Chile

Try the sauce with grilled fish or chicken, too. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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.

Chili powder and chopped jalapeño add a touch of heat to this smooth appetizer. Try sprinkling it with chopped red onion for some crunch and color.

In its traditional form, this classic Lao soup is made with noodles rolled out and cut to order for each bowl. It is still excellent made with dried rice noodles. You can substitute fish, chicken, or pork for the beef, but rice noodles are an essential ingredient. The Lao like a considerable amount of lime juice in their food—here a range is given so that you can flavor the soup to your taste.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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

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.<

I think you'll understand why I love rice dishes so much when you taste this one—the robust, complex red-chile flavor is infused into plump rice grains (you definitely get the best texture from medium-grain rice), which are nestled around perfectly cooked shrimp. Not only could I eat this dish day after day, but it's one that always comes to mind as an easily likable one-pot main dish for casual entertaining. Add a salad and you've got all you need. To serve Red Chile Rice on a buffet, you may want to choose small shrimp and peel them completely (taking off the final joint and tail) for the convenience of your guests. Don't forget to mix everything well before serving, since bits of salsa and green onions rise to the top during baking.

[This salsa is a primary ingredient in the recipe for Red Chile Rice with Shrimp and Bacon.]

Begin with a ripe mango or ripen in a paper bag. First peel the skin off the mango. Slice it lengthwise on either side of the pit. This may be 4 slices. The pit may be oval. Use a serrated knife and proceed with the recipe.

Don't be nervous about making these rich and spicy soufflés — they're durable enough to be reheated. And it's normal for the puffy tops to fall when you remove the soufflés from the oven. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 hr

This chutney is well worth the 1-month wait it takes for the spices to mellow. Try it with grilled shrimp or fish, or on grilled chicken or cheese sandwiches. Active time: 2 hr Start to finish: 31/2 hr (plus 1 month for flavors to develop)

Tomates Rellenos Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 45 min Long before guacamole, tortilla chips, and Margaritas became a popular light dinner, guacamole was often served in tomatoes, and we were charmed by this presentation.

Shredded iceberg lettuce topped with ranch dressing is the perfect side dish. End with scoops of lime sorbet drizzled with tequila and sprinkled with lime peel. Canned chipotle chilies are available at Latin American markets, specialty foods stores, and some supermarkets.