Root Vegetable

This recipe was created to accompany Smoked Whitefish Cakes with Cucumber Salsa. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(TORTINO DI PATATE ALLA PARMIGIANA) Gratins made from potatoes and other vegetables have long been a part of the country cooking around Parma. Here's a rich one that takes advantage of a star ingredient: Parmesan cheese. The dish is often served during Lent or on other meatless days.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Asian cucumber ribbon salad can fill a pita pocket — with other ingredients or on its own — or it can accompany fish or meat as a side dish.

A purchased Asian noodle salad and crisp rice crackers are perfect with this meatless meal. Finish with slim wedges of cheesecake topped with fresh blueberries.

Choose a medium-sized head of cabbage and remove the tough outer leaves. It is important to slice the cabbage very thinly. The dressing will break down the harsh texture and soften the slaw.

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 40 min

Here is a lovely seasonal dish that's fresh and delicate. Note that there is no raw fish in this recipe; the word sushi simply denotes that a dish features seasoned rice, which can be served with a variety of accompaniments, including raw seafood. This type of sushi is called chirashi-sushi (chirashi means "scattered"), and the rice is mixed with asparagus, thin strips of carrot, and cooked shrimp.

Accompaniment: Fresh Tomato Salsa

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires addtional resting time.

To accompany Fillet of Beef on Garlic Croutons.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The duck leg confit brings added richness to the bisque, but the soup is also delicious without it.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.