Braised Beef Braciola Stuffed with Basil and Mozzarella

This is a home-style version of the Italian-American classic. The traditional dish uses small roulades of beef round, but here we use a whole flank steak because it’s quicker and easier to stuff and roll one large cut and the flank offers a wonderful flavor. If you want to build up the stuffing, add prosciutto or hearty greens like kale.

• One 2 lb. flank steak
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup grated mozzarella
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 1/3 cup fine, dry breadcrumbs
• 12 large basil leaves, torn into pieces 
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, cut into thin strips (about 1-1/2 cups)
• 1/2 cup red wine
• One 28-oz. can whole tomatoes and their juices (3 cups), puréed (preferably San Marzano)
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 8 oz. white mushrooms, quartered

Set the flank steak on a large cutting board. Using a chef’s knife, slice the steak lengthwise along one long side (without cutting all the way through the meat) and open it up like a book. Using a meat mallet, flatten the meat so it is about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle both sides of the meat with 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper. For the stuffing, put the mozzarella, Parmigiano, breadcrumbs, and basil in a mini chopper or food processor and pulse to combine. Sprinkle the stuffing evenly over one side of the beef, and roll it up lengthwise jelly roll–style with the stuffing inside. Secure with kitchen twine in five or six places.

Heat half the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Add the beef and cook until it browns and releases easily from the pan, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until browned, about 5 more minutes. Transfer to a large plate.

Add the remaining 2 Tbs. oil and the onion to the pan, and lower the heat to medium. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt and cook, stirring, until the onion wilts completely and turns a light brown, about 8 minutes. Add the red wine and cook, stirring, until it almost completely reduces, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and red pepper flakes and bring to a boil. Reduce to a gentle simmer and tuck the meat and mushrooms into the broth. Cover and cook, repositioning the meat occasionally, until the meat becomes tender and cuts easily with a paring knife, about 1-1/2 hours. Set the meat on a cutting board and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Thinly slice and serve topped with the sauce and vegetables.

Green Bean Salad with Corn, Cherry Tomatoes & Basil

If you can’t find ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes, substitute small wedges of ripe beefsteak tomatoes.

• 3 cups fresh corn kernels (3 to 4 ears)
• Kosher salt
• 1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half diagonally
• 1 small red onion, cut in half through the root end, root trimmed, and cut lengthwise into very thin slices
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar; more to taste
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 cup roughly chopped fresh basil
• Freshly ground black pepper

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the corn kernels and blanch for 1 min. Scoop out the corn with a strainer; set aside. Season the water with a generous amount of salt, let it return to a boil, add the beans, and cook until just tender, about 3 min. Drain the beans and spread them on a baking sheet to cool.

Meanwhile, put the onion in a small bowl filled with ice water (which will crisp it and mellow its flavor). Using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a chef’s knife, mash the garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt. Put the paste in a small bowl (or keep it in the mortar) and whisk in the vinegar. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes and then whisk in the olive oil.

Garlic cloves mashed to a paste add a tasty kick. I use a large granite mortar and pestle to pound the cloves to a paste, but you can also use the flat part of a chef’s knife to mash the garlic. A pinch of kosher salt helps the process along.

Vinaigrettes with a bright edge tie the salad together. To stand up to vegetables—especially raw vegetables—your vinaigrette should be relatively assertive, and that means using a bright acid. Try combining fresh citrus juices and different vinegars.

Just before serving, drain the onions. Put the beans, corn, onions, cherry tomatoes, and basil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss with the vinaigrette. Taste again and add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Serve right away.

Chimichurri Sauce for Beef Tenderloin

Based on an Argentine sauce for grilled meats, this zingy condiment, originally developed to accompany a Sear-Roasted Beef Tenderloin, brightens up any wintertime roast.

• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped shallot
• 2 Tbs. sherry vinegar; more as needed
• Kosher salt
• 1 cup (1 oz.) packed fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 cup (1 oz.) packed fresh basil
• 1 Tbs. fresh oregano
• 2 small cloves garlic, lightly crushed
• 1 tsp. whole black peppercorns, cracked; more, freshly ground
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Put the shallot, vinegar, and 1/2 tsp. salt in a small bowl and let sit for about 30 minutes. Transfer to a food processor, add the parsley, basil, oregano, garlic, and peppercorns and pulse a few times into a coarse purée. While pulsing, add the oil through the feed tube and pulse until combined. Season to taste with salt, freshly ground black pepper, or vinegar.

Grilled Bread Salad With Basil and Cherry Tomatoes

A trip to the grill gives the makings of a classic Italian bread salad—a good crusty loaf of bread, ripe summer tomatoes, and basil—a little smokiness and crisp texture. Because this salad can sit out at room temperature for an hour or two, it’s the perfect side for a picnic or barbecue. If you can’t find bocconcini, substitute a large fresh mozzarella cut into 1-inch pieces.

• 1 medium loaf (about 1/2 pound) rustic
• white bread (like ciabatta), cut length-wise into 1-inch-thick slices
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 1 clove garlic, halved lengthwise
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 bunch scallions (about 8), trimmed and thinly sliced (both white and green parts)
• 12 large basil leaves, torn into small pieces
• 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
• 8 oz . bocconcini (small fresh mozzarella balls), halved

Prepare a medium-high fire on a gas or charcoal grill. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Using a pastry brush, dab both sides of the bread slices with 2 Tbs. oil and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt. Grill the bread until it browns and gets good grill marks, about 2 minutes. Grill the other side until browned, about 2 minutes, and transfer to a large cutting board to cool. Rub the cut sides of the garlic over the bread and discard the garlic. Put the cherry tomatoes and scallions in a large serving bowl with the basil. Cut the bread into 1-inch pieces and add to the bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk the remaining oil with the red-wine vinegar, pour over the bread mixture, and toss well. Let the salad sit for up to 2 hours before serving. Just before serving, fold in the bocconcini and season with salt to taste.

Green Bean Salad with Corn, Cherry Tomatoes & Basil

If you can’t find ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes, substitute small wedges of ripe beefsteak tomatoes.

• 3 cups fresh corn kernels (3 to 4 ears)
• Kosher salt
• 1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half diagonally
• 1 small red onion, cut in half through the root end, root trimmed, and cut lengthwise into very thin slices
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar; more to taste
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 cup roughly chopped fresh basil
• Freshly ground black pepper

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the corn kernels and blanch for 1 min. Scoop out the corn with a strainer; set aside. Season the water with a generous amount of salt, let it return to a boil, add the beans, and cook until just tender, about 3 min. Drain the beans and spread them on a baking sheet to cool.

Meanwhile, put the onion in a small bowl filled with ice water (which will crisp it and mellow its flavor). Using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a chef’s knife, mash the garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt. Put the paste in a small bowl (or keep it in the mortar) and whisk in the vinegar. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes and then whisk in the olive oil.

Garlic cloves mashed to a paste add a tasty kick. I use a large granite mortar and pestle to pound the cloves to a paste, but you can also use the flat part of a chef’s knife to mash the garlic. A pinch of kosher salt helps the process along.

Vinaigrettes with a bright edge tie the salad together. To stand up to vegetables—especially raw vegetables—your vinaigrette should be relatively assertive, and that means using a bright acid. Try combining fresh citrus juices and different vinegars.

Just before serving, drain the onions. Put the beans, corn, onions, cherry tomatoes, and basil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss with the vinaigrette. Taste again and add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Serve right away.

Roasted Chicken Thighs with Late-Summer Vegetables & Pan Sauce

We consider this dish late-summer comfort food. The chicken thighs cook up moist and tender and are more flavorful than chicken breasts, and the aromatic herbs and roasted vegetables make it a meal you'll want to savor.

• 6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (2-1/2 to 3 lb.)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 lb. green beans, stem ends trimmed (2 cups)
• 10 oz. cherry or grape tomatoes (2 cups)
• One-half large sweet onion (like Vidalia or Walla Walla) or red onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• 1/2 cup pitted Niçoise or Kalamata olives
• 2 large cloves garlic, sliced about 1/8 inch thick
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 tsp. unsalted butter (optional)
• 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, sliced into 1/2-inch strips

Position two racks near the center of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F. Heat a 10- to 11-inch heavy, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Generously season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Pour 1 Tbs. of the oil into the hot skillet and swirl to coat. Arrange the chicken thighs skin side down in the pan and cook until the skin is golden brown, about 7 min. Turn the chicken over. If a lot of fat has accumulated, carefully spoon it off and discard.

While the chicken browns, toss the beans, tomatoes, onion, olives, and garlic in a large bowl with the remaining 2 Tbs. oil. Season with 3/4 tsp. salt and several grinds of pepper and spread the vegetables on a rimmed baking sheet.

Put the skillet of chicken and the baking sheet with the vegetables in the oven, with the chicken on the higher rack. Roast the chicken until a thermometer inserted in the center of a thigh registers 170°F, 18 to 20 min. Continue to roast the vegetables until very soft and beginning to brown, 8 to 12 min. more.

Meanwhile, remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the chicken to a plate. Spoon off and discard as much fat as possible from the chicken juices, add the wine, set over high heat, and boil until reduced to about 1/4 cup sauce, 4 to 6 min.; it should be syrupy and concentrated in flavor. Swirl in the butter, if using.

Remove the vegetables from the oven and toss them with the basil. Divide the vegetables among four plates. Arrange one or two chicken thighs on the vegetables and drizzle with the pan sauce. Serve immediately.

Strawberry Basil Ice Cream

This recipe uses David Lebovitz's simple formula to create your own custom ice-cream flavor with flavor infusions and add-ins. The pairing of strawberry and basil is the quintessential flavor of summer.

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• Table salt
• 1 cup tightly packed, coarsely torn basil leaves
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1 lb. fresh or frozen strawberries, trimmed, pureed, strained, and mixed with 1/2 cup sugar

In a medium saucepan, mix 1 cup of the cream with the milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Warm the cream mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and tiny bubbles begin to form around the edge of the pan, 3 to 4 minutes.

Stir in the basil leaves. Cover, remove from the heat, and let sit for 1 hour. Taste and let sit longer if you want a stronger basil flavor.

Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with several inches of ice water. Set a smaller metal bowl (one that holds at least 1-1/2 quarts) in the ice water. Pour the remaining cup of cream into the inner bowl (this helps the custard cool quicker when you pour it in later). Set a fine strainer on top. Whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl.

Rewarm the cream mixture over medium-high heat until tiny bubbles begin to form around the edge of the pan, 1 to 2 minutes. In a steady stream, pour half of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.

Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom with a heatproof rubber spatula until the custard thickens slightly (it should be thick enough to coat the spatula and hold a line drawn through it with a finger), 4 to 8 minutes. An instant-read thermometer should read 175° to 180°F at this point. Don’t let the sauce overheat or boil, or it will curdle. Immediately strain the custard into the cold cream in the ice bath. Press firmly on the basil leaves in the strainer with the spatula to extract as much flavor as possible.

Cool the custard to below 70°F by stirring it over the ice bath. Stir the strawberry puree into the cooled custard.

Refrigerate the custard until completely chilled, at least 4 hours. Then freeze the custard in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer the just-churned ice cream to an air-tight container, and freeze for at least 4 hours or up to 2 weeks.

Mozzarella, Prosciutto, and Tomato Skewers

Sometimes it’s the simplest appetizers that get talked about the most. Drizzle Filippo Berio® Extra Virgin Olive Oil over these colorful creations for a dish that is sure to delight.

• 16 fresh baby mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
• 8 thin slices of prosciutto di Parma, cut in half width-wise
• 16 grape or cherry tomatoes
• 16 1-inch bread cubes
• 8 shaved strips of Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Filippo Berio® Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 6 basil leaves, cut into thin strips
• 8 wooden skewers

Wrap individual mozzarella balls with a half-slice of prosciutto.

Assemble by placing a piece of the wrapped mozzarella, a tomato, and a bread cube on each skewer. Place skewers on a plate or platter.

Drizzle with olive oil.

Top with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano and chiffonade of basil.

Green Bean Salad with Corn, Cherry Tomatoes & Basil

If you can’t find ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes, substitute small wedges of ripe beefsteak tomatoes.

• 3 cups fresh corn kernels (3 to 4 ears)
• Kosher salt
• 1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half diagonally
• 1 small red onion, cut in half through the root end, root trimmed, and cut lengthwise into very thin slices
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar; more to taste
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 cup roughly chopped fresh basil
• Freshly ground black pepper

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the corn kernels and blanch for 1 min. Scoop out the corn with a strainer; set aside. Season the water with a generous amount of salt, let it return to a boil, add the beans, and cook until just tender, about 3 min. Drain the beans and spread them on a baking sheet to cool.

Meanwhile, put the onion in a small bowl filled with ice water (which will crisp it and mellow its flavor). Using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a chef’s knife, mash the garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt. Put the paste in a small bowl (or keep it in the mortar) and whisk in the vinegar. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes and then whisk in the olive oil.

Garlic cloves mashed to a paste add a tasty kick. I use a large granite mortar and pestle to pound the cloves to a paste, but you can also use the flat part of a chef’s knife to mash the garlic. A pinch of kosher salt helps the process along.

Vinaigrettes with a bright edge tie the salad together. To stand up to vegetables—especially raw vegetables—your vinaigrette should be relatively assertive, and that means using a bright acid. Try combining fresh citrus juices and different vinegars.

Just before serving, drain the onions. Put the beans, corn, onions, cherry tomatoes, and basil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss with the vinaigrette. Taste again and add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Serve right away.

Master Recipe for Cool Noodle Salads

If you like, prepare the greens and garnishes in advance and refrigerate. Cook the noodles up to two hours ahead and keep at room temperature. At serving time, you'll just have to prepare the toppings.

For the greens:

• 2 cups washed and shredded romaine, red, or green leaf lettuce
• 2 cups fresh, crisp bean sprouts
• 1-1/2 cups peeled, seeded, and julienned cucumber
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup roughly chopped or small whole mint leaves
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup roughly chopped or small basil or Thai basil leaves

For the garnishes:

• 2 Tbs. chopped roasted peanuts
• 12 sprigs fresh cilantro
• Nuoc cham (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce) 

For the noodles:

• 8 oz. dried rice vermicelli

For the Topping:

• 1 recipe for Warm Lemon Grass Shrimp, Vietnamese Grilled Pork, or Stir-Fried Vegetables.

For the greens and herbs: Divide the lettuce, bean sprouts, cucumber, mint, and basil among four large soup or pasta bowls. If working ahead of time, cover each bowl with damp paper towels and refrigerate.

For the garnishes: Set peanuts aside. Make 1 recipe nuoc cham and refrigerate.

For the noodles: Bring a medium potful of water to a rolling boil. Add the rice vermicelli and, stirring often, cook them until the strands are soft and white, but still resilient, 3 to 5 minutes. Don't be tempted to undercook them, as they must be fully cooked to absorb the flavors of the dish. Rinse them in a colander under cold water just until they're cool and the water runs clear. Let the noodles drain in the colander for 30 minutes, and then set them aside for up to 2 hours, unrefrigerated.

For the topping: Follow the directions for one of the recipes (Warm Lemongrass Shrimp, Vietnamese Grilled Pork, or Stir-Fried Vegetables). These toppings can be served hot or slightly cooled.

To assemble the salads: Remove the salad bowls from the refrigerator 20 to 30 minutes before serving. The greens and bowl should be cool, not cold. Fluff the noodles with your fingers and divide them among the prepared salad bowls. Put the cooked topping on the noodles and garnish each bowl with the peanuts and cilantro. Pass the nuoc cham at the table; each diner should drizzle about 3 Tbs. over the salad and then toss the salad in the bowl a few times with two forks or chopsticks before eating.

Raw Fresh Tomato Sauce

In this quick sauce, hot olive oil and salt are added to diced fresh tomatoes and herbs. Be sure to do this just before tossing with cooked pasta, since the scalding oil releases the flavor of the herbs, and the salt can draw too much liquid from the tomatoes if added too soon. A raw sauce is best paired with spaghetti or spaghettini; thicker, heavier pasta shapes are not a good match.  

• 3 lb. ripe tomatoes, cored
• 2 Tbs. finely chopped fresh basil
• 2 tsp. finely chopped fresh oregano
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Fine sea salt

Cut a 1/4-inch slice from the tops of the tomatoes. Peel the tomatoes with a vegetable peeler, using a zig-zag motion, halve them crosswise, and remove and discard the seeds. Cut the tomatoes into 1/4-inch dice and transfer to a large serving bowl. Add the basil and oregano.

Just before serving, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a 1-quart saucepan until shimmering hot (but not smoking); pour over the tomato mixture, add 2 tsp. salt, and mix well. Toss with cooked pasta and serve.

Fresh Tomato & Basil Sauce

Suggested pasta: 1 lb. farfalle 
Beyond pasta: Spoon over grilled shrimp, scallops, or whitefish; spread on thick slices of grilled bread.
Cheese option: 5 oz. ricotta salata, cut into a 1/4 inch dice (to yield about 1 cup)

• 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 large cloves garlic, sliced as thinly as possible
• 2 lb. cherry tomatoes, rinsed and halved
• 1 tsp. kosher salt; more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves (from about one small bunch), very thinly sliced
• 5 oz. ricotta salata, cut into 1/4-inch dice to yield about 1 cup (optional)

In a 10- or 11-inch sauté pan, heat the oil and garlic over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat and then raise the heat to medium. Simmer, stirring occasionally and adjusting the heat to maintain a lively but not too vigorous simmer, until the tomatoes have been reduced to a thick, pulpy sauce, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat. Sprinkle on the basil and stir to combine thoroughly.

To serve with pasta

While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of abundantly salted water to a vigorous boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain it well. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed. Toss the pasta with three-quarters of the sauce and divide among individual serving bowls. Spoon a little of the remaining sauce over each serving and sprinkle on the cheese, if you like.

Grilled Bread Salad With Basil and Cherry Tomatoes

A trip to the grill gives the makings of a classic Italian bread salad—a good crusty loaf of bread, ripe summer tomatoes, and basil—a little smokiness and crisp texture. Because this salad can sit out at room temperature for an hour or two, it’s the perfect side for a picnic or barbecue. If you can’t find bocconcini, substitute a large fresh mozzarella cut into 1-inch pieces.

• 1 medium loaf (about 1/2 pound) rustic
• white bread (like ciabatta), cut length-wise into 1-inch-thick slices
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 1 clove garlic, halved lengthwise
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 bunch scallions (about 8), trimmed and thinly sliced (both white and green parts)
• 12 large basil leaves, torn into small pieces
• 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
• 8 oz . bocconcini (small fresh mozzarella balls), halved

Prepare a medium-high fire on a gas or charcoal grill. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Using a pastry brush, dab both sides of the bread slices with 2 Tbs. oil and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt. Grill the bread until it browns and gets good grill marks, about 2 minutes. Grill the other side until browned, about 2 minutes, and transfer to a large cutting board to cool. Rub the cut sides of the garlic over the bread and discard the garlic. Put the cherry tomatoes and scallions in a large serving bowl with the basil. Cut the bread into 1-inch pieces and add to the bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk the remaining oil with the red-wine vinegar, pour over the bread mixture, and toss well. Let the salad sit for up to 2 hours before serving. Just before serving, fold in the bocconcini and season with salt to taste.

Grilled Corn & Tomato Salad with Basil Oil

• 2 ears corn, husks removed
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 to 4 large ripe beefsteak tomatoes
• Basil Oil
• Small leaves of Dark Opal or Purple Ruffles basil, or gently torn larger ones, for garnish (optional)

Cut the corn cobs in half crosswise, put them in a large bowl, and toss with the olive oil, 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper.

Heat a grill to medium-high. Grill the corn until the tips of the kernels are nicely browned all around, about 2 min. on each of three sides. Return the corn to the bowl with the olive oil and toss again. When the ears are cool enough to handle, place the flat end of a cob on a cutting board so the cob is upright and slice the kernels off with a sharp knife. You should have about 1 cup kernels. Set aside until ready to assemble.

Slice the tomatoes 1/2 inch thick and generously season each slice with salt and pepper. On serving plates, arrange one, two, or three slices of tomato per person, depending on how big the tomatoes are. Scatter the corn over the tomato slices. Drizzle basil oil generously over each serving. Garnish with fresh purple leaves, if using.

Roasted Chicken Thighs with Late-Summer Vegetables & Pan Sauce

We consider this dish late-summer comfort food. The chicken thighs cook up moist and tender and are more flavorful than chicken breasts, and the aromatic herbs and roasted vegetables make it a meal you'll want to savor.

• 6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (2-1/2 to 3 lb.)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 lb. green beans, stem ends trimmed (2 cups)
• 10 oz. cherry or grape tomatoes (2 cups)
• One-half large sweet onion (like Vidalia or Walla Walla) or red onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• 1/2 cup pitted Niçoise or Kalamata olives
• 2 large cloves garlic, sliced about 1/8 inch thick
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 tsp. unsalted butter (optional)
• 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, sliced into 1/2-inch strips

Position two racks near the center of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F. Heat a 10- to 11-inch heavy, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Generously season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Pour 1 Tbs. of the oil into the hot skillet and swirl to coat. Arrange the chicken thighs skin side down in the pan and cook until the skin is golden brown, about 7 min. Turn the chicken over. If a lot of fat has accumulated, carefully spoon it off and discard.

While the chicken browns, toss the beans, tomatoes, onion, olives, and garlic in a large bowl with the remaining 2 Tbs. oil. Season with 3/4 tsp. salt and several grinds of pepper and spread the vegetables on a rimmed baking sheet.

Put the skillet of chicken and the baking sheet with the vegetables in the oven, with the chicken on the higher rack. Roast the chicken until a thermometer inserted in the center of a thigh registers 170°F, 18 to 20 min. Continue to roast the vegetables until very soft and beginning to brown, 8 to 12 min. more.

Meanwhile, remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the chicken to a plate. Spoon off and discard as much fat as possible from the chicken juices, add the wine, set over high heat, and boil until reduced to about 1/4 cup sauce, 4 to 6 min.; it should be syrupy and concentrated in flavor. Swirl in the butter, if using.

Remove the vegetables from the oven and toss them with the basil. Divide the vegetables among four plates. Arrange one or two chicken thighs on the vegetables and drizzle with the pan sauce. Serve immediately.

Fresh Tomato & Basil Sauce

Suggested pasta: 1 lb. farfalle 
Beyond pasta: Spoon over grilled shrimp, scallops, or whitefish; spread on thick slices of grilled bread.
Cheese option: 5 oz. ricotta salata, cut into a 1/4 inch dice (to yield about 1 cup)

• 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 large cloves garlic, sliced as thinly as possible
• 2 lb. cherry tomatoes, rinsed and halved
• 1 tsp. kosher salt; more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves (from about one small bunch), very thinly sliced
• 5 oz. ricotta salata, cut into 1/4-inch dice to yield about 1 cup (optional)

In a 10- or 11-inch sauté pan, heat the oil and garlic over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat and then raise the heat to medium. Simmer, stirring occasionally and adjusting the heat to maintain a lively but not too vigorous simmer, until the tomatoes have been reduced to a thick, pulpy sauce, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat. Sprinkle on the basil and stir to combine thoroughly.

To serve with pasta

While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of abundantly salted water to a vigorous boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain it well. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed. Toss the pasta with three-quarters of the sauce and divide among individual serving bowls. Spoon a little of the remaining sauce over each serving and sprinkle on the cheese, if you like.

Herb Butter

A pat of this herb butter enhances grilled seafood, chicken, or steak. Try adding it to rice, pasta, and soups. For the most flavor, mash in as much of the herbs as the butter will hold. Any tender herb is appropriate. Wrap the butter tightly in plastic so it doesn't absorb odors.

• 1 lb. unsalted butter, cut into pieces and softened to room temperature
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 4 cups assorted fresh tender herb leaves (choose from tarragon, thyme, parsley, basil, dill, chives, marjoram, chervil)

In a food processor, combine the butter, salt, and pepper. Process until you get a creamy paste, scraping down the sides as necessary, and then add the lemon juice and process until creamy. Add the herb leaves and process again until well blended. Shape into 2 logs in parchment or waxed paper, roll tightly, wrap well in plastic, and chill (or freeze for up to 3 months). Cut off a slice and lay it on the hot food just before serving.

Pesto Vinaigrette

• 1-1/2 cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh, finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano
• 3 Tbs. red- or white-wine vinegar
• 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp. finely chopped garlic
• 1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Tip:

Whole or chopped toasted pine nuts make a lovely garnish for a salad made with this vinaigrette.

Put the basil, olive oil, Parmigiano, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and lemon zest in a blender. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chimichurri Sauce for Beef Tenderloin

Based on an Argentine sauce for grilled meats, this zingy condiment, originally developed to accompany a Sear-Roasted Beef Tenderloin, brightens up any wintertime roast.

• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped shallot
• 2 Tbs. sherry vinegar; more as needed
• Kosher salt
• 1 cup (1 oz.) packed fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 cup (1 oz.) packed fresh basil
• 1 Tbs. fresh oregano
• 2 small cloves garlic, lightly crushed
• 1 tsp. whole black peppercorns, cracked; more, freshly ground
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Put the shallot, vinegar, and 1/2 tsp. salt in a small bowl and let sit for about 30 minutes. Transfer to a food processor, add the parsley, basil, oregano, garlic, and peppercorns and pulse a few times into a coarse purée. While pulsing, add the oil through the feed tube and pulse until combined. Season to taste with salt, freshly ground black pepper, or vinegar.

Basil Pesto

This recipe is easily doubled.

• 1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 3 cups packed basil leaves
• 1/4 cup ice water
• 1 to 2 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano Reggiano
• 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, preferably a fruity one

Bring 2 qt. water seasoned with 1 Tbs. of the salt to a rolling boil. Meanwhile, set up an ice bath by combining ice and water in a medium bowl.

Put the basil in the boiling water, pressing it gently under the water, and cook for just 2 or 3 seconds. Quickly remove the basil from the water (a Chinese strainer works great here) and plunge it immediately into the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let cool completely for 2 minutes.

Remove the basil from the ice bath and squeeze it lightly with your hands or in a clean dishtowel to remove most of the excess water.

Chop the basil coarsely with a sharp knife and then put it in a blender. Add the 1/4 cup ice water, the garlic, the pine nuts, the cheese, the remaining 1 tsp. salt, and the pepper. Blend until the basil is coarsely puréed, scraping down the sides and adding more water to facilitate blending only if needed. Be patient; don’t add more water if it isn’t necessary. With the blender running, add the oil in a steady stream until the pesto looks creamy and emulsified. Cover and store in the refrigerator for a few days or in the freezer for up to a few months.

Chopping the basil speeds blending. Squeeze out the excess water first.