Mediterranean

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

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.

Eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper and arugula share the stage with slices of tuna steak in the Mediterranean-inspired sandwich. Spoon the lentil salad alongside and offer chilled beer. Fresh pears and crisp biscotti round things out nicely.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

You could also serve it on its own with crackers or bread, or offer it as a relish for grilled chicken or fish. It can be made with black olives as well as with green.

Fillets of sole will work equally well in the following recipe.

This gorgeous dish is similar to ratatouille.

These potatoes, oven-crisped on the outside and tender inside, go especially well with red meat.

For dinner in a matter of minutes, try this Mediterranean-flavored main course.

This recipe takes its cues from Spain's classic fried pork and from an Italian favorite - the combination of pork and fennel.

Honey flavors both the syrup and the filling in these delicate pastries. In the Middle East they are usually stuffed with nuts or cheese. Mozzarella is included in this version, which may seem unusual in a sweet filling, but it prevents the ricotta from becoming runny. The pine nuts are like little eggs resting in their nests.

This Mediterranean-style treatment of lamb shanks is delicious over orzo.