Leafy Greens

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe was created to accompany Garlic Dijon Skirt Steak. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Using purchased pesto sauce makes this recipe a snap. For best flavor, marinate the lamb overnight.

Fermented black beans are an essential ingredient to this soup. I couldn't find exactly the kind of beans Kunkhen used, so I settled for a prepared black bean garlic sauce, which was perfect and gave the soup the same earthy taste that Kunkhen's had. I recommend that if you are using black beans you begin by adding 5 teaspoons, then taste the soup for seasoning. If it needs more flavor, add more black beans. The tablespoon of black bean garlic sauce was perfect to season this amount of soup.

Mâche is so delicate that tossing it with vinegar would not only wilt it instantly but would completely mask its subtle flavor. Active time: 5 min Start to finish: 5 min

One of our favorite convenience products--packaged pizza crust--is put to excellent use in this recipe, which transforms readily available ingredients into a unique party snack or a fast and easy main course.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

You've never seen these on the menu at your local fast-food Mexican restaurant, and you probably never will. One of the joys of cooking is that leftovers can be used to create better meals than most people get when they eat out. These tacos are remarkably simple to make. Just put the various ingredients in their own serving containers on the table and let everyone serve themselves.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

We adapted this gorgeous salad, full of intriguing flavors and textures and so colorful it looks like a fireworks display, from a recipe that Mexican chef María Dolores Torres Yzábal contributed to México, The Beautiful Cookbook.

Miso—rather than oil—lends body and flavor to the dressing.

Ficelle, a slender demi-baguette available mostly from artisanal bakeries, makes elegant slices, but any narrow French baguette will work. For added indulgence, use a European-style butter such as Plugrá or Insigny St.-Mère. What to drink: Brut Champagne (or sparkling wine) sets a festive tone and can be poured throughout the meal.

Serve the roast beef and the mayonnaise on their own, or put assorted breads alongside so that guests can make little sandwiches.

This sprightly first course is a cinch to put together.

This is based on a classic Italian dish, vitello tonnato, in which chilled slices of veal are topped with a puree of tuna, anchovies, capers, and lemon. Here, the veal is replaced by sliced turkey, and the sauce can be made up to a day ahead. (Buy good-quality turkey breast from the deli section of the market.)