Root Vegetable

Only in summer, when baby vegetables are so wonderful and elegant looking, could a one-skillet side dish seem so fancy. A gentle simmer and just a little olive oil and butter enhance the vegetables' natural sweetness — no more effort is necessary.

Corn grilled in its husk isn't just easy, it's also more delicious than grilled shucked corn. The silk adds sweetness and also provides an extra layer of moisture that protects the kernels from the heat so they stay tender.

This dish is a welcome departure from run-of-the-mill sides. Lemon zest and golden garlic give wilted arugula and tender green beans multidimensional flavor.

Hearty soba noodles and tangy feta cheese create a lightning-quick vegetarian dish that even meat eaters will flock to. Served cold or at room temperature, it's just what we want on a warm evening.

This spicy, smoky chicken is tailor-made for a large group of family and friends. And, since it's delicious served warm or at room temperature, your guests can eat it at their leisure.

Traditional Scandinavian fare, this rich stew is comfort food at its best — think chicken potpie without the crust. Boiled potatoes are the perfect starch to balance the sweet carrots and parsnips.

This dramatic, gorgeous terrine isn't just visually arresting; it's also absolutely delicious — and such a sophisticated change of pace from a salad to start the meal. We used beets, haricots verts, and wax beans here, but feel free to improvise if other vegetables look tempting at your local farmers market; you'll need a total of 6 cups of cooked vegetables. Since the vegetables are cooked until very tender — a knife should be able to cut through them without resistance — the terrine slices beautifully.

Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are from The Ethical Gourmet. To read more about the book, click here. Roaming the range foraging for grasses makes pasture-raised beef leaner and more intense in flavor. Grass-fed beef, with its lower fat content, cooks differently from conventional beef, so cook it slower, at lower temperatures. Its concentrated flavors make it an exceptional meat to serve in small, sliced portions as a spicy accompaniment to a grain and vegetable main course such as Pumpkin Basmati Rice Pilaf, Toasted Hard Red Wheat Pilaf with Caramelized Shallots, Figs, and Brazil Nuts, or Spice Whole Oats.

Brandi Neuwirth of Cary, North Carolina, writes: "My family and I moved here from Los Angeles last year, and my new surroundings have really influenced my cooking. There's a great farmers' market nearby where I get lots of local ingredients like tomatoes, squash, and, of course, okra. The produce there inspired me to create this dish, which is a real taste of the South." Tossing the okra in cornmeal before frying creates a crisp coating, adding texture to this colorful, summery dish.

Juicy pork replaces the traditional lamb in these sandwiches. Tomato and capers are a lively addition to the yogurt sauce.

Lamb shoulder is meltingly tender here, and a natural partner for earthy-sweet artichokes.

Harissa, a spicy North African chili-garlic condiment, can be found at some specialty foods stores and Middle Eastern markets. But it is very easy to make, too, as in this recipe.

The garlicky herb butter is similar to the butter served with escargots in southwestern France. IMPROV: When preparing the butter, try a shallot instead of garlic, and thyme instead of parsley.

IMPROV: Substitute red oak leaf lettuce (available at farmers' markets and natural foods stores) or red romaine for the red leaf lettuce. Make the croutons with Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan.

Favas lend a fresh note here. For the most robust flavor, use tuna packed in olive oil rather than water.

Unlike a traditional risotto, this easy side dish for the stew needs barely any stirring at all.