Onion

A small coffee or spice mill makes grinding the whole spices very easy. Serve the lamb with the Indian Ratatouille and basmati rice. Pour a spicy red wine such as Syrah or Zinfandel.

Cipolline in Agrodolce These onions — an homage to New York's Italian-American communities — are great as part of an antipasto or as a condiment for salty meats such as baked ham or duck confit. Although they are hard to resist as soon as they are cooked, the flavors continue to develop over a few days. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 2 hr (plus 1 day for flavors to develop)

Grilled Spring Onions Spring onions (also called green onions) have a slightly bulbous base, whereas scallions are straight. This recipe was created to accompany Grilled Garlic-Marinated Skirt Steak with Lime. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.

These flavorful toasts are easy enough to make for last-minute guests. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Our food editors think beans cook more evenly and hold their shape better with a long soak — which is why the ones in this recipe are soaked for 6 hours. But, you can use the following quick-soak method if you prefer: In a saucepan cover beans with cold water by 2 inches. Bring water to a boil and boil beans 2 minutes. Remove pan from heat and soak beans 1 hour.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 2 hr

Accompaniment: Fresh Tomato Salsa

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires addtional resting time.

To accompany Fillet of Beef on Garlic Croutons.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Asian cucumber ribbon salad can fill a pita pocket — with other ingredients or on its own — or it can accompany fish or meat as a side dish.

A purchased Asian noodle salad and crisp rice crackers are perfect with this meatless meal. Finish with slim wedges of cheesecake topped with fresh blueberries.

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 40 min

This "red sauce meets Guido in Little Italy" classic has much more to do with the clams than what you may be used to eating. Note that the bread crumbs here are fresh—that is to say, made only from today's bread, not from day-old bread (and definitely not the kind that comes in a can).

If you can't find the Moroccan spice blend at the supermarket, combine 1 tablespoon ground cumin with 1/4 teaspoon each of ground coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Serve with: Romaine salad and bowls of mixed green and black olives. Dessert: Purchased apricot tart.