Shredded Carrots with Jalapeño, Lime & Cilantro

Sweet, tender carrots get a kick from minced fresh chiles in this simple no-cook slaw.

• 
  
  8 medium carrots (about 1-1/2 lb.)
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  3 Tbs. fresh lime juice
  
  


• 
  
  1 medium jalapeño, cored, seeded, and minced
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
  
  


• 
  
  Whole cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
  
  

Peel and then grate the carrots using either the large holes on a box grater or a food processor fitted with a medium grating attachment. Put the grated carrots in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk the oil and lime juice. Add the jalapeño and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Add the dressing and chopped cilantro to the carrots and toss. Season to taste with salt and pepper, garnish with the cilantro leaves (if using), and serve.

Fennel Layered with Potatoes & Breadcrumbs (Tortiera di Finocchi e Patate)

Take care to make the potato slices equally thin so they cook evenly. A mandoline or other vegetable slicer makes the job easier, but you can also do it by hand with a sharp knife.

• 
  
  2 lb. yellow potatoes, such as Yukon Gold
  
  


• 
  
  1 large fennel bulb, trimmed (3/4 to 1 lb. after trimming)
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup firmly packed fresh breadcrumbs
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino (preferably Tuscan) or Parmigiano-Reggiano
  
  


• 
  
  3 Tbs. finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  
  


• 
  
  2 medium cloves garlic, minced
  
  


• 
  
  6 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the baking dish
  
  


• 
  
  2-1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  

Tip:

To make fresh breadcrumbs, use a dense, day-old French or Italian country-style loaf. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and process in a food processor until fine.

Peel the potatoes and slice them as thinly as possible, between 1/16 and 1/8 inch thick (use a mandoline if you have one). Put the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water to keep them from browning.

Cut the fennel in half lengthwise. Slice the halved fennel crosswise as thinly as possible, between 1/16 and 1/8 inch thick. You should have about 4 cups.

In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, and garlic. Mix well with your hands, making sure the garlic is evenly distributed.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400ºF.

Lightly oil the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Without draining the potatoes, use your hands to lift out about one-third of the slices and arrange them in the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping them slightly. (The water clinging to them will generate steam as they bake.) Season with 1/2 tsp. of the salt and a couple of grinds of the pepper. Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with 1/4 cup of the breadcrumb mixture. Drizzle with 1 Tbs. of the oil. Top the potatoes with half of the sliced fennel, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the fennel with 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 cup of the breadcrumb mixture, and 1 Tbs. of the oil. Repeat this layering process, ending with a top layer of potatoes. Season the top layer with the remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and some more pepper. Top with the remaining breadcrumb mixture and the final 2 Tbs. oil.

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes (be sure the aluminum foil is sealed tightly all around the baking dish, or there won’t be enough steam to cook the potatoes). Uncover and continue baking until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes longer. Let rest at least 10 minutes before serving. The tortiera is as good warm as it is hot.

Potato Salad with Peas and Pancetta

For the dressing

• 
  
  1/3 cup buttermilk
  
  


• 
  
  1/3 cup mayonnaise
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  3 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  
  

For the salad

• 
  
  ¼ cup plain rice vinegar
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  3-1/2 lb. medium waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red, scrubbed clean
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 lb. pancetta, cooked and crumbled
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup fresh peas, blanched (or substitute thawed frozen peas)
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup sugar snap peas, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and blanched
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  
  

Make the dressing

Whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl

Make the salad

Combine the vinegar and 2 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Let sit to dissolve the salt. Put the potatoes and 2 Tbs. salt in a 6-quart pot and add enough cold water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook the potatoes until barely tender when poked with a fork or skewer, 20 to 25 minutes. If the potatoes aren't all the same size, remove them as they are cooked.

Gently drain the potatoes in a colander and set aside until just cool enough to handle. Using a paring knife, peel the potatoes by scraping off the skin. Cut the potatoes into 3/4-inch chunks. Add the potatoes to the bowl with the vinegar and gently stir with a spatula to coat. With your fingers, pull apart any pieces that are stuck together.

When the potatoes have completely cooled, gently fold the pancetta, peas, sugar snaps, basil, chives, and mint into the potatoes. Fold in enough dressing to generously coat the potatoes (you may not need all of the dressing). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate until cool.

Sherry Baked Beans with Chorizo

Sherry adds a subtle tang, and Spanish chorizo brings a smoky note to these beans.

• 
  
  1 lb. dried navy beans
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. olive oil; more as needed
  
  


• 
  
  10 oz. Spanish chorizo, casings removed (if possible), small diced (about 2 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  
  


• 
  
  3 large cloves garlic, chopped
  
  


• 
  
  6 cups lower-salt chicken broth
  
  


• 
  
  2 bay leaves
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  
  


• 
  
  1/8 tsp. cinnamon
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup oloroso or amontillado sherry, plus 2 Tbs. to finish, if desired
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup light brown sugar
  
  


• 
  
  3 sprigs fresh thyme
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  

Tip:

Don't have time to soak the beans overnight?
Put them in a 4-quart saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover by 2 inches and bring just to a boil. Remove from the heat and soak for 2 hours. Drain the beans and continue with the recipe.

Sort through the beans to make sure there are no little stones and then put them in a large bowl or pot. Add enough cold water to cover the beans by 2 inches and let soak overnight. Drain the beans well, tilting the colander instead of shaking it to gently extract the water and protect the beans' skins.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 300°F.

Heat the olive oil in a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a small bowl. Depending on the amount of fat left in the pot, pour off and discard all but 3 Tbs. or add enough olive oil to make 3 Tbs. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes.

Add the broth, bay leaves, cumin, cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Stir to combine. Add the beans and bring just to a simmer over high heat. Cover and bake until the beans are easy to bite into but still a little mealy in texture, 45 to 60 minutes.

Stir in the reserved chorizo, 1 cup sherry, and the tomatoes, brown sugar, and thyme. Bake, uncovered, until the beans are fully tender, 30 to 60 minutes more. Cool to room temperature, remove the bay leaves and thyme stems, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

To finish, bring to a simmer, uncovered, over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer until the sauce is reduced to the consistency of thin gravy, stirring occasionally so the bottom doesn't burn, 40 to 60 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 Tbs. sherry (if using) and season the beans to taste with salt and pepper.

Basic Roasted Broccoli

You can jazz up this basic recipe by adding Rosemary-Lemon Thyme Oil or Moroccan Spice Rub when you toss the broccoli with olive oil and salt and pepper before roasting. Or toss the broccoli 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. broccoli crowns
  
  


• 
  
  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. Trim and peel the broccoli stem; slice it into 1/4-inch-thick disks. Where the stem starts to branch out, split the florets though the stem so that each piece is 1-1/2 to 2 inches wide. In a medium bowl, toss the broccoli with enough of the olive oil to coat generously, the salt, and a few grinds of pepper.

Turn the broccoli out onto the baking sheet and arrange the pieces so that they are evenly spaced. If the pieces cover the baking sheet sparsely, arrange them toward the edges of the baking sheet for the best browning. Roast until the floret tops begin to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir and continue to roast until tender, 3 to 6 minutes.

Return the broccoli florets 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 more oil. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, if using.

Southwestern-Style Potato Salad

For the dressing:

• 
  
  1/3 cup sour cream
  
  


• 
  
  1/3 cup mayonnaise
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  3 Tbs. fresh lime juice
  
  


• 
  
  1 clove garlic, mashed to a paste
  
  


• 
  
  2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 tsp. cumin seeds, lightly toasted and ground
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  
  

For the salad:

• 
  
  1/4 cup plain rice vinegar
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  3-1/2 lb. medium waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red, scrubbed clean
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/4 cup fresh sweet corn kernels, blanched
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
  
  


• 
  
  3/4 cup grated Cheddar
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  
  

Make the dressing

Whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.

Make the salad

Combine the vinegar and 2 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Let sit to dissolve the salt. Put the potatoes and 2 Tbs. salt in a 6-quart pot and add enough cold water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook the potatoes until barely tender when poked with a fork or skewer, 20 to 25 minutes. If the potatoes aren't all the same size, remove them as they are cooked.

Gently drain the potatoes in a colander and set aside until just cool enough to handle. Using a paring knife, peel the potatoes by scraping off the skin. Cut the potatoes into 3/4-inch chunks. Add the potatoes to the bowl with the vinegar and gently stir with a spatula to coat. With your fingers, pull apart any pieces that are stuck together.

When the potatoes have completely cooled, gently fold the corn, bell peppers, Cheddar scallions, and cilantro into the potatoes. Fold in enough dressing to generously coat the potatoes (you may not need all of the dressing). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate until cool.

Brown Rice Salad with Apples and Cheddar

This hearty grain and lentil salad travels well, making it great for a weekday lunch.

• 
  
  2-1/2 cups brown rice
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup plus 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, more as needed
  
  


• 
  
  1/3 cup cider vinegar
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup diced apples (1/2-inch dice)
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup halved seedless grapes
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup sliced celery (1/4-inch-thick slices)
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup cooked brown lentils
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup diced Cheddar
  
  


• 
  
  3/4 cup chopped toasted almonds
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  
  

Rinse the rice under cold water and drain. Bring 7 cups of water to a boil in a 4-quart pot over high heat. Add 3/4 tsp. salt. Add the rice, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally and adding more boiling water as necessary to keep the rice covered, until tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Drain and rinse the rice with cold water to stop the cooking.

Transfer the rice to a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with 1 Tbs. of the olive oil, and toss lightly to coat. Spread the rice 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 oil. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and additional vinegar or oil as needed.
 

Put the cooked and cooled rice in a large serving bowl and toss to break up any clumps. Add the apples, grapes, celery, lentils, Cheddar, almonds, parsley, and 1/2 cup vinaigrette and toss. Taste and season as needed with more vinaigrette, salt, and pepper, and serve.