I love hearty vegetable braises where the vegetables are treated like meat—browned first to develop flavor, then gently simmered in just enough liquid to bring everything together. This rustic summer stew is a perfect example: tender potatoes, golden zucchini, and ripe tomatoes mingle in a light, savory broth infused with garlic, herbs, and soffrito. You...Read More

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a classic comfort dish where tender peppers are filled with a fragrant mixture of rice, herbs, onions, and tomatoes. Baked slowly until the peppers are soft and lightly charred, this dish makes a hearty vegetarian main course or can be enriched with feta or ground meat for added flavor. Colorful, wholesome,...Read More

This eggplant and tomato gratin is a rustic dish that’s quick to assemble—especially if you have soffritto on hand. The flavor depends on ripe, flavorful tomatoes and fresh basil, so be sure to use the best you can find. A spritzer for oil helps evenly coat the vegetables without overdoing it, but a brush works...Read More

Southern Tomato Pie is a beloved late-summer classic that turns ripe, juicy tomatoes into pure comfort. Baked in a flaky crust with basil, green onions, sharp cheddar, and a creamy topping, it’s part quiche, part savory tart. Serve warm or at room temperature with a crisp salad and a tall glass of iced tea. INGREDIENTS:...Read More

This rustic Mediterranean tart is layered with flavor and beautiful to serve. A flaky olive oil crust holds a savory filling of sautéed eggplant, onions, and garlic, topped with a rich cream cheese and feta custard. Fresh zucchini and tomatoes are arranged in colorful rows over the top, accented with briny Kalamata olives and a...Read More

Eggplant curry is a comforting, aromatic dish that transforms simple ingredients into something deeply satisfying. Tender roasted eggplant soaks up warm spices and a tangy, yogurt-based sauce, becoming silky and flavorful with every bite. Infused with cumin, garam masala, garlic, and ginger, this dish is hearty enough to stand on its own yet versatile enough...Read More

Bitter melon is an acquired taste, but when cooked with aromatic spices, tangy tamarind, and fiery chilies, it transforms into a delicious and memorable curry. Popular in South Indian and Sri Lankan kitchens, this dish balances bitter, sour, and spicy flavors beautifully. Serve it hot with steamed basmati rice for a bold and comforting meal....Read More

Adapted from The Flavor of California: Fresh Vegetarian Cuisine from the Golden State by Marlena Spieler, these elegant tarts transform garlic into something unexpectedly delicate. Don’t be intimidated by the generous use of garlic — once simmered, the cloves turn mellow, sweet, and almost nutty. Served on their own or over a bed of lightly...Read More

Flaky, golden pastry meets a rich, earthy filling in these Walnut and Wild Mushroom Pastries. A medley of mushrooms paired with toasted walnuts and Parmesan creates a savory bite that feels both rustic and elegant. Perfect as a light lunch with a fresh salad, a starter for dinner parties, or even as part of an...Read More

A savory quiche is always a welcome dish—whether served warm from the oven for brunch, as a light lunch with salad, or sliced into wedges for a picnic. This version combines tender leeks and earthy mushrooms in a creamy custard, all nestled in a flaky pastry crust. It’s elegant yet comforting, and just as delicious...Read More