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30 Minutes or Less

California Chicken Salad

Think of it as an adult happy meal: This hearty bowl provides a healthy dose of mood-improving B vitamins.

Over Easy BLT

Jasmin's Pad Thai

Jasmin is a piece of work. Her single-word name only enhances her celebrity status. She's the chef/proprietor of her eponymous quintessential beach hut restaurant on the northern tip of Koh Phi Phi in Thailand. A tall, sexy native with long jet black hair and flowing silk dresses, she's as sharp as a razor blade and intimidating as hell. If you ask her a question, she stops, squints her eyes dubiously, and raises an eyebrow. She's the Queen Bee here. Her worker bees are the little barefoot gypsy kids who live on the beach, the happiest kids I've ever seen. They take her orders, serve her food, and assist her in effortlessly knocking out the freshest and most delicious Thai dishes around—her clientele buzzes in from every surrounding island. "Just bring us whatever you'd like" (I try to skip the questions). I'll kick back with a Singha and watch those iconic longtail boats pull up with ice crates of screamingly fresh local fish, and I'm eating perfectly executed delicacies fifteen minutes later. Here's a woman who is truly about abundance, joie de vivre, and a spirit so vibrant that it inspires everyone. A true domestic goddess. She graciously taught me this classic in her (outdoor) kitchen on the beach.

Arugula Salad with Lemon-Parmesan Dressing

It makes a great side dish, but this salad is even better as a pizza topping. Brush the with olive oil, sprinkle it with sea salt and shredded mozzarella, then bake. When the pizza comes out of the oven, top it with the salad.

Roasted-Tomato Sauce

This sauce goes with almost any topping. Three to try: slices of fresh mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and roasted eggplant. This recipe originally accompanied the <epi:recipelink id="352109">Overnight Pizza Dough recipe</epi:recipelink>

Dijon-Cilantro Tuna Salad on Whole Grain Bread

Yogurt replaces the usual mayo.

Scrambled Eggs with Ramps, Morels, and Asparagus

This recipe is as delicious for lunch or supper as it is for breakfast. Morel mushrooms tend to trap grit, so swish them around in cool water, transfer them to fresh water for a 15-minute soak, and pat dry before using.

Five-Spice Roast Chicken

Marinate the chicken overnight, then pop it into the oven the next day.

Snow Peas with Toasted Almonds

Crunchy toasted almonds make crisp snow peas even more fun to eat.

Tagliatelle with Baby Vegetables and Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

The pasta cooking liquid helps turn the cheese, cream, and sautéed vegetables into an incredible sauce.

Green Pea Soup with Tarragon and Pea Sprouts

Matzo Brei with Tomatoes and Salsa

Matzo brei is a Jewish dish made from eggs scrambled with matzo that is traditionally served for breakfast. This version has a few Mexican twists.

Warm Tofu With Spicy Garlic Sauce

This gently simmered tofu topped with a stir-together sauce is a common banchan. It would also make a great vegetarian main course served with rice. The sauce—speckled with chopped garlic, scallion, sesame seeds, and Korean hot red-pepper flakes—couldn't be simpler or more satisfying. You will want to eat it on everything.

Red Leaf, Radish, and Pine Nut Salad

Just two additions—citrus zest in the dressing and toasted pine nuts—transform this simple salad into something memorable.

Sautéed Oyster Mushrooms

This quick preparation really showcases the gentle flavor of oyster mushrooms. The mild dish, brightened with a small amount of cider vinegar, helps balance the forceful spices of the rest of the meal.

Creamed Broccoli with Parmesan

Broccoli seems like something new in this rich, satisfyingly chunky side dish, dolled up with parmesan and lemon juice.

Roasted Pacific Cod with Spring Vegetables and Mint

Side dishes made from fresh legumes, vegetables, and mint can be found all over Italy, but this quickly cooked version cuts down on labor by using frozen peas and artichoke hearts. It adds a bright touch of spring to cod’s meaty white flakes.
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