Sesame Beef and Snap Peas

A drizzle of chili sauce gives the tangy sauce in this dish a touch of heat while toasted sesame seeds and sesame oil offer a double shot of flavor. The dish comes together in minutes for a quick weekday meal.

• 1 lb. flank steak or skirt steak, cut into thin strips
• 1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. Asian sesame oil
• Kosher salt
• 1 Tbs. ketchup
• 2 tsp. rice vinegar
• 1 tsp. granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. Asian chili sauce (like Sriracha)
• 2 tsp. sesame seeds, toasted
• 3 Tbs. canola or peanut oil
• 3 Tbs. finely chopped ginger
• 10 oz. sugar snap peas, ends trimmed
• 1 tsp. cornstarch

Toss the beef with 1 tsp. each of soy sauce and sesame oil and 1/4 tsp. salt. In a small bowl, mix the remaining Tbs. each of soy sauce and sesame oil with the ketchup, vinegar, sugar, chili sauce, and half of the sesame seeds.

Heat 1-1/2 Tbs. oil in a large (12-inch) skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it loses its raw color and browns in places, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a large plate. Cook the ginger with the remaining 1-1/2 Tbs. oil until it sizzles steadily and starts to brown lightly around the edges, about 1 minute. Add the snap peas, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt, and cook, stirring, until they turn bright green and start to brown in places, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 1/3 cup water and cook, stirring, until about half of the liquid cooks off and the peas start to soften, about 1 minute. Add the soy sauce mixture and beef, and cook, stirring, for a couple minutes until the mixture heats through and coats the peas and beef. Whisk the cornstarch with 1/4 cup water; add to the beef, and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Sprinkle with the remaining tsp. sesame seeds, and serve.

Gnocchi with Fava Beans, Peas & Asparagus

The freshness of the spring quartet of vegetables (including both English peas and snap peas) in Waxman’s dish keeps the hefty gnocchi light. This recipe makes more gnocchi than you will need, but the remainder can be frozen for later use.

For the gnocchi

• 3 russet potatoes (about 1-3/4 lb.)
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 sprig rosemary
• Kosher salt
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 Tbs. olive oil, more for the cooked gnocchi

For the vegetables

• 1/2 cup peas, fresh or frozen
• 1/2 cup fava beans, fresh or frozen
• 6 medium spears asparagus, ends trimmed
• 8 sugar snap pea pods, strings removed
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbs. unsalted butter
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For serving

• 1 oz. Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated (1/2 cup with a rasp grater)

Make the gnocchi

Put the potatoes in a 4- to 5-quart saucepan and cover with 1 inch of cool water. Add the garlic, rosemary, and the 1 Tbs. salt. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat and simmer over medium heat. Cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 45 minutes. Remove the cooked potatoes from the water and let them cool slightly.

When the potatoes are just cool enough to handle, peel them and force them through a ricer onto a clean work surface, making a well in the center. Add half of the flour, the egg, and the olive oil to the well and knead until well combined. Continue to add the flour in 1/4-cup increments until it is absorbed into the egg and oil mixture and a dough begins to form. You may not need all the flour. When the dough is still moist but no longer sticky, form it into a ball. Cut the ball into quarters with a sharp knife. Wrap three of the pieces in plastic and put them in the refrigerator.

Roll the remaining piece of dough on the work surface into a 1/2-inch thick rope, dusting with flour as needed to prevent it from sticking. Using a sharp knife, cut the rope into 3/4-inch pieces and transfer them to a lightly floured baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining dough pieces.

Set aside about 60 gnocchi for four servings, and refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap, on baking sheets until needed. Freeze the remainder for another use on baking sheets for about 45 minutes, or until the gnocchi pieces are firmly frozen. Transfer the gnocchi to a freezer bag and store for future use.

Blanch the vegetables

Bring a 7- to 8-quart pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Have ready a large bowl of ice water. Prepare a large paper-towel-lined plate and set aside. Add the peas to the boiling water and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Remove from the water with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge into the ice-water bath. When cool, transfer the peas to the paper-towel-lined plate.

Add the fava beans to the boiling water and cook until just tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from the water with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge into the ice-water bath. When cool, drain the favas and peel the outer skin. Place the beans on the plate with the peas.

Add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the water with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge into the ice-water bath. When cool, transfer the asparagus to the paper-towel-lined plate.

Repeat this process with the sugar snap peas and drain on the plate with the asparagus. Cut the asparagus and snap peas into ¾-inch diagonal pieces. Set aside. Continue to boil the blanching water.

Cook the gnocchi

Set aside a large bowl for the cooked gnocchi. Drop as many gnocchi into the boiling water used to blanch the vegetables as will fit without crowding. When gnocchi rises to the top, continue cooking for another 1 to 1-1/2 minutes. Remove from the water with a slotted spoon, place in the reserved bowl, drizzle with 1/2 tsp. of olive oil and gently mix with a rubber spatula to prevent sticking. Repeat this procedure with the remaining gnocchi.

Cook the vegetables

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the cooked gnocchi and cook, stirring occasionally, until they just begin to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the peas, fava beans, asparagus, sugar snap peas, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper and cook until the vegetables are just warmed through, about 2 minutes. Add some of the pasta water to the pan if the mixture seems dry. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

To serve

Spoon the mixture into shallow serving bowls and top with the cheese.

Chinese Restaurant-Style Sautéed Green Beans

Choose young, fresh green beans that are all about the same size for this dish. I think it’s easiest to start out stirring the beans with tongs and then switch to a heatproof spatula to add the garlic and sauce.

• 1 Tbs. less-sodium soy sauce
• 1 Tbs. honey
• 1 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 12 oz. green beans, trimmed
• Kosher salt
• 1 Tbs. minced garlic

Combine the soy sauce, honey, and 1 Tbs. water in a small dish and set near the stove. Set a shallow serving dish near the stove, too.

In a 10-inch straight-sided sauté pan, heat the butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the butter is melted, add the green beans and 1/2 tsp. salt and toss with tongs to coat well. Cook, turning the beans occasionally, until most are well browned, shrunken, and tender, 7 to 8 minutes. (The butter in the pan will have turned dark brown.)

Reduce the heat to low, add the garlic, and cook, stirring constantly with a heatproof rubber spatula, until the garlic is softened and fragrant, 15 to 20 seconds. Carefully add the soy mixture (you’ll need to scrape the honey into the pan). Cook, stirring, until the liquid reduces to a glazey consistency that coats the beans, 30 to 45 seconds.

Immediately transfer the beans to the serving dish, scraping the pan with the spatula to get all of the garlicky sauce. Let sit for a few minutes and then serve warm.

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.

Toasted Corn, Cherry Tomato, and Edamame Salad

Toasting the corn in a skillet brings out its nutty flavor in this summery twist on a classic succotash. You could also use grilled corn in place of the skillet-toasted version.

• 1 cup frozen shelled edamame
• 5 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2-1/4 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 3 medium ears)
• 2 Tbs. plain low-fat yogurt
• 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp. clover honey
• 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 heaping cup quartered cherry tomatoes (about 15)
• 1/4 cup very thinly sliced fresh mint
• 1/4 cup very thinly sliced fresh basil

Cook the edamame according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool completely.

Heat 1 Tbs. of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until the kernels are golden brown in patches, about 9 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool.

In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk the yogurt, lemon juice, honey, garlic, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Slowly pour in the remaining 4 Tbs. olive oil, whisking constantly until blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

In a medium serving bowl, combine the cooled edamame and corn, the tomatoes, and the herbs. Gently toss. Add half of the vinaigrette and gently toss. Add more vinaigrette and salt and pepper to taste. Serve at room temperature.

Radish, Carrot, and Edamame Stir-Fry

A quick turn in a sizzling-hot wok gives radishes and carrots deliciously browned edges. Be sure to cut the vegetables into uniform slices so they cook evenly. This is a great side dish for seafood.

• 2 Tbs. mirin
• 1 Tbs. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• Kosher salt
• 1 Tbs. peanut oil
• 5 medium carrots (about 3/4 lb.), peeled, halved lengthwise, and cut on the diagonal into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 1-3/4 lb. radishes (about 2 bunches), trimmed and sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick rounds (reserve tops for another use, if desired)
• 1 Tbs. minced garlic
• 1 Tbs. minced fresh ginger
• 2/3 cup shelled edamame (thawed, if using frozen)
• 1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds

In a small bowl, combine the mirin, soy sauce, and 1/2 tsp. salt.

Heat a 14-inch flat-bottom wok (or a 12-inch heavy-duty skillet) over high heat. Swirl in the oil. Add the carrots and radishes and stir-fry until the edges begin to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, and continue to stir-fry until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 2 minutes more.

Add the edamame and soy sauce mixture and stir-fry until just heated through, about 1 minute. Stir in the sesame seeds and serve.

Green Beans with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette & Parmesan Breadcrumbs

Meyer lemons are less acidic than standard lemons, and their zest and juice have an herbal, even floral, undertone that makes them worth seeking out. You can also substitute regular lemons, but expect a sharper taste.

• 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Finely grated zest of one Meyer lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed

Heat the oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with 2 Tbs. of the oil, a generous pinch of salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Arrange in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Let cool and then transfer to a bowl and mix in the cheese.

In a medium bowl, whisk the lemon zest and juice, cream, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Slowly whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup oil.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the green beans in the boiling water until tender, 4 to 6 minutes; drain well. Toss the beans with the vinaigrette. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Transfer the beans to a serving platter and sprinkle with the breadcrumbs.

Steamed Green Beans with Lemon Vinaigrette

Use any leftover vinaigrette as a salad dressing or as a marinade for grilled chicken.

• 1-1/4 lb. green beans, trimmed and rinsed
• 3 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbs. mayonnaise or heavy cream
• 1 Tbs. minced shallots
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper

Steam the green beans until tender, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, mayonnaise, shallots, salt, and pepper. Add the oil in a slow stream, whisking constantly until the vinaigrette is well blended. Toss the cooked beans with the red pepper and enough vinaigrette to coat, about 1/3 cup. Serve warm, with extra vinaigrette on the side, if you like.

Quick-Braised Peas, Lettuce & Scallions

Although young peas are better, you can use mature peas here—just cook them longer. And you can use pea broth instead of chicken broth. You can serve this dish with grilled spring lamb, but it also goes well with chicken, duck, and fish.

• 2 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 10 scallions (white and light green parts), halved lengthwise
• 2 cups fresh shelled peas (from about 2 lb. unshelled) or frozen peas
• 1 medium head butter lettuce, leaves separated, washed, and dried
• 1/2 cup lower-salt chicken broth or water
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1 Tbs. crème fraîche

Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Add the scallions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, 2 to 3 minutes (don’t let them brown). Increase the heat to medium, add the peas and lettuce and continue to cook, tossing with tongs, until the lettuce begins to wilt, 2 minutes more. Add the broth and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

Reduce the heat to medium low, cover, and simmer until the peas are just tender, 5 to 8 minutes for fresh peas, 3 to 4 minutes for frozen. Remove the lid and add the mint and crème fraîche. Stir well and simmer 2 minutes more to meld the flavors. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

Basic Roasted Green Beans

You can jazz up this basic recipe by adding Rosemary-Lemon Thyme Oil or Moroccan Spice Rub when you toss the green beans with olive oil and salt and pepper before roasting. Or toss the green beans with Sesame Sea Salt, Caramelized Shallot Butter, Ginger-Lemon Soy Splash, or Toasted Coriander & Garlic Oil after they come out of the oven.

• 1 lb. green beans, stem ends trimmed
• 1 to 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh lemon juice (optional)

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 475° F. Line a heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet with parchment. In a medium bowl, toss the green beans with enough of the olive oil to coat generously, the salt, and a few grinds of pepper.

Turn the beans out onto the baking sheet and arrange them so that they are evenly spaced. If the beans cover the baking sheet sparsely, arrange them toward the edges of the baking sheet for the best browning. Roast the beans until they're tender, a bit shriveled, and slightly browned, about 15 minutes.

Return the green beans to the bowl in which you tossed them with the oil, or put them in a clean serving bowl. If they seem a bit dry, drizzle them with a little oil. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice or another flavoring, if using.

Wheat Berry Salad with Green Beans and Corn

This hearty salad is perfect summer-picnic fare: chewy wheat berries, crisp-tender corn and green beans, sweet golden beets and pungent blue cheese crumbles.

• 2-1/4 cups wheat berries
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup plus 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, more as needed
• 1/3 cup sherry vinegar
• 2 Tbs. roasted walnut oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup cut green beans (1-inch pieces), steamed until crisp-tender
• 1 cup fresh corn kernels, blanched (or frozen corn kernels, thawed)
• 1 cup diced roasted golden beets (roast until tender, peel, and cut into 1/2-inch dice)
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced chives

Fill a large bowl with cold water, add the wheat berries, and let soak for 10 to 18 hours. Drain. Bring 7 cups of water to a boil in a 4-quart pot over high heat. Add 3/4 tsp. salt. Add the wheat berries, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally and adding more boiling water as necessary to keep the wheat berries covered, until tender, about 1 to 1-1/2 hours. Drain and rinse the wheat berries with cold water to stop the cooking.

Transfer the wheat berries to a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with 1 Tbs. of the olive oil, and toss lightly to coat. Spread the wheat berries on the baking sheet and cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Put the vinegar in a small bowl and gradually whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup of olive oil. Whisk in the walnut oil. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and additional vinegar or olive oil as needed.

Put the cooked and cooled wheat berries in a large serving bowl and toss to break up any clumps. Add the green beans, corn, beets, blue cheese, chives, and 1/2 cup vinaigrette and toss. Taste and season as needed with more vinaigrette, salt, pepper, and serve.

Spiced Green Beans Braised with Tomato & Onions

This classic Lebanese dish is flavored with hints of cinnamon and allspice. It’s wonderful with any roasted meat but especially good with lamb.

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion (about 8 oz.), halved lengthwise, trimmed, and thinly sliced lengthwise (about 2 cups)
• 1 lb. fresh green beans, rinsed well, stem ends trimmed
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; more as needed
• 1/4 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper; more as needed
• 2 cups canned diced tomatoes (from a 28-oz. can), drained
• 4 large cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 tsp. granulated sugar
• 3/4 tsp. ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

In a large (12-inch) skillet with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the green beans, salt, and black pepper, and stir well. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and the beans start to soften and brown lightly, about 10 minutes.

Add the tomatoes, garlic, sugar, allspice, and cinnamon. Stir well, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very tender throughout, 15 to 20 minutes, or longer if a softer texture is desired. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Green Beans and Carrots in Charmoula Sauce

Charmoula is a North African pesto of sorts, usually made from garlic, cumin, fresh herbs, oil, and lemon juice. Here, paprika adds a warm note to the mix. This vibrant side dish tastes great hot, warm, or at room temperature. 

• 2 large cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 oz. fresh cilantro (about 2 cups)
• 1 oz. fresh flat-leaf parsley (about 1 cup)
• 6 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. sweet or hot paprika
• 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds, toasted and ground
• Sea salt
• 2 lb. slender green beans, trimmed
• 1 lb. carrots, peeled and cut into thin 4-inch-long sticks
   
• Freshly ground black pepper

Chop the garlic in a food processor. Add the cilantro and parsley and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, ground cumin, and 3/4 tsp. salt. Pulse until the sauce has the consistency of rough pesto. Season to taste with salt.

In a large pot fitted with a steamer insert, bring an inch of water to a boil over high heat. Steam the green beans, covered, until just tender, 4 to 7 minutes. Pull the steamer basket from the pot, shake to remove excess water, and transfer the beans to a large serving bowl; cover to keep warm. Add the carrots to the basket and steam, covered, until tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer them to the bowl with the beans.

Toss the vegetables with about three-quarters of the charmoula sauce. Season to taste with more sauce, salt, and pepper.

Cucumber, Fennel & Roasted Potato Salad with Parsleyed Yogurt

This chunky Mediterranean-inspired salad of spring vegetables is a perfect pairing with roast lamb or chicken.

• 1-1/2 lb. fingerling potatoes
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; more to taste
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 lb. haricots verts or slender green beans, trimmed
• 1-1/2 cups plain whole-milk Greek yogurt, such as Fage Total
• 1-1/2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 3 medium stalks celery, trimmed and sliced 1/8 inch thick on a sharp diagonal
• 1 English cucumber, peeled, cut in half lengthwise, seeded, and sliced 1/8 inch thick on the diagonal
• 1 medium bulb fennel (about 1 lb.), trimmed, cut in half, cored, and sliced crosswise 1/8 inch thick
• 1 small red onion, halved and sliced crosswise 1/8 inch thick
• 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice; more to taste

Heat the oven to 400°F. On a small rimmed baking sheet, toss the potatoes with 1 Tbs. of the oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Roast until tender when pierced with a skewer, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool the potatoes; they can be served still warm or at room temperature.

Meanwhile, bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Cook the haricots verts until just tender (taste one to see), 3 to 4 minutes. Drain in a colander and run under cold water until cool.

Combine the yogurt and parsley and season well with salt and pepper; keep chilled until ready to serve.

To serve, halve or quarter any larger fingerlings but leave the tiny ones whole. Combine the potatoes, haricots verts, celery, cucumber, fennel, and red onion in a large bowl and toss with the remaining 3 Tbs. oil and the lemon juice. Season well with salt and pepper and toss again. Taste and add more lemon juice or olive oil if needed.

Divide the salad among six to eight plates, piling it toward the center of each plate. Drop a large dollop of yogurt next to each salad.

Green Beans with Tomatoes & Onions

This green bean ragoût is delicious as a pasta sauce, with cooked shrimp added, if you like. Or serve it with roasted chicken or lamb, or over soft polenta. The crushed red chile flakes make it somewhat spicy, so cut back on them if you have milder tastes.

• 1 can (28 oz.) whole tomatoes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 large onion, cut into medium dice (about 1-1/2 cups)
• 1-1/2 tsp. kosher salt; more to taste
• 6 medium cloves garlic, chopped
• 10 oz. fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into thirds
• 1/2 tsp. crushed red chile flakes
• 2-1/2 cups homemade or low-salt canned chicken broth or water, or a combination; more as needed
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper; more to taste
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Pour the tomatoes and their juices into a sieve set over a bowl. Squeeze the tomatoes to extract the juices and seeds and then crush them with your hands; put the tomatoes in the bowl with the juices and discard the seeds.

Heat the oil in a large, straight-sided sauté pan set over medium heat. Add the onion and salt; cook until the onion is translucent, 3 to 5 min. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and their juices, the green beans, chile flakes, and broth or water. Simmer, stirring frequently and adding more broth or water if necessary, until the beans are fork-tender and fully cooked (taste one to check) and the liquid has the consistency of a stew, 25 to 30 min.

Add the basil and pepper; taste and adjust the seasonings. Serve sprinkled with the grated cheese and parsley.

Balsamic-Glazed Green Beans

Green beans (especially larger ones) can take a while to cook, so sear them well.

• 1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 10 oz. fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 shallot, cut into 1/4-inch disks
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup water; more if needed
• 1 Tbs, unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
• 1 Tbs. sliced almonds, toasted

Combine 1 Tbs. of the balsamic vinegar with the sugar in a small bowl and mix well; set aside. Turn on the exhaust fan and heat a heavy 12-inch skillet or large wok over high heat for 2 minutes. When the pan is hot, pour in the oil and, a few seconds later, add the green beans, garlic, and shallot. Season the beans well with salt and pepper and cook, stirring often, until they brown and shrivel slightly, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, carefully add the water (it will steam), and a few seconds later add the vinegar mixture. Stir the beans and cover the pan with the lid ajar. Cook until the beans are tender but still have a slight crunch, about 4 minutes. (If the water evaporates before the beans are done, add more, 1 Tbs. at a time.) Stir in the remaining 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar. Add the butter and almonds and swirl the pan just until the butter is melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Slightly Spicy Sugar Snap Peas with Mint & Lime

Rather than letting an opened jar of curry paste languish in the fridge, try this unconventional approach of using the paste like a condiment for pan-steamed snap peas. The peas have a mild, slow-burning heat, but if you like things hotter, try doubling the curry paste. This treatment is also good with green beans or broccoli, though you may want to leave out the mint.

• 2 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp. Thai red curry paste
• 3/4 lb. sugar snap peas, trimmed
• 2 Tbs. thinly sliced fresh mint
• 2 tsp. fresh lime juice
• Kosher salt

Heat 1 Tbs. of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. As soon as the butter melts, add the curry paste and mash it around with the back of a fork until it’s mostly broken up and distributed through the butter. Add the peas and toss with tongs to coat in the butter. Add 1/3 cup water, cover with the lid slightly ajar, raise the heat to medium high, and steam until the peas are almost tender, about 5 min. Remove the lid and let any remaining liquid boil off. Stir in the remaining 1 Tbs. butter, the mint, and the lime juice. Season to taste with salt and serve

Shaved Summer Squash with Almond Salsa Verde

When shaved into long, thin ribbons, summer squash more readily soaks up flavor—plus, it’s fun to eat.

• 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted blanched almonds
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 1-1/2 Tbs. chopped capers
• 1 Tbs. minced shallots
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1-1/4 lb. yellow squash and green zucchini, trimmed and cut in half crosswise

In a large bowl, combine the almonds, cilantro, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, capers, shallots, garlic, and kosher salt.

Shave the squash and zucchini into ribbons with a vegetable peeler. Toss with the salsa verde, sea salt and black pepper to taste. Drizzle with more extra-virgin olive oil and serve.

Niçoise Salad with Haricots Verts and Yukon Gold Potatoes

Tender green beans; tiny, buttery potatoes; and salty capers and olives are the highlights of this Niçoise salad. Try to use good-quality, oil-packed canned tuna to add another layer of flavor. Anchovies and hard-cooked eggs have been omitted to keep the dish light, but feel free to add them.

• 2 lbs. baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved (or large Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces)
• Kosher salt
• 1 lb. haricots verts, trimmed and cut in half
• 3 Tbs. red-wine vinegar
• 1 Tbs. whole-grain Dijon mustard
• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium shallot, finely diced (about 3 Tbs.)
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh thyme
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 can tuna (12 oz., preferably oil-packed), drained well and flaked 
• 2 Tbs. capers, rinsed and drained
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3/4 cup pitted Niçoise or Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped

Set the potatoes in a large (6-quart) pot, cover them with cold water by a couple of inches, stir in 2 Tbs. salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in the haricots verts and cook until they turn bright green and tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain well and cool under running water.

In a blender or food processor, blend the vinegar with the mustard. With the machine still running, add the oil in a slow, steady stream so the mixture comes together into a thick emulsion. Add the shallot, 2 tsp. thyme, 1 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. pepper, and purée until incorporated. Taste and season the dressing with more salt and pepper if needed. Add 1 or 2 Tbs. water if needed to thin the dressing to a pourable consistency. Transfer the potatoes and beans to a large mixing bowl and toss well with half the vinaigrette. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed and transfer to a large platter. In the same mixing bowl, toss the tuna with the capers and 2 or 3 Tbs. of the vinaigrette, and set them over the potatoes in the center of the platter. Sprinkle the tomatoes and olives over the potatoes, around the perimeter of the tuna. Drizzle the salad with the remaining vinaigrette, sprinkle with the remaining 1 tsp. thyme, and serve.

To plate individually, lightly toss the potatoes, beans, tomatoes, and olives with half the vinaigrette and plate; top with the tuna, capers, and the remaining thyme; and serve the remaining dressing on the side.

Seared Scallops with Pea Purée, Crisp Pancetta & Gremolata

This recipe may look fussy, but it’s actually feasible for a weeknight. The luscious sweet pea purée comes together quickly, and the pancetta bakes while you sear the scallops. Easy and elegant, this dish is great for guests or for a special family meal.

• 1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
• 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil; more for drizzling
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 2 cups fresh shelled peas (about 2 lb. unshelled) or frozen peas
• 1 cup lower-salt chicken broth or water
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 8 very thin slices pancetta
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1-1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
• 12 medium all-natural “dry” sea scallops
• 1 Tbs. unsalted butter

Tip:

 

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F.

Set aside 1 Tbs. of the shallots and put the rest in a 3-quart saucepan with 2 Tbs. of the oil and the garlic. Cook over medium-low heat until the shallots are soft and fragrant but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the peas and the broth and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and then reduce the heat to medium low. Cover the pan and cook until the peas are tender, 5 to 8 minutes for fresh peas, 3 to 4 minutes for frozen.

Transfer the contents of the pan to a blender and purée to a smooth consistency, adding a little water if needed. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Return the purée to the saucepan, cover, and set aside on the stovetop to keep warm.

Put the pancetta on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown and crisp, 10 to 14 minutes. Set aside in a warm spot.

In a small bowl combine the parsley, lemon zest, and the reserved 1 Tbs. shallots and set aside.

Pat the scallops dry and season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat the butter and the remaining 1 Tbs. oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the scallops and cook, flipping once, until golden brown on both sides and almost firm to the touch, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

Portion the warm pea purée among four large salad plates or between two dinner plates. Arrange the scallops on the purée and crumble the pancetta on top. Sprinkle the gremolata over all and finish with a generous drizzle of olive oil.