717 spring recipes

Keftedes tiganites are fried Greek meatballs with allspice, fresh mint, parsley, red wine, and soaked bread. Walnut-sized, flour-dredged, and fried crispy for a traditional Greek mezze or main dish.

Cajun seafood gumbo with shrimp, lump crab, ham, and okra built on a dark cocoa-colored roux. Finished with file powder for authentic Louisiana flavor and body.

Sautéed pancetta with balsamic beans simmers crispy pancetta, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and white beans in a sweet-tart honey-balsamic glaze. A rustic Italian side or weeknight main.

Leg roast of venison larded with salt pork, onion, and apple slices, seasoned with allspice and rosemary, then slow-roasted on a rack. A classic hunter's approach to game meat.

A scrumptious chicken casserole made with white wine, parsley leaves and rosemary sprigs.

Fresh cucumber rounds hollowed out and filled with roasted eggplant paté blended with almonds, garlic, and parsley. A cool, elegant vegetarian appetizer that looks as good as it tastes.

Green bean and garlic soup with ten cloves of garlic, fresh thyme, and a beaten egg ribbon for body. A simple Mediterranean-style soup that comes together in 30 minutes.

Big-batch barley vegetable soup simmered in chicken broth with thyme, bay leaf, and your choice of seasonal vegetables. Customize with broccoli, zucchini, green beans, or mushrooms.

Indian spiced grape sherbet with roasted cumin, black pepper, lemon, and a pinch of salt. Angoor Ka Sherbet is a no-cook summer cooler ready in 20 minutes.

Oven-baked scallops in shells with chopped mushrooms, parsley, breadcrumbs, butter, and a splash of white wine. Simple, elegant French cooking in under 30 minutes.

Iced strawberry soup with fresh berries, English cucumber, lemon yogurt, light rum, and mint. Pink chilled summer starter that doubles as a boozy brunch refresher.

Savory papaya lassi blended with yogurt, ripe papaya, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. The Indian cooler that goes savory or sweet, with a sweet rose-water variation included.

Chilled two-tone melon soup with cantaloupe and honeydew poured side by side for a striking orange-and-green presentation. A refreshing no-cook summer appetizer with sherry, citrus, and fresh mint.

Chilled strawberry soup with buttermilk, orange juice, lemon, and mint, pureed smooth and served cold with a swirl of yogurt. A refreshing summer starter.

Chestnut and lentil soup: roasted chestnuts and green lentils simmered with carrot, celery, and garlic. Half pureed for body, half left whole for texture. Vegan autumn comfort.

Pink pickled shallots in red wine vinegar with pink peppercorns, mustard seed, and thyme. Refrigerator pickle that turns brilliant rosy pink and keeps for months.