Canned Tomato

Alongside this colorful main course, offer simple side dishes like white rice mixed with black beans, and steamed chunks of zucchini. Holiday cookies from the bakery top off the meal nicely.

Here's a chunky, hearty beef stew that's just right on a cold winter day.

Save the beet tops for a quick side dish: just sauté them with garlic and olive oil, sprinkle with lemon, salt and pepper, and serve.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A sophisticated dish made from an assortment of pantry staples.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Our executive food editor used to spend summer vacations in Horton Bay, Michigan, where a version of the following recipe was an unusual but popular sweet-and-savory accompaniment to lakeside barbecues.

For a simple dinner, present this flavorful soup with some warm crusty bread and a mixed green salad.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(Braised Beef, Peppers, and Onions) Ropa vieja, or "old clothes," describes the shreds of meat, peppers, and onions resembling a mess of colorful rags. Robust stews such as this Cuban specialty are at the heart of West Indian cuisine.

Easy to make and satisfying.