Light tuna cakes with cream cheese, dill, lemon juice, and egg white, pan-fried crispy in just 2 minutes per side. A low-fat, high-protein seafood cake with a subtle heat from red pepper flakes.
Ricotta pesto gnocchi with semolina flour, served in a roasted garlic broth and garnished with basil, tomato, Parmesan, and pine nuts. A chef-level Italian pasta course.
Dominican red beans and rice (habichuelas con arroz), small red beans simmered with cumin, garlic, a touch of sugar, and vinegar, spooned over fluffy rice. A naturally vegan plate, great with avocado and plantains.
I have this frequently in Greece and here in the U.S., but as I have said, I view it as a 'deli' item. Krinos Foods has a 'gyros kit' that is sold in the frozen food section of some supermarkets.
Flaky phyllo dough wraps around spiced ground beef with mushrooms and a triple-cheese filling of feta, cream cheese, and cottage cheese. Bakes golden, serves 12, and disappears fast.
Hungarian potato and egg casserole with sliced boiled potatoes layered in sour cream and onion, hard-boiled eggs in the center, topped with paprika bread crumbs.
Tri-color pasta with a simple tomato sauce simmered with garlic and onion, tossed with fresh basil, olive oil, and Parmesan. Italian comfort food from pantry staples.
Chana dal with turmeric, mustard seeds, green chilies, and a tarka of fried onion and garlic. A traditional Indian split chickpea dish that's vegan, protein-rich, and deeply spiced.
Stuffed jalapeno peppers with a creamy filling of cream cheese, boiled eggs, mayonnaise, onion, and garlic salt. A no-cook, chilled appetizer with tangy heat in every bite.
Five-bean salad with green, navy, lima, garbanzo, and kidney beans tossed with bell pepper, celery, and onion in a sweet-tangy vinegar marinade. The make-ahead potluck classic, vegan friendly.
Gluten free apricot cucumber soup blends dried apricots with curried cucumber and orange for a chilled or warm vegan starter. Pumpkin seeds on top add bite to a smooth, naturally sweet bowl.
If you like trying new things, then you will love this succulent dish that will instantly find its place in your cookbook!
Apple-cheese soup blends tart Granny Smith apples, sharp aged cheddar, and a splash of port into a silky strained bowl finished with crisp bacon. A savory-sweet starter with real depth.
Best borscht: a ruby-red Russian beet soup loaded with potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes in a rich beef broth, finished with a swirl of sour cream and fresh dill. Hearty yet light.
Classic French country pate with ground pork and veal marinated overnight in white wine and brandy, lined with fatback, and baked in a water bath until firm. A make-ahead appetizer.
Bean, okra, and tomato soup simmered with a ham bone for deep smoky flavor. A Southern classic that turns leftover ham into a hearty, satisfying soup.