Vegetarian

For best results, use a heavy-bottomed sauté pan.

Ears of corn, cut into small pieces, make a perfect summer side dish. Plan on one ear per person.

Serve this soufflé immediately in the dish, or let cool and unmold for a denser version.

Frozen lima beans may be substituted for fava beans; start with the second step.

The eggplant can also be served as an hors d’oeuvre, cut into bite-size pieces.

We used acorn squash for this recipe, but other types, such as butternut or pumpkin, work as well.

After cooking the onion rings, keep them warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the remaining batches.

Yuca is a starchy root with tough, brown skin, crisp, white flesh, and a mild flavor. It is also known as cassava.

The secret to cooking okra to a crisp-tender texture is a very hot skillet.

Set out the sour cream, cheese, and corn, and let each person fix his own.

To clean the mushrooms, simply wipe the caps with a damp paper towel; do not rinse, as they will become soggy. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden.

Tuscan kale, also known as cavolo nero, dinosaur kale, and lacinato kale, is sweeter and more tender than regular kale, which can be used instead but may require more cooking time.