Korean Bean Sprouts (Kong Namul)

One of several banchan, or side dishes that round out a Korean barbecue menu, these crunchy sprouts are imbued with nutty flavor from sesame oil and roasted sesame seeds. You can find soybean sprouts in the produce section of Asian markets and well-stocked supermarkets. It’s a bit tedious to trim the straggly ends, but well worth the effort in both appearance and taste.

• 
  
  4 oz. fresh soybean sprouts, stringy root ends trimmed
  
  


• 
  
  1 small scallion, both white and green parts, very thinly sliced (1-1/2 Tbs.)
  
  


• 
  
  1 medium clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
  
  


• 
  
  2 tsp. Asian sesame oil
  
  


• 
  
  2 tsp. roasted sesame seeds
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  
  

Mix all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan with 1/4 cup water and bring to a simmer over medium high heat. Lower the heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, just until the sprouts are wilted, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl and let cool to room temperature before serving.

Baked Haricots Verts with Fried Shallots

This from-scratch update of the classic green bean casserole eschews canned cream of mushroom soup and thicker green beans in favor of a fresh mushroom cream sauce and slender haricots verts. Fried shallots stand in for the iconic fried onion topping. You can fry the shallots and cook the beans up to 2 days ahead.

• 
  
  3 cups vegetable oil
  
  


• 
  
  3 large shallots, cut into 1/8-inch-thick rings (about 3 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup plus 3 Tbs. all-purpose flour
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  2 lb. trimmed haricots verts, halved crosswise
  
  


• 
  
  2 oz. (4 Tbs.) unsalted butter
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 lb. mixed mushrooms (such as oyster, shiitake, and cremini), coarsely chopped (7 to 8 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. medium sherry
  
  


• 
  
  2 cups lower-salt chicken broth
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup heavy cream
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  

Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering hot.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, toss the shallots with 1 cup of the flour, separating the rings and coating them thoroughly. Working with a handful at a time, shake off the excess flour and fry, stirring occasionally with a slotted spoon, until golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and season lightly with salt. Discard the flour and frying oil and wipe out the skillet.

Bring an 8-quart pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the haricots verts until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Drain in a colander and cool under cold running water; pat dry. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F.

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

Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring often, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms are beginning to brown, about 7 minutes. Add the sherry and cook, stirring, until almost evaporated, about 1 minute. Sprinkle the remaining 3 Tbs. flour over the mushrooms and toss to coat. Slowly whisk in the broth and cream. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the haricots verts, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Season to taste with more salt and pepper.

Transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish and bake until bubbling around the edges, about 20 minutes. Gently stir the beans to redistribute the sauce, top with the shallots, and serve.

Carrot, Fingerling Potato, and Pea Ragoût

Hearty caramelized carrots and potatoes are the base for this delicious side dish, while peas, baby spinach, lemon, and tarragon add a bright, fresh twist. Serve with roast chicken or seared fish.

• 
  
  1 medium lemon
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. maple syrup
  
  


• 
  
  3-1/2 Tbs. unsalted butter, chilled
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil; more as needed
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2lb. large carrots, cut into 2-inch-long, 1/2-inch-thick sticks
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  12 oz. small fingerling potatoes, cut in half lengthwise (if longer than 2 inches, cut in half crosswise)
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup lower-salt chicken broth or water
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 tsp. minced garlic
  
  


• 
  
  3 oz. (about 3/4 cup) fresh peas, blanched, or frozen peas, thawed
  
  


• 
  
  2 oz. stemmed baby spinach leaves
  
  


• 
  
  2 tsp. chopped fresh tarragon
  
  

Finely grate the lemon to yield 1 tsp. zest and juice it to yield 1-1/2 tsp. juice. In a small bowl, combine the zest, juice, vinegar, maple syrup, and 1 Tbs. water.

In a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven (or other deep, wide pan), heat 1 Tbs. of the butter and the olive oil over low heat. Add the carrots and 3/4 tsp. salt. Cover and cook, stirring frequently but gently, until the carrots are nicely browned and just tender, about 20 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the carrots to a large plate.

Add 1 Tbs. butter to the remaining fat in the pan. (If there’s no fat in the pan, add 1 Tbs. olive oil too.) When the butter has melted, arrange the fingerlings cut side down in a single layer in the pan and season with 3/4 tsp. salt. Cover partially and cook, undisturbed, until the potatoes are deep golden-brown on the bottom, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the chicken broth or water and bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer and cover partially. Cook until the potatoes are tender and the liquid has reduced to 2 to 3 Tbs., 12 to 14 minutes.

Add the garlic to the potatoes and cook, stirring very gently, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the reserved carrots and the peas, spinach, and lemon juice mixture. Stir gently until the spinach is wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the remaining 1-1/2 Tbs. butter until just melted. Stir in the tarragon. Transfer the vegetables to a platter and serve.

Italian Green Beans with Tomatoes and Balsamic

This is a speedy version of slow-cooked Italian green beans, elegant in its simplicity. Sauté the haricots verts quickly to preserve their delicate texture, then toss them with a sauce of plum tomatoes and balsamic vinegar.

• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  3/4 lb. haricots verts, trimmed
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  2 medium cloves garlic, smashed
  
  


• 
  
  2 large plum tomatoes, roughly chopped and puréed in a food processor 
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  Shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano,for garnish (optional)
  
  

Bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the beans and cook until bright green and just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and immediately plunge in a large bowl of ice water. Let cool for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and set aside

Heat the oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and vinegar, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper, and cook, stirring until the mixture reduces by half, about 2 minutes. Add the beans to the pan and cook until warmed through and coated with the tomato mixture, about 1 minute. Taste the beans and season with salt and pepper if needed; garnish with shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano if desired. Serve immediately.

Sautéed Zucchini with Za’atar and Crispy Chickpeas

Couscous makes a nice bed for this simple side dish flavored with za’atar, a zesty Middle Eastern blend of spices and sesame seeds.

• 
  
  2/3 cup cooked chickpeas
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. cornstarch
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. za’atar
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb. small zucchini (3 to 4), cut into 1/2-inch-thick half moons
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 small red onion, finely diced (3 to 4 Tbs.)
  
  

In a colander, rinse the chickpeas. Pat dry in a clean dishtowel. Spread the cornstarch in a pie pan or on a dinner plate with raised edges. Add the chickpeas and roll them around to coat. Transfer to a mesh strainer and shake to remove excess starch.


In a small (8-inch) skillet, heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering hot. Add the chickpeas, cover with a splatter screen, and cook, gently shaking the pan from time to time, until golden-brown, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chickpeas to a plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle the chickpeas with 1 tsp. of the za’atar and a generous pinch of salt. Roll the chickpeas around to evenly coat with the spice mixture. Set aside.


Heat the remaining 2 Tbs. oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat until shimmering hot. Add the squash, arranging it to fit in a single, snug layer. Season generously with salt and cook undisturbed until deep golden-brown, about 2 minutes. Push a spatula through the pan to turn the squash over, following with tongs or a fork to flip any unturned pieces. Sprinkle the diced onion and remaining 1 Tbs. za’atar over the zucchini and stir with a spatula to blend. Transfer the zucchini to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the fried chickpeas and serve.

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.

Butter Beans with Butter, Mint, and Lime

Butter beans are among the farmer’s market treasures of late summer in Charleston—reason to wake up with gusto to another day of stultifying heat and oxford-soaking humidity. This simple treatment is one of the most satisfying. Butter beans come in many varieties, and sizes, but the small green ones are best for this recipe (though you may use frozen baby lima beans if butter beans aren’t in season).

• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  6 cups fresh shelled butter beans or frozen baby lima beans
  
  


• 
  
  3 Tbs. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  
  


• 
  
  Juice of 2 large limes
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup loosely packed mint leaves, chopped
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. grated lime zest, for garnish
  
  

In a medium saucepan, bring 6 cups of water and 1 Tbs. salt to a boil over high heat. Add the butter beans and cook until tender, 9 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of the beans. Drain in a colander, and shake the colander several times to shed as much water from the beans as possible.

Put the butter in a large serving bowl, and pour the warm butter beans on top. Toss the beans with the butter until all the butter is melted. Add the lime juice and toss again to distribute. Fold in the mint, season with salt and black pepper, and scatter lime zest over the top. Serve immediately.

Peas with Baked Ricotta and Bread Crumbs

When faced with a cup of just-shucked fresh peas, try this simple, light dinner, cooking them with minced shallot, sage, and lemon, then spooning them over baked ricotta with crispy bread crumbs.

• 
  
  Olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup high-quality ricotta cheese, such as hand-dipped full-fat ricotta
  
  


• 
  
  2 to 3 Tbs. fresh bread crumbs
  
  


• 
  
  4 tsp. butter
  
  


• 
  
  2 large shallots or 1/2 small onion, finely diced (about 1/3 cup)
  
  


• 
  
  5 small sage leaves, minced (about 1-1/2 tsp.)
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 lbs. pod peas, shucked (about 1 cup)
  
  


• 
  
  Grated zest of 1 lemon
  
  


• 
  
  Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
  
  


• 
  
  Chunk of Parmesan cheese, for grating
  
  

Heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a small baking dish; a round Spanish earthenware dish about 6 inches across is perfect for this amount.

If your ricotta is wet and milky, drain it first by putting it in a colander and pressing out the excess liquid. Pack the ricotta into the dish, drizzle a little olive oil over the surface, and bake 20 minutes or until the cheese has begun to set and brown on top. Cover the surface with the bread crumbs and continue to bake until the bread crumbs are browned and crisp, another 10 minutes. (The amount of time it takes for ricotta cheese to bake until set can vary tremendously, so it may well take longer than the times given here, especially if it wasn’t drained.)

When the cheese is finished baking, heat the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. When the butter foams, add the shallots and sage and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the peas, 1/2 cup water, and the lemon zest. Simmer until the peas are bright green and tender; the time will vary, but it should be 3 to 5 minutes. Whatever you do, don’t let them turn gray. Season with salt and a little freshly ground pepper, not too much.

Divide the ricotta between 2 plates. Spoon the peas over the cheese. Grate some Parmesan over all and enjoy while warm.

Spring Leeks, Fava Beans, and Bacon

• 
  
  3 or 4 young, slim leeks
  
  


• 
  
  6 slices pancetta or unsmoked bacon
  
  


• 
  
  1 thick slice butter
  
  


• 
  
  1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
  
  


• 
  
  2 lb. fava beans in their pods
  
  


• 
  
  2 loosely packed Tbs. fresh tarragon leaves, chopped
  
  


• 
  
  a handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  
  

Bring a deep pan of water to a boil. Wash and thickly slice the leeks. Remove the rind from the bacon slices and cut each slice into finger-thick strips. Warm the butter in a shallow pan and add the strips of bacon. Let the bacon color lightly in the hot butter until its fat is starting to turn pale gold, then add the sliced leeks and the garlic clove. Partially cover with a lid and let the leeks soften but not color.

While the bacon and leeks are cooking, shell the beans and add them to the boiling water. Salt the water and let the beans cook for four or five minutes, until tender. Drain and rinse in cold water until cool enough to skin. Leave the tiniest of beans unskinned, but it is probably better to skin anything larger than a thumbnail-just squeeze each bean between thumb and finger and pop it out of its skin.

When the leeks and bacon are soft and fragrant, stir in the tarragon, parsley, and the drained and skinned beans, then season. Stir gently, allow to heat through for a minute or two, then serve on warm plates.

Sautéed Green Beans with Water Chestnuts and Ginger

A finishing touch of soy sauce and sesame oil gives this crisp-crunchy side dish a savory-nutty nuance.

• 
  
  1 lb. green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. canola or vegetable oil
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. sliced scallions
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. minced garlic
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. minced fresh ginger
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup drained, sliced water chestnuts
  
  


• 
  
  Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. soy sauce
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. Asian sesame oil
  
  

Bring a medium pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat and cook the beans until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes; drain and cool under cold running water.

Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallions, garlic, and ginger; cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic begins to brown, about 1 minute. Add the water chestnuts, red pepper flakes, and green beans and cook until warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the soy sauce and sesame oil, toss, and serve.

South Indian-Style Vegetable Curry

This easy one-pot meatless main gets its complex flavor from a combination of spices including coriander, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, and cinnamon. The spices marry in a rich, flavorful sauce that has a comforting, belly-warming appeal. 
Read Ellie Krieger's blog post to learn more about the healing power of spices and how this recipe came together.

• 
  
  2 Tbs. canola oil
  
  


• 
  
  1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  
  


• 
  
  4 medium cloves garlic, minced
  
  


• 
  
  One 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated (1 Tbs.)
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. ground coriander
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  
  


• 
  
  3/4 tsp. ground turmeric
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 tsp. cayenne
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. tomato paste
  
  


• 
  
  2 cups lower-salt chicken broth or vegetable broth
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup light coconut milk
  
  


• 
  
  One 3-inch cinnamon stick
  
  


• 
  
  Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1 small cauliflower, broken into 1-1/2-inch florets (about 4 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  2 medium tomatoes, cored, seeded, and coarsely chopped (about 1-1/2 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds (about 1 cup)
  
  


• 
  
  One 15-1/2-oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  
  


• 
  
  4 oz. baby spinach (about 4 lightly packed cups)
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. fresh lime juice
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. finely grated lime zest
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro
  
  

In a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven or other heavy-duty pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium (or medium low if necessary) and cook until the onion is richly browned, 5 to 7 minutes more. Add the garlic and ginger; cook, stirring, for 1 minute to blend the flavors. Add the coriander, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne; stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices. Add the tomato paste and stir until well blended with the aromatics, about 1 minute.


Add the broth, coconut milk, cinnamon stick, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low or low and simmer for 10 minutes.


Add the cauliflower, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and carrots. Raise the heat to medium high and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low, cover, and simmer until the vegetables are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Discard the cinnamon stick.


Stir in the chickpeas, spinach, lime juice, and zest; cook until the spinach has wilted, about 3 minutes more. Season to taste with salt. Serve garnished with the cilantro.

Pea Sauce with Fresh Mint

Fresh or frozen peas and fresh mint turn into a creamy (but cream-free) sauce for simply cooked meats. This sauce is especially good with grilled or roasted lamb chops, or flaky white fish.

• 
  
  1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup chopped leek (white and some light-green parts, from 1/2 medium leek)
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/4 cups lower-salt chicken broth
  
  


• 
  
  2 cups fresh or frozen peas
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  

Heat 1 Tbs. of the oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the leek and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the peas, return to a boil, reduce the heat to medium low, and simmer until the peas are just tender, 2 to 3 minutes.


Pour the pea mixture into a blender. Add the mint and 3/4 tsp. salt and purée until smooth.


Drizzle each portion of sauce with some of the remaining olive oil upon serving. (The sauce may be made and refrigerated up to 1 day ahead.)

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.

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.

Green Beans with Almonds and Garlic

Green beans amandine—beans tossed with toasted almonds and a lemon-butter sauce—is a classic. But this riff has much richer almond flavor because the beans are sautéed in the butter mixture in which the nuts were toasted. Using thin haricots verts makes the dish even more special; regular green beans are fine, too, but they’ll take longer to blanch.

• 
  
  1-1/2 lb. haricots verts (thin French green beans) or green beans, trimmed
  
  


• 
  
  1 oz. (2 Tbs.) unsalted butter
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. pure olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup slivered almonds
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. minced or pressed garlic (1 medium clove)
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice (from 1 small lemon)
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  

Bring a 6- to 7-quart pot of water to a boil. Add the beans and cook until bright green and barely crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold running water until completely cool. Spread the beans on a clean kitchen towel and dry thoroughly.

In a 12-inch skillet, heat the butter and oil over medium-low heat until the butter melts and the foam subsides. Add the almonds and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden-brown all over, about 3 minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the almonds to a plate. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the beans, increase the heat to medium, and cook, tossing occasionally, until crisp-tender and lightly browned in some places, 5 to 8 minutes.

Stir in the lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with the almonds, and serve.

Barley Salad with Peas and Asparagus

Fresh peas, sugar snaps, and asparagus imbue this simple grain salad with the essence of spring. Pearled barley takes about 30 to 45 minutes to cook; you can also substitute a quicker-cooking grain, such as quinoa or rice.

• 
  
  1-3/4 cups pearled barley
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


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


• 
  
  1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  
  


• 
  
  2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  


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


• 
  
  1 cup halved sugar snap peas, steamed until crisp-tender
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup cut asparagus (1-inch pieces), steamed until crisp-tender
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. chopped fresh dill
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
  
  

Rinse the barley 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 barley, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally and adding more boiling water as necessary to keep the barley covered, until tender, about 30 to 45 minutes. Drain and rinse the barley with cold water to stop the cooking.
 

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

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

Put the cooked and cooled barley in a large serving bowl and toss to break up any clumps. Add the peas, sugar snap peas, asparagus, dill, mint, and 1/2 cup vinaigrette and toss. Taste and season as needed with more vinaigrette, salt, pepper, and serve.
 

Vegetable Sauté with Orange and Balsamic

This healthful, brightly flavored side dish is perfect for a weeknight—it cooks in less than 10 minutes.

• 
  
  1/2 lb. haricots verts or thin green beans, trimmed
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  2 medium shallots, halved and thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
  
  


• 
  
  1 medium yellow bell pepper, cored and sliced 1/4 inch thick
  
  


• 
  
  3 Tbs. fresh orange juice
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. finely grated orange zest
  
  


• 
  
  3 cups lightly packed fresh baby spinach leaves
  
  


• 
  
  Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  

In a pot fitted with a steamer basket, bring 1 to 2 inches of water to a boil. Put the haricots verts in the steamer basket, cover, and steam until bright green and just beginning to soften, 2 minutes. Transfer the haricots verts to a bowl and set aside.


Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and rosemary and cook, stirring, until the shallots begin to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, add the haricots verts and bell pepper and cook, stirring, until the pepper begins to soften, about 2 minutes. Stir in the orange juice, balsamic vinegar, and orange zest. Add the spinach and cook, stirring, until just wilted, about 20 seconds. Remove from the heat, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve.

Five-Spice-Glazed Salmon with Sesame Green Beans

Chinese five-spice powder, honey, and soy sauce create a tasty glaze for this simple salmon dish. Broil the green beans and salmon on the same baking sheet, and you have a meal in minutes.

• 
  
  1/4 cup honey
  
  


• 
  
  4 tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 tsp. five-spice powder
  
  


• 
  
  2 large cloves garlic, minced
  
  


• 
  
  Four 6-oz. skin-on salmon fillets (preferably wild), pin bones and scales removed
  
  


• 
  
  Nonstick cooking spray
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb. slender green beans, trimmed
  
  


• 
  
  2 tsp. canola oil
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. Asian sesame oil
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. toasted sesame seeds
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. lemon juice
  
  

In a small bowl, whisk the honey, soy sauce, five-spice powder, and garlic. Put the salmon skin side down on a large plate and pour the honey mixture over it. Flip the fillets so they are skin side up. Let the fish marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.


Position a rack 6 inches from the broiler and heat the broiler on high. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray.


In a large bowl, toss the green beans with the canola and sesame oils. Arrange the beans on one half of the prepared baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the salmon skin side down on the other half of the baking sheet. Brush the salmon with any remaining marinade from the plate.


Broil the salmon and green beans for 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, toss the green beans with tongs, and reposition the salmon pieces as needed so that they cook evenly. Continue to broil until the salmon is just cooked through and the beans are crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Toss the green beans with the sesame seeds and lemon juice and serve.

Peas and Carrots with Lemon, Dill, and Mint

Remember the frozen version of peas and carrots? The dish gets an update here: no square carrots in sight.

• 
  
  1-2 medium lemons
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. minced fresh mint
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. minced fresh dill
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  2 bunches small young carrots, preferably with tops (about 2 lb.)
  
  


• 
  
  8 oz. fresh sugar snap peas, trimmed and strings removed
  
  

Finely grate 1/2 tsp. zest from a lemon and then juice the lemon to yield 1/4 cup (if it yields less, juice the second lemon). In a large bowl, whisk the zest, juice, oil, mint, dill, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper.

Trim the tips and all but about 1/2 inch of the greens from the carrots and then peel them. In a large pot fitted with a steamer insert, bring an inch of water to a boil over high heat. Have ready a large bowl of ice water. Lay the carrots in the basket of the steamer, cover tightly, and steam until crisp-tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Cool the carrots in the ice water for a few minutes; then lift them out and add to the dressing.

Steam the peas in the same pot until barely tender, about 3 minutes. Cool them in the ice water for a few minutes, drain, and add to the carrots. Stir to coat the vegetables in the dressing. Taste and add more salt, if needed.

Let the vegetables sit for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour, tossing occasionally. With a slotted spoon, transfer the vegetables to a serving platter. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Irish Butter-Poached Scallops with Leeks and Sweet Garden Peas

Irish butter is much richer and has fewer milk solids than the everyday butter sold in the United States. You can substitute the more widely available European-style butter, which, like Irish butter, is higher in butterfat than standard U.S. butter.

For the gremolata

• 
  
  1 cup coarsely shredded dried bread crumbs
  
  


• 
  
  2 to 3 Tbs. olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1 clove garlic, finely minced
  
  


• 
  
  Grated zest of 1 lemon
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley or chives
  
  

• 
  
  1 large leek, white and light green parts only, outer layers discarded and thinly sliced (3 to 3-1/2 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. unsalted butter
  
  


• 
  
  3 Tbs. crème fraîche or heavy cream
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup water
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 tsp. sea salt
  
  


• 
  
  7 grinds of black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1-3/4 to 2 cups shelled fresh or frozen English peas
  
  


• 
  
  12 to 18 jumbo scallops, depending on everyone’s appetite
  
  


• 
  
  Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup clarified Irish butter
  
  


• 
  
  Grated zest and juice of 2 lemons
  
  


• 
  
  Watercress sprigs, for garnish
  
  

Tip:

To clarify the butter, melt it over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden but not browned. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve or a coffee filter into a heatproof container, leaving the milk solids behind in the sieve or filter.

Make the gremolata:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Put the bread crumbs in a small bowl, drizzle with the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Spread in a pie pan or small baking sheet and toast for 7 to 8 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Just before serving, stir in the garlic, lemon zest, and parsley.

Prepare the leeks and peas:

In a saucepan, combine the leek, butter, crème fraîche, water, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the leeks are a little tender and the sauce is reducing. Use your best judgment as to when to add the peas. If they are fresh but starchy they may take some time, so add them as soon as the leeks start to soften. If they are frozen, they may take just 2 to 3 minutes, so add them at the end. Shake the pan occasionally during cooking to change what is on the bottom of the pan with what is on the top. Cook until the vegetables are tender.

Finish the dish:

Once the vegetables are cooking, season the scallops on both sides with salt and pepper. In a big sauté pan (large enough to hold all of the scallops in a single layer), melt the butter over medium heat. When the butter is hot and foamy, add the scallops and poach gently for 3 to 5 minutes, basting as needed, until just done. They are ready when they feel just firm to the touch.

To serve, spoon the vegetables into individual deep plates or shallow soup bowls and top with the scallops. Add the lemon zest and juice to the butter from the scallop pan, then drizzle over the scallops. Sprinkle with some of the gremolata and garnish with the watercress.