Cooking Basics

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Orzo

It’s one of the quickest-cooking pastas, clocking in around 7–9 minutes depending on brand.

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Sautéed Peppers

Use these bell peppers to pile onto tacos, mix into a tossed salad, or stir into rice and beans.

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Pearl Couscous

Also known as Israeli couscous, this grain works as a hot or cold preparation. Dress with olive oil and lemon zest for hot or toss with a vinaigrette and herbs for cold.

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Blanched Broccoli Florets

Turn broccoli into a salad by tossing with a vinaigrette and adding ingredients like dried cranberries and sliced almonds, or finely chop and sprinkle onto a homemade vegetable pizza.

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Sautéed Bell Peppers and Corn

Frozen corn gets a slight flavor upgrade with bell peppers and shallots.

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Roasted Butternut Squash Chunks

Using pre-cut packaged butternut squash is an efficient time-saver. Toss these roasted pieces into a salad or mash with a touch of milk and butter.

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Roasted Eggplant Slices

Slicing and roasting eggplant is one of the easiest methods of preparation. It’s also one of the healthiest, as this spongy vegetable soaks up all the oil it can as it cooks.

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Roasted Whole Chickens

Cooking two chickens at the same time means less effort and a surplus of poultry to use all week.

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Broiled Boneless Pork Chops

A dash of spices plus the high heat of the broiler turns this into a quick yet satisfying weeknight entrée.

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Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs

A dash of the all-purpose spice blend, Italian seasoning, is an easy way to bump up the flavor of poultry.

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Roasted Green Beans

Green beans tossed in a bit of oil achieve a crinkly quality that can only be achieved through roasting.

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Meatloaf

A combination of ground pork, veal, and beef adds mega flavor to this meatloaf. A double dose of it means you can save one loaf to freeze.

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Caesar Dressing

A mayonnaise-based Caesar dressing is easier to whip together and eliminates the need for raw egg yolks, which are used in the traditional recipe.

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Fresh Tomato Salsa

Whether to accompany chips or slather onto tacos, this recipe fits all your salsa needs.

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Polenta

Using medium-ground polenta or cornmeal requires a longer cooking time for the dish but is well worth the results.

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Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sprinkle the sweet potatoes with spices like chili powder or smoked paprika to use them as a side dish. To amp them up as a meal, toss into a hearty salad or top with an egg.

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Roasted Radishes

Don’t just serve radishes raw—a quick stint in the oven mellows out this vegetable for a unique side dish.