Thick, hearty lentil soup with chunks of smoked sausage, potatoes, carrots and a surprising strip of orange zest that brightens the whole pot. A filling main-course bowl ready in about 80 minutes.
Plain Italian minestrone with potatoes, celery, green beans, peas, and ditalini pasta in a simple broth, finished with Parmesan and parsley. No tomatoes needed.
Dairy-free potato leek soup pureed with brown rice for natural body and silkiness. No cream, no butter. A light French-style potage with a splash of white wine vinegar to brighten every spoonful.
I used two cups of chicken broth, and 1 cup of water, still nice!
A whole pumpkin stuffed with herbed rice, sauteed mushrooms, spinach, and bell pepper, then baked until the flesh turns silky soft. A vegetarian showstopper.
Stir-fried flank steak with ginger and scallions tossed with noodles, bean sprouts, shredded carrots, and celery in a light soy sauce. Better than takeout beef lo mein in 40 minutes.
Indian-spiced chicken soup with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and whole peppercorns. Chicken breast simmered with potatoes, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro, finished with lemon.
A hearty one-skillet dinner with turkey, kidney beans, and rice simmered in crushed tomatoes and chili powder, topped with melted Monterey Jack. Everything cooks together in one pan for an easy 45-minute weeknight meal.
Tiny pasta shells tossed in a creamy Monterey Jack sauce with shrimp, minced clams, and a splash of dry sherry. A cozy, one-skillet seafood pasta ready in 45 minutes.
Baked herbed cauliflower with poultry seasoning, sage, mushrooms, and sauteed onion-celery base. A savory stuffing-flavored vegetable side dish that pairs with roast chicken or turkey.
Thick, creamy cheesy chicken chowder packed with tender potatoes, carrots, and celery in a rich cheddar-laced broth. This from-scratch soup warms you from the inside out on chilly evenings.
Paprika-browned turkey simmered with tomatoes, potatoes, green peas, mushrooms, and bell pepper in a herb-seasoned broth. Serve over hot rice for a hearty island-inspired stew that feeds the soul.
Roast beef stroganoff turns leftover roast beef into a creamy mushroom and sour cream sauce with celery, onion, and beef bouillon. A smart weeknight repurpose served over rice or egg noodles in 40 minutes.
Light and earthy wild rice dressing with brown rice, fresh mushrooms, celery, and watercress simmered in thyme-scented broth. A wholesome holiday side dish that won't weigh you down.
Quick microwave vegetable chili with kidney beans, zucchini, jalapeños, and bell peppers in a cumin-oregano tomato base. Ready in 45 minutes, topped with melty cheese.
Arroz con pollo built on a hearty mix of brown and wild rice instead of white. Browned chicken simmered with tomatoes, white wine, almonds, peas and a Latin-style sofrito of onion, garlic and paprika.