Bean and Legume

This bubbling stew incorporates the basics of a traditional Italian dish called ribollita, but it takes much less time to prepare. A savory way to use leftover ham, the stew is just right for warming up before the Friday-night football game.

An almost-effortless dish, this stew requires no peeling and little or no cutting!

This simple dish is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Savor it as is or over whole-grain toast or rice.

Known as a festive, regal dish in India and Pakistan, biryani is packed with flavor. Don’t be scared off by the long list of ingredients. The dish really is quick and easy to prepare.

Snow peas paired with either chicken or shrimp is a classic Asian combination. When you can’t decide which you’d prefer, try this recipe, which gives you both.

Comforting, spicy, and oh-so-good describe this hearty dish.

Golden hominy, which has the aroma and flavor of corn tortillas, is one of the highlights of this zesty stew.

This recipe makes a lot, but the dish tastes even better the second day and lends itself well to variations. For instance, you can warm the leftovers and serve them in whole-grain pita pockets or add 1 tablespoon fat-free Italian or balsamic vinaigrette and 1/2 cup chopped raw vegetables to every 1/2 cup cooked and chilled red lentils.

Greeks often serve white beans on days of fasting as a filling alternative to meat. Good alone or served over orzo or brown rice, these beans have even more flavor the second day.

Rich-tasting, thick, and so flavorful—no one will miss the meat in this stew.

You may want to prepare a double batch of these burgers so you’ll have enough to serve without the pita bread at another meal. Try them with roasted sweet potato wedges and fresh fruit.

If you want to, you can stretch this hearty southwestern stew by serving it over brown rice. Put about a half-cup of cooked rice in each bowl, then top with the stew.

When your meat-loving guests taste this chili, they’ll be amazed that a meatless dish can be so hearty.

Dijon mustard, honey, and cumin might seem to be an unlikely combination, but this dish will win raves every time.

To jazz up black beans and rice, add the exciting flavors of rich olive oil, tangy lime juice, and assertive garlic.

Asian adzuki beans and fresh mushrooms contrast nicely with aromatic vegetables, thyme, and cumin in this updated version of a classic dish.

Rajma, red beans slowly simmered in a rich blend of spices, is a favorite in India and other parts of Asia. Don’t be daunted by the long ingredients list—your slow cooker does the work for you. Just remember to soak the beans the night before you plan to prepare the rajma.

This eclectic pilaf is a real time-saver. You need to spend only about five minutes to get it going, then you can leave it alone to cook while you do other things—and you’ll have just one pan to wash.

Here’s a warm version of the popular French salade niçoise. Très bien!

Rosemary and two kinds of pepper ramp up the flavor of this tempting, inexpensive entrée.