Bean and Legume

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 40 min

It may seem odd that we use frozen green peas, but, sadly, even the best fresh ones can taste starchy by the time they make it to the supermarket. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

A hearty soup that tastes just as good when rewarmed the next day.

A great way to make a different and light meal with leftover lamb.

You can find the ethnic ingredients for this tasty one-dish meal in the oriental section of your supermarket.

Harira Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 12 1/2 hr

Offer this healthful Moroccan grain dish as a main course or as an accompaniment to roasted chicken.

We've suggested toasted French bread as an accompaniment to this soup, but bear in mind it is not included in our calorie count. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This unusual salsa calls for canned or bottled nopalitos, the stems of the prickly pear cactus. Available in the Mexican section of many supermarkets, they're sometimes labeled natural tender cactus. If you cannot find nopalitos at your local market, simply substitute cooked green beans. Use this tasty salsa as you would any other--with meats, chips and tacos.

Even better over rice. Top it with sour cream and grated cheddar cheese.

The ginger, coconut milk, curry paste, basil and cilantro in this are often used in Southeast Asian curries. Sautéing the chicken strips in olive oil adds a Western touch. For a nice finale, serve mango sorbet with canned lychees, small Chinese fruits available in the Asian foods section of many supermarkets.

This recipe came to be when I was preparing risotto and realized I was out of Arborio rice; I used barley instead. The results were so delicious that I now prefer this version.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.