Leafy Greens

In Japan a bamboo sushi mat, known as a sudare or a maki su, is used to roll this omelet roll. However, even without a mat, you should have no trouble making the roll.

At Valentino, this is prepared with fresh pasta. Wonton wrappers make a convenient substitute.

Thanks to the addition of some shrimp, coleslaw becomes a light main-course salad. Flaked cooked fish would also work nicely.

Marinate the cheese for a couple of hours, then assemble the salad just before serving.

Ensalada de Ejote, Espinaca, y Betabel The green beans and the poblano chiles in the salad dressing may be the only ingredients that are indigenous to Mexico, but the colorful combination of vegetables, with their contrasting textures, results in a fitting accompaniment to any Mexican dinner.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

This gratin makes a simple accompaniment to roast chicken, pork or even baked eggs.

This hearty dish comes from Havesathe de Havixhorst in the Drenthe Province in De Wijk, the Netherlands.

A puree of spinach and basil lends color and flavor to this Thai-style main dish.

Toasted baguette slices and some baby greens tossed with marinated artichoke hearts are a wonderful accompaniment to the pasta. (For extra flavor, you can spread the baguette slices with olive paste before servings.) Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

"Because I love to cook, I'll use any excuse to make dinner for my family or friends. Most of the recipes I concoct are partly based on how the ingredients look—presentation is very important to me," Dave Purdy of Hopewell, New Jersey. "Here, I combined celery root with Swiss chard because the colors and textures contrast so nicely." This tangy side dish would be good with roasted poultry or meat.

Pass hot pepper sauce and warm buttered tortillas to complete this easy dish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The following antipasto is based on an octopus and cannellini salad served at La Baraonda in Florence.