Carrot

I use a small, plump, shrewdly marketed black lentil dubbed "beluga" for this soup, but you can use dark green French lentils or flat olive-green ones, or you can try other pulses such as split peas — green, orange, or gold. Just be prepared to adjust the amount of stock or water. Whole cumin and black peppercorns, crushed just before you add them to the soup, flavor it boldly. I have served this soup three different ways — straight from the pot, irregularly mashed in a mortar, and fully puréed in a blender or processor. Each method produces a different texture and character, and I like all three.

What to drink: Sangiovese wines are a classic pairing with robust pasta dishes. Try the Cantina di Montalcino 1999 Poggio del Sasso, a good-value Super Tuscan.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 25 min

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

When you're cooking with veggies, don't overlook dessert! This cake has great texture, thanks to both pureed and grated carrots. It's delicious with or without frosting and great for parties.

The 2nd Avenue Deli in New York offers this satisfying soup.

Boeuf bourguignon may be made 1 day ahead. Cool, uncovered, then chill, covered (it tastes even better made ahead because it gives the flavors time to develop). If making ahead, it's easier to remove fat from surface after chilling.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Steamed cauliflower florets, broccoli florets and carrot slices are mixed with olives and tossed with a sun-dried tomato and oregano vinaigrette in this Italian-inspired starter "from the garden."

There will be enough of this delicious make-ahead soup for seconds or leftovers.

Radicchio, snow peas and a tangy sesame oil dressing give an old-fashioned dish a delicious new flavor.

The peanut notes in this slaw remind us of the Indonesian skewered meat dish saté. As a result, we think grilled steak, shrimp, or pork would make a terrific main course as an alternative to the Hoisin Five-Spice Chicken Legs.

Pan-roasting the vegetables imparts an earthy sweetness to this dish.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

After making this flavorful dressing in the processor, we give it a whirl in the blender for the smoothest texture. Crisp iceberg lettuce stands up best to this thick dressing. Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 15 min

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.