Name: Veggies with Israeli Couscous
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 2 medium-sized zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1/2 cup vegetable broth (canned or bouillon); 6 ripe plum tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 cup cooked Israeli couscous*; 1 cup coarsely torn fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup chopped parsley

I like using Israeli couscous for this dish, although pearl barley may be substituted. This couscous is quite starchy and should be rinsed after cooking.

Cooks' Note

Note: Israeli couscous has a larger grain than regular couscous, resembling pastine (a kind of small pasta). For this recipe, lightly brown 4 ounces of couscous in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring. Add 2 cups broth, cover the pot, and simmer for 6 to 7 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse to remove starch.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Vodka Gochujang Pasta

This pasta has some really big energy about it. It’s so extra, it’s the type of thing you should be eating in your bikini while drinking a magnum of rosé, not in Hebden Bridge (or wherever you live), but on a beach on Mykonos.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Baked Butter Paneer

I should address the awkward truth that I don’t use butter here but cream instead. You could, if you’re a stickler for tradition (and not a heretic like me), add a big slab of butter to the finished curry.