Dinner - quick and easy recipes - page 165

This alternative to basil and pine nut pesto is great on pizza, pasta, or straight from a spoon.

Polenta, writes Chez Panisse’s Cal Peternell in Twelve Recipes, is “more ratio than recipe.” The standard is 4 parts water to 1 part polenta, simmered for 30 minutes. Be careful to add the polenta to the boiling water in a slow, steady stream with one hand as you whisk with the other—this will prevent lumps from forming. (If you end up with a few lumps despite your best efforts, don’t sweat it; it’ll still taste delicious.) Enriching it at the end with butter and cheese isn’t strictly necessary.

A bright-tasting variation on traditional chicken salad, with a flavor profile inspired by Mexico. Greek yogurt, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice yield simple but striking results. Use as a sandwich filling, or pile on top of a simple green salad for a healthy lunch.

For this quick and easy chicken pho recipe, you’ll need rice vermicelli noodles, shredded meat from a rotisserie chicken, chicken broth, ginger, Asian fish sauce, basil, cilantro, mung bean sprouts, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha.

A classic baked oyster recipe from Jennifer Puccio, executive chef of Marlowe, The Cavalier, and Park Tavern in San Francisco.

A classic French vinaigrette with red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, shallot, lemon juice, and olive oil is one of the most versatile sauces in the kitchen. Use it to dress a simple green salad or an elaborate composed one, employ it as a quick marinade for raw meats or a casual accompaniment for grilled ones.

For this classic mixed greens salad recipe, you’ll need a variety of fresh salad greens and a batch of Classic Vinaigrette.

For this classic steak and bacon salad recipe, crispy bacon mingles with cold grilled steak, romaine hearts, watercress or arugula, crumbled blue cheese, and cherry tomatoes in creamy Blue Cheese–Yogurt Dressing.

A healthy chicken and greens salad recipe. You’ll need to make a batch of Tahini Dressing for tossing.

For this delicious yogurt-avocado dressing recipe, tangy Greek yogurt combines with creamy avocado, lime juice, and an herbal trio of chives, cilantro, and parsley. Use it to dress a classic shrimp and greens salad.

A healthy shrimp and greens salad recipe. You’ll need a batch of Yogurt-Avocado Dressing for tossing.

For this easy Chinese chile garlic sauce recipe, adapted from Asian Dumplings, fresh red chiles combine with garlic and vinegar with a touch of sugar.

For these classic strawberry shortcake crêpes, sliced ripe strawberries are folded into whipped cream, then rolled up in freshly made crêpes. Game Plan: You’ll need to make the batter for Basic Crêpes and Easy Whipped Cream before you begin.

This classic recipe for a chocolate-hazelnut crêpe with banana will transport you to the streets of Paris. Game Plan: You’ll need to make the batter for Basic Crêpes before you begin.

A classic French egg, ham, and cheese crêpe recipe, perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light supper. Game Plan: You’ll need to make the batter for Basic Crêpes before you begin.

This classic recipe for savory mushroom, spinach, and Parmesan crêpes is perfect for an elegant brunch, lunch, or light vegetarian supper. Game Plan: You’ll need to make the batter for Basic Crêpes before you begin.