Cilantro

This main-course soup is called pho in Vietnam, where it is eaten at any time of day.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 40 min

Use leftover chicken if you have any on hand, or start with a rotisserie chicken. Be sure to pick up the sliced peppers from the salad bar while you're at the market. Crunchy sesame breadsticks are all you need to complete the meal — except, of course, dessert, which could be pineapple slices sprinkled with coconut and broiled.

Vellarikkai Thakkali Vengaya Pachadi Pachadi is the southern version of North Indian raita. You can substitute plain low-fat yogurt for the whole-milk yogurt here, but drain it in a sieve overnight first.

This dish is a wonderful combination of French and Indian flavors. Basmati rice and a green salad would round out the meal.

The signature dish at Américas in Houston. Achiote paste adds earthy flavor and deep red color to the shrimp.

Gulisa's Ajika This lively condiment goes nicely with grilled meats and fish as well as with pork stew.

It is very important to soak the wooden skewers in water, or they will burn on the grill. Devein the shrimp on the back side for a good appearance. See how to devein shrimp.

What to drink: The menu's sweet-tart flavors call for a floral Riesling or spicy Syrah.

Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 4 hr

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

From Ristorante Chianti, Geneva, Illinois.

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Cilantro and a handful of basic spices brings vibrant green color and rich flavor to broiled chicken thighs. Served with rice or naan, this is a weeknight win.

You’ll want to put this creamy (but dairy-free) green sauce on everything and it’s particularly sublime under crispy-skinned salmon.

This vibrant cilantro pesto recipe blends blanched herbs, Cotija cheese, garlic, and toasted pepitas. Toss with pasta for a fresh and bold spaghetti pesto.

Forget regular baked potatoes—these tender sweets loaded with chaat-inspired toppings make for a bright and flavorful vegetarian main (or colorful side dish).