Recipes with salt and black pepper

Braised fennel stew with caramelized pearl onions and carrots simmered in chicken broth. A French-inspired vegetable side with anise-sweet fennel, browned butter, and natural sugars.

Basic Italian tomato sauce with peeled plum tomatoes, garlic, basil, a splash of red wine, and a knob of butter for a silky, restaurant-style red sauce in 40 minutes.

Chilled cream of cucumber soup with sour cream, fresh dill, and parsley. A cool, refreshing summer starter that's better made the day before. No fuss, no stove time after dinner.

Sweet and sour stuffed cabbage rolls filled with ground beef and cracked wheat, microwaved in a tangy brown sugar, tomato sauce, and lemon juice glaze. A faster take on the Eastern European classic.

Try these savory turnovers, they are too delicious to stop eating. Sauteed mushrooms gives the meaty texture and delicious flavor, the pepper Jack cheese adds extra cheesy bite, and the thyme adds the fresh taste. These tasty and delicate turnovers are perfect appetizer, or can be a delicious vegetarian main course.

Red beans and greens salad tosses kidney beans with chopped escarole, red onion, and chunky salsa. Five minutes, five ingredients, zero cooking.

Smoky salmon cheese ball made with canned salmon, cream cheese, horseradish, and liquid smoke, rolled in pecans and parsley. A no-cook make-ahead appetizer for parties.

Vegan beet and potato salad with boiled beet greens in a garlicky lemon dressing. A whole-vegetable approach that uses roots, greens, and all. Served cold.

Garlic roast chicken with rosemary and lemon roasts boneless chicken in a single dish with crushed garlic, fresh rosemary, lemon zest, and white wine. A 30-minute Mediterranean weeknight dinner with bright pan juices.

Chilled zucchini soup with marjoram, finished with cream just before serving. A silky, pale green summer soup that uses up the season's overgrown zucchini.

Red bell pepper soup pureed with potato, carrot, rosemary, and fennel for a vibrant, smooth bowl. Soy sauce adds umami depth. Naturally vegan.

Garlic asparagus finished with a bright squeeze of lime instead of the usual lemon. Fresh spears sauteed with garlic, shallots, and a little butter for a fast, light vegetable side.

Sausage O'Patties: Irish-inspired potato and pork breakfast patties with onion, parsley, and thyme. Crispy-edged homemade sausage cakes ready in under 25 minutes without any sausage casings.

Eggplant with tomatoes is a simple side dish of butter-browned eggplant slices topped with warm canned tomatoes and chopped chives. A quick, low-calorie vegetable dish with just five ingredients.

Ramps piquante simmers wild Appalachian ramps in sharp cheddar sauce sparked by Worcestershire and white wine vinegar. Spooned over crisp toast for an earthy spring brunch.

Pressure cooker zucchini soup pureed with potatoes, carrots, and fresh basil. Ready in 20 minutes with just five minutes at high pressure for a silky, vegetable-packed bowl.