Vegan

Instead of white cubes of tofu bobbing in this African-style soup, where they look decidedly odd, I purée the tofu with a portion of the finished soup until everything is smooth. The tofu is there, but it doesn't intrude. And this is a method you can use with virtually any puréed soup. If you wish, you can purée the entire soup or leave it textured, with bits of sweet potatoes and peppers.

This was inspired by a dish created by Alex Padilla, sous chef at Boulevard, the San Francisco restaurant owned by Aidells's wife.

Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 35 min Cumin and mustard seeds give jasmine rice a subtle Indian flavor. It's a nice change from plain rice; try it as a side dish for grilled steak, fish, or the spiced chicken breast.

The cool flavors in this relish would be great with tuna or shrimp.

We tested this recipe in a traditional Italian terra-cotta bean pot (called a fagioliera) and in a heavy saucepan. We preferred the bean pot because it cooked the beans more gently, allowing them to retain their shape and texture (they seemed more flavorful as well). The slow, gentle cooking also makes it unnecessary to presoak the beans. In Italy, each serving of beans is dressed with oil at the table, and since leftover beans aren't dressed, they are used in the next day's soup or are reheated with more garlic and sage.

This recipe was created to accompany Bibb Lettuce with Sherry Vinaigrette . Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

In typical Alsatian fashion, this cabbage has a delicious sweet-and-sour flavor.

Soybeans in the Pod Sweet, delicious young soybeans, which appear fresh in markets in Japan throughout the summer (they are available frozen in the U.S.), make great hors d'oeuvres. They are packed with protein and fun to eat-the slightly fuzzy green pods tickle your lips as you gently suck the beans into your mouth. Provide bowls for the empty pods. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe originally accompanied Fruit Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Wheat berries, minimally processed grains of whole wheat, are sometimes marketed as hard wheat.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.