Pea

A rich-tasting low-fat chowder with lots of spicy curry flavor.

Start this meatless meal with artichokes filled with a lemon mayonnaise for dipping, and serve the risotto with a mixed green and cherry tomato salad and a basket of toasted herb bread. To polish things off, set out a purchased raspberry tart.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

This meatless dish can do double duty as a main course or a side dish.

Open a bottle of fruity Chardonnay to serve with this enlightened take on a classic.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Scaffata This is a wonderful Roman spring dish that can be made when peas and favas in their shells are young and sweet. The name comes from the word scaffare — "to shell" in Roman dialect. It is especially good when served with roasted spring lamb or goat. The outermost, less tender leaves of a head of romaine, which you may not want to use in a salad, are perfect for this dish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The secret of making fried rice lies in the use of cold, cooked rice. Freshly cooked rice will only produce a sticky mess.

A great side dish for chicken or fish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.