Vegetable

Similar to other Tuscan soups, like ribollita and pappa al pomodoro, this recipe makes good use of day-old bread. During cooking, the pieces absorb the broth and help thicken the soup. Shave or grate parmesan cheese over each serving, if desired.

Tomatoes, leeks, carrots, and garlic are roasted in one pan to create the base of this simple but satisfying soup. Serve it with toasted sliced rustic bread, or pair it with a sandwich, such as Eggplant and Mozzarella Melts (page 37), for dinner.

This may look—and taste—like a cream-based soup, but it actually has no cream. Instead, a small amount of yogurt is used, which provides tangy flavor. Store-bought frozen pureed squash is a time-saving ingredient, or you can make your own.

The salmon and green beans are equally good served warm or cold. If chilling, prepare recipe through step 3; refrigerate fish, green beans, and dressing separately, then proceed with step 4 just before serving.

Sugar snap peas add distinctive crunch to this refreshing salad. Look for plump green ones with smooth pods. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them overnight (see below). The zesty dressing is inspired by popular versions served at Japanese restaurants.

You can poach the eggs a few hours before composing the salad. Immediately place them in an ice-water bath to stop the cooking, then keep in a bowl of cool water (it should just reach the tops of the eggs). Reheat briefly in a pan of barely simmering water.

This Southwestern-style salad makes excellent use of shortcut staples such as canned beans, frozen corn, and prepared salsa. Fresh varieties of each can be used instead. Serve additional chips, cheese, and salsa on the side.

A favorite sandwich is updated as a main-course salad, with a tangy buttermilk dressing standing in for the mayonnaise spread.

The beet can be roasted up to a day in advance of serving the salad. Although the red beet contrasts nicely with the orange wedges, a golden or chioggia beet can be used instead.

Roasting the portobello mushrooms deepens their flavor and makes them tender and meaty. To clean them, wipe the caps with a damp paper towel (do not soak).

Napa, or Chinese, cabbage (not to be confused with bok choy) has a delicate taste and tender, ruffly leaves. Here one head is divided into two salads—one with Asian-style ingredients and the other with apples and caraway.

Napa, or Chinese, cabbage (not to be confused with bok choy) has a delicate taste and tender, ruffly leaves. Here one head is divided into two salads—one with Asian-style ingredients and the other with apples and caraway.

Serve this rich, velvety dip with crostini (page 365), breadsticks, or crackers. Or try it as a delectable accompaniment for roast chicken or pork.

Look for wonton wrappers in your supermarket’s refrigerated section (often next to tofu); they are also available frozen. Unused wrappers can be frozen, wrapped in plastic, for up to two months.

Salsa simply means “sauce” in Spanish. These three versions are delicious served with tortilla chips, or as condiments along-side grilled fish, chicken, or pork.

Salsa simply means “sauce” in Spanish. These three versions are delicious served with tortilla chips, or as condiments along-side grilled fish, chicken, or pork.

This tangy relish is very versatile; try it as a spur-of-the-moment starter with crostini (page 365), or as a quick pasta sauce or sandwich spread. It can also be spooned over broiled white fish, such as flounder or tilapia.