Rice/4 recipes

Whole wheat spaghetti tossed with crisp asparagus, smoky mozzarella, prosciutto ribbons, garlic, and fresh basil. A 25-minute Italian pantry pasta with bold flavors and a hint of springtime.

Vegetarian kale and potato soup builds a rich stock from kale stems and potato peels, then layers in olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and torn kale leaves. Rustic, zero-waste cooking.

Pasta salad with asparagus, baby corn, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. A fast, pantry-friendly cold salad that comes together in 15 minutes with Italian or Caesar dressing.

Ham and vegetable linguine with asparagus, mushrooms, zucchini, and peas in a Parmesan cream sauce. A loaded one-skillet pasta dinner ready in 30 minutes.

Seared chicken breasts simmered in a wine-laced sauce with chicken and beef broth, tarragon, fresh tomatoes, and mushrooms. Classic French chasseur made simple for weeknights.

Vegan mushroom potato chowder made creamy with pureed tofu and soy milk instead of dairy. Seasoned with dill and tarragon for a rich, satisfying bowl without any cream.

Tender chicken breast strips and red potatoes simmer in a light garlic broth brightened with lemon zest, fresh cilantro, and a Parmesan finish. Ready in 35 minutes.

Frijoles Borrachos simmer dried pinto beans with beer, bacon, jalapenos, tomato sauce, cumin, and oregano until thick and tender. Authentic Mexican drunken beans from scratch.

Red wine pot roast braised low and slow with 24 cloves of garlic, carrots, celery, and thyme. Fork-tender beef with a rich, butter-finished pan sauce strained from the vegetables.

Good wintertime meal. Serve with crusty French baguette to sop up the gravy.

Quinoa and zucchini casserole, herby sauteed zucchini folded with cooked quinoa, eggs, and nutty Gruyere, then baked until set and golden. A protein-packed, high-fiber vegetarian bake for a main or side.

Boerenkaas soup is the Dutch farmer cheese soup with cauliflower, potato, and celeriac broth crowned with toasted bread and bubbling Gouda. Like French onion meets vegetable chowder.

From McCall's Great American recipe card collection, Our Italian Heritage 5e, a baked meatball lasagna.

Basque-style eggplant casserole with egg-dipped fried slices layered under a slow-simmered tomato sauce with peppers, mushrooms, and garlic, topped with Parmesan and melted Swiss cheese.

Loaded potato and buffalo chicken casserole piles spicy roasted potatoes with hot-sauce-marinated chicken, then a loaded topping of cheese, bacon, and green onion. A bold, hearty bake that eats like buffalo wings and loaded fries in one dish.

Baked spinach artichoke dip lightened with sour cream instead of mayo and cream cheese, warmed with a hint of nutmeg, and topped with bubbly mozzarella and parmesan. A hot, cheesy crowd favorite.