Simple Cooking

Ground, toasted rice adds crunch and a slight nuttiness to this salad. Thai basil, available at gourmet and farmers’ markets, has a licorice flavor, but you can use regular basil instead.

You can use tarragon in place of chervil.

Sesame oil is a good source of vitamin E.

In this nutritious salad, papaya, red bell pepper, and cabbage provide vitamins A and C, while carrots contribute large amounts of beta carotene. Cilantro and mint supply flavonoids, and peanuts add vitamin E and selenium, all potent antioxidants.

If you can’t find Vietnamese coriander, you can use fresh cilantro.

Traditional rémoulade is made with mayonnaise. We have lightened this traditional side dish with a lemony yogurt dressing.

To prevent the lentils from becoming too soft as they cool, spread them on a baking sheet.