pasta & rice

This Thai noodle salad is best eaten at room temperature.

This is one of the recipes that came to Arizona from Mexico; probably based in the typical quesadillas - corn tortillas filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, and baked - also very popular. Corn tortillas are used in place of the traditional lasagna sheets.

Neapolitan pizza is the most basic of all versions. Pizza does not come simpler than this. Make first traditional pizza dough or get a prepared one. Now, onto the pizza!

Though far from the most exotic pasta recipe, spaghetti alla carbonara - more or less literally translated as 'spaghetti as that of the charcoal maker' - is a great mid-way step between that and just plain marinara. Essentially spaghetti with eggs and bacon, it is simple to make and delightful to eat.

The risotto from Milan is the world standard of this delicious Northern Italian dish.

Angel hair cooks fast and shrimp is also easy, making this an ideal fast food that is also good for you, so this recipe becomes healthy fast food.

Bisi bele baath is a mixture of rice and lentils that forms the staple of many an Indian table. It is rich in traditional Indian spices and is simply delicious with tandoori chicken or all by itself.

As you would expect in such a diverse and ancient land, there are thousands of rice-based recipes. Nearly every family will have its own distinctive favorite. This recipe is an example that any diner will enjoy.

If you were an Indian mother looking for a suitable meal for your toddler, kitchuri would likely be your choice. it is soft, easily digested and the young ones love the spiced flavor.