Root Vegetable

The fennel seeds turn into an aromatic, crunchy crust on the skin.

This bright and fiery Haitian condiment (pronounced "pick-lees") is traditionally served with meats and fried food to balance rich flavors.

I like this one because it's a one-pan dish—you will need a pan with a lid. You can use a can of tomatoes instead of making the purée if you wish, but puréeing the tomatoes produces a better result. You don't need to be precise with the quantities for this dish at all—a handful of cherry tomatoes, add some onion, etc. The important thing is to have the lid to keep in steam and heat so you get a very nice lightly cooked fish. You don't want to overcook it. I've used hake but you can use any white fish like cod, sea bass, halibut or even salmon. It's simple but tasty, and the kind of thing you could easily rustle up for yourself or friends. You can use any green veg but it works well with fennel—sautéed in a pan or slow-baked, or added to the pan and cooked with the fish and tomatoes. This is a great one for a novice cook.

This simple soup can be eaten hot or cold, in winter, or in summer. Many are aware of the healing benefits of carrots, mainly the antioxidant-rich carotenoids that are known to pack anticancer powers. We love them because they're a simple and delicious food. Combine them with a hefty dose of gelatin-rich bone broth, a touch of lemongrass and ginger, and you're left with a bowl of soup that beats any sugar-laden cold-pressed juice on the market.

If you haven't noticed by now, we love braising. This stew wraps itself around your soul and squeezes ever so gently. And while it truly embodies the concept of a one-pot meal, we do like to roast the vegetables separately so they retain their individual flavor, creating even greater depth of flavor.

These quick-cooking lamb chops make dinner feel instantly fancy.

Garlic lovers, this one’s for you.

Tender Indian-spiced beef meatballs in a creamy tomato curry sauce will warm you from head to toe.

Use these in salads (croutons in every bite!), sprinkle over pastas, dust atop tender braised meats, or just eat them out of hand (naturally).

Think of this as Indian-spiced ketchup, and use it in all the same ways.

If you prefer all-pork (or all-veal) meatballs, go ahead and make that change.

Smaller beets are ideal for this since the rounds will fit neatly on the end of a fork.

Crispy, salty, creamy, and full of protein (really!), these chickpeas should be a staple in your kitchen.

With sweet potato as a binder, quinoa for protein, and meaty mushrooms for depth, this veggie burger beats anything in the frozen foods aisle.

Try this smeared on pork, folded into scrambled eggs, or tossed with rice.

Try these anywhere you'd use pickled onion, such as in grain bowls, on roasted carrots, or on a cheese sandwich.

A doubly crunchy topping marks a breakthrough moment for creamy roasted fennel.

Spicy tofu crumbles, pickled scallions, and roasted garlic chili sauce all come together in this noodle bowl. (Save leftovers to add to grain bowls all week long.)