275 rustic recipes

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.

A rustic Sicilian appetizer of pan-fried eggplant simmered in a sweet-and-sour sauce with olives, capers, pine nuts, and tomato. Served at room temperature for bold Mediterranean flavor.

Rustic skillet hash with leftover roast beef or venison, chunky potatoes, and onions browned in bacon drippings, then simmered in beefy gravy with a touch of chili powder.

Provençal chicken stew marinated overnight with fennel, saffron, tomatoes, and anise liqueur. Simmered with potatoes until fork-tender and served in warm bowls for a rustic French supper.

Braised chicken legs simmered in apple cider with shallots, bitter radicchio, and thick rounds of tart apple. A rustic one-skillet fall dinner ready in 45 minutes flat.

Slow-simmered chicken with nutty Jerusalem artichokes, loads of garlic, saffron, lemon, and fresh basil, finished with toasted pine nuts. A rustic Mediterranean braise with golden, aromatic broth.

Cucuzzara is a rustic Sicilian squash bread loaded with sauteed butternut squash, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and onions, baked into golden durum flour loaves. Makes 4 hearty loaves.

Ancient Roman-style glazed carrots simmered with cumin, mint, lovage, and a splash of champagne vinegar. A rustic Italian side dish with herbaceous depth and a glistening finish.

Classic chicken cacciatore with flour-dredged chicken browned in olive oil, then simmered in a rustic tomato sauce with garlic, peppers, and oregano. Serve over spaghetti or fettuccine.

Granny Smith apple crumble with raisins and apple cider, topped with a cinnamon-oat whole wheat crumble. A rustic fall dessert that's bubbling hot in under an hour.

Rustic drop biscuit shortcakes topped with two quarts of maple syrup-soaked strawberries and frozen vanilla yogurt. A lighter spin on the classic that's ready in 20 minutes.

Pan-fried trout draped in a silky cream sauce with honey, lemon, and toasted almonds. A rustic European-style fish supper that feels indulgent but comes together quickly.

Italian polenta cake made with cornmeal and buttermilk, topped with a warm raspberry-blackberry sauce spiked with raspberry schnapps. Rustic, golden, and begging for a scoop of gelato.

Golden pan-fried tofu simmered in a rustic Provencal tomato sauce with green beans, garlic, basil, and oregano. French-inspired, vegan, and on the table in 30 minutes.

Escargots a la Cauderan: petits-gris snails braised in a ham, shallot, and white wine sauce from the Bordeaux tradition. A rustic French appetizer cooked low and slow.

Braised Hungarian partridge with green bell peppers, pimentos, onions, garlic, and dry sherry. A rustic game bird dish slow-cooked until fork-tender in a pepper-rich sauce.