Name: Gumbo Z'herbes with Red Beans
Yield: Makes 24 cups, serving 10 to 12 as a main course
Ingredients: 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup bread flour; 2 large onions, chopped; 1 large green pepper, chopped; 3 celery ribs, chopped; 7 quarts water; 1 bunch carrot tops, coarse stems discarded and leaves washed and drained (about 5 cups packed); 5 bunches assorted greens such as beet greens, Swiss chard, kale, collards, mustard greens, turnip greens, and/or spinach, coarse stems discarded and remainder washed and drained; 1 pound dried red kidney beans (about 2 1/2 cups), picked over; 6 large garlic cloves; Accompaniment:Cajun-style White Rice

(Gumbo with Mixed Greens and Red Beans)

Louisiana's "gumbo z'herbes", from the French gumbo aux herbes, was developed in Roman Catholic communities as a meatless dish for Lent. Traditionally, the number of guests determines how many types of greens go into the pot, but, if you wish to use only a few greens, just increase their amounts to equal the total quantity called for. Red beans are added to make this gumbo a more complete vegetarian main course.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

London Fog Brownies

Yes, brownies can—and should—be made with white chocolate.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.