Tomato
Spicy Meatless Chili
Veggie crumbles, a savory blend of vegetable and grain proteins, lend this chili a hearty, ground beef flavor. Look for it in the frozen foods section of the supermarket. To go with the chili, warm some of the new flavored tortillas, and add a composed salad of jicama and red onion with poppy seed ranch dressing. Then splurge with banana splits.
Chicken Cashew Chili
Puréed ancho chilies lend a rich, sweet, and only mildly hot flavor to this chili. To make a hotter dish, do not remove the veins or seeds from the chilies. If anchos or similar dried chilies are not readily available, substitute one roasted and peeled red bell pepper and 1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes when puréeing.
Eggplant and Olive Whole Wheat Crostini
(CROSTINI DI PANE INTEGRALE CON MELANZANE E OLIVE)
A simple hors d'oeuvre with rich flavor and very little fat. Note that the onion is sautéed in broth instead of oil or butter; this is a good way to cut fat and calories considerably.
Wheat Berry and Barley Salad with Smoked Mozzarella
"Berries" are whole grains that have been minimally processed: They have been hulled but still have the bran and germ intact.
Vegetable Burgers with Eggplant and Tomato
Gussy up some couscous with chopped olives and red onion, and offer carrot and jicama sticks for crunch. Fill phyllo tart shells (from your store's frozen foods section) with vanilla pudding and sliced bananas for dessert.
Grilled Swordfish with Fresh Tomato-Herb Salsa
A high-protein dish loaded with flavor. Purchased sorbet makes a nice dessert.
Chicken and Andouille Sausage Ragù
This hearty winter stew has rich, deep flavors that improve if the stew rests in the refrigerator overnight. what to drink: Rioja, Syrah, or any medium-bodied red wine with soft berry fruit and some spice.
Tomato Salad
(INSALATA DI POMODORI)
Climate and history have combined to make this region an important center for tomato cultivation. Plum tomatoes star in this straightforward side dish, which is a colorful accompaniment to the veal.
Spicy Lentil Stew
Dhall Curry
In this recipe, the legacy of Cape Town, South Africa's Indian immigrants is apparent.