Bean and Legume

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Using canned black beans makes this soup a snap to prepare. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This is a simplified version of the appetizer served at Olives, where the scallops are skewered with bacon before they are cooked.

Reflecting the cuisines of Israel and the surrounding Mediterranean Middle Eastern countries, this meatless stew is seasoned with mint and lemon. Serve it with sesame seed rolls and a tomato and cucumber salad; have pistachio ice cream for dessert.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Canned black beans with Caribbean seasoning save lots of time and effort. Whisk ground allspice into some bottled oil-and-vinegar dressing, and toss with mixed greens. Garnish the soup with yogurt and chopped red onions, and serve it with some sweet potato chips. To end, spoon sliced bananas and dark rum over coffee ice cream.

The pancetta and cheese rind give this soup a rich, almost creamy flavor. We removed the stems from the Swiss chard, but if you don't want to waste them, feel free to put them in the soup as well: Once the leaves are sliced, chop the stems and add them to the soup along with the leaves.

The cumin really enhances this dish. Cook this spice with the onions to bring out its aroma. Lemon juice brightens the flavors while honey softens them.

Serve with: Shredded lettuce and radishes tossed with lemon vinaigrette, and Spanish rice. Dessert: Lime sherbet.

Both the dip and the pita chips can be made several days ahead to keep on hand for after-workout nourishment.

Zuppa di Castagne e Cavolo Nero Cavolo nero is a member of the kale family. Between farm stands, specialty produce markets, and natural foods stores it is available year-round. To find it, be aware of its many aliases: Tuscan kale, black cabbage, lacinato, and dinosaur kale. Its rich, sweet, almost meaty flavor will have you hooked from the first bite.

Pho, the Vietnamese noodle soup, is traditionally made with long-cooked beef stock. Our quick version calls for deli sliced beef and canned beef broth instead.<

Make this a day ahead for the best flavor.

This dish is also known as Texas caviar.

Remember the green bean casserole made with nothing but convenience ingredients: frozen or canned green beans, canned cream of mushroom soup and, for the topping, canned fried onions? Here it is again, only fresher and better.

This soup hails from Morocco.

This bean dip is a staple at Fresco — we use it instead of butter with our homemade breads. It will last 2 or 3 days in the refrigerator.

This is an interesting alternative to potatoes. For the best flavor, try to find low-sodium chicken broth or use half water and half broth.

This is known as chilpachol in Mexico. Don't forget to add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to each bowl.