Onion

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(with Caramelized Onions and Gorgonzola Cheese)

A small coffee or spice mill makes grinding the whole spices very easy. Serve the lamb with the Indian Ratatouille and basmati rice. Pour a spicy red wine such as Syrah or Zinfandel.

Cipolline in Agrodolce These onions — an homage to New York's Italian-American communities — are great as part of an antipasto or as a condiment for salty meats such as baked ham or duck confit. Although they are hard to resist as soon as they are cooked, the flavors continue to develop over a few days. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 2 hr (plus 1 day for flavors to develop)

Grilled Spring Onions Spring onions (also called green onions) have a slightly bulbous base, whereas scallions are straight. This recipe was created to accompany Grilled Garlic-Marinated Skirt Steak with Lime. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.

These flavorful toasts are easy enough to make for last-minute guests. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Our food editors think beans cook more evenly and hold their shape better with a long soak — which is why the ones in this recipe are soaked for 6 hours. But, you can use the following quick-soak method if you prefer: In a saucepan cover beans with cold water by 2 inches. Bring water to a boil and boil beans 2 minutes. Remove pan from heat and soak beans 1 hour.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 2 hr