Tomato

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. This quick Southwestern cheese dip benefits from a bit of brew in the mix — as it would from a cold Mexican beer enjoyed alongside.

Cream of tomato soup should be gentle and soothing. This is a perfect example. Adding baking soda to the tomatoes keeps the milk from curdling.

This dish is delicious warm, but it can also be prepared ahead, stored in a covered container and served at room temperature at a picnic. Either way, its terrific.

Porcini mushrooms smooth out the intense flavors of this traditional sauce of tomatoes, olives, anchovies and capers. Although puttanesca sauce is typically served with penne or spaghetti, fusilli holds the sauce better.

Sliced avocado and purchased salsa are great additions to this Tex-Mex entrée. Let guests assemble their own tacos.

A mixed vegetable stew, seasoned with spices characteristic of Morocco. Serve it with rice or couscous.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For a heartier sandwich, coarsely chopped avocado can be stirred into the yogurt.

Serve this hearty stew with plain yogurt or raita for a high-protein vegetarian meal.

Spicy crushed red pepper, rosemary and garlic enhance this main course. Uncork an Italian Barbera to match the menu's hearty flavors. For dessert, offer a compote of blueberries and sliced nectarines with crème fraîche (available at many supermarkets) or lightly whipped cream.

This easy zuppa di pesce is a staple of the anchovy packers of Mazara del Vallo on the northwestern coast of Sicily. It always comes with bread to soak up the juices.

Plancha is simply another word for comal, or griddle.