Bean and Legume

Roasted Mung Bean Purée

Bhaja Muger Dal

Split Pea Soup with Bacon and Rosemary

Mary garnishes the soup with fried brioche croutons, crème fraîche and fresh chervil.

By Mary Klonowski

Bulgur and Lentil Salad with Tarragon and Walnuts

Packaged tabbouleh mixes, available at most supermarkets, are a good source of the fine bulgur recommended in this recipe, but don't use the accompanying seasoning pouch if one is included. Bulgur - wheat berries that have been steamed, dried, and then cracked - is also found in natural foods stores. Although this salad is wonderful with standard supermarket lentils and a coarser grind of bulgur, the French lentils and fine bulgur produce a delicate, more refined version.

Seared Halibut with Haricots Verts, Scallions, and White Wine Sauce

This recipe offers a prime example of cooking à la minute because the entire dish can be prepared and executed very quickly. (It also uses few enough ingredients that you could purchase all of them in the express lane of your local supermarket on the way home from work.) After sautéeing the halibut, the fish is removed from the pan, which is then deglazed with white wine and fresh lemon juice. Butter is swirled in gradually to yield a rich, flavorful sauce — punctuated by scallions, capers, and diced tomato — that is simply poured over the fish; its pleasing citric acidity and buttery richness make it a perfect foil for the halibut.

By Alfred Portale

Andouille Succotash

Make-Ahead Party Shrimp and Veggie Penne

This dish is ideal for entertaining, because you can prepare the sauce ahead and then simply toss it with the cooked pasta. Do not overcook the shrimp!

Fettuccine with Shiitakes, Peas and Prosciutto

In addition to the shiitake mushrooms called for here, look for morels, porcini or even button mushrooms, all of which are available during late spring early summer months.

Green Beans and Crisp Onion Rings

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Sweet-Potato Pumpkin Seed, and Chickpea Party Mix

Chicken Meatball Soup

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Swordfish Niçoise

Don't marinate the fish more than 15 minutes, or it will be cooked by the citric acid in the lemon juice (like the Latin dish seviche). And don't toss the vegetables until serving time, or the vinegar will discolor the beans.