry-cream pan sauce. A refined, from-scratch version of the retro classic.

Lighter clam chowder made entirely in the microwave with leeks, potatoes, sweet corn, and low-fat milk. No cream, no roux, ready in about 40 minutes.

Savory egg roulade filled with sauteed spinach, red pepper, and ricotta, rolled in a Parmesan-rich souffle base. An elegant brunch or appetizer baked in a jelly roll pan.

Hearty beef curry with tender chuck roast, sweet potatoes, carrots, and plump raisins in a warmly spiced tomato broth. Served over orzo for a cozy, one-pot-style dinner.

Skinny deep dish taco pizza presses a crescent roll crust into the pan, then loads it with taco-seasoned ground turkey, green-chile tomatoes, and melted cheddar. A lighter, family-friendly taco-pizza mashup ready in about 30 minutes.

Whole wheat penne in a creamy tomato-vodka sauce with crispy pancetta, garlic, a kick of cayenne, and fresh basil. Your new favorite weeknight penne alla vodka.

Handmade chicken tortellini filled with prosciutto, mortadella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, served in rich broth swirled with a sweet red onion-Lambrusco marmalade. A true Italian labor of love.

Eggplant halves stuffed with a Cajun filling of onion, celery, bell pepper, fresh tomatoes, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Baked until tender. Naturally plant-based.

Kuo Fan Gee Chiu is a Szechuan-style diced chicken stir-fry with dried red chilis, bamboo shoots, and straw mushrooms. Velveted chicken, no-bland heat.

Curried diced apple soup garnish made with Golden Delicious, curry powder, and saffron. Quick three-minute simmer to top creamy soups with a sweet-savory bite of warm spice.