Weeknight Meals

The chicken cooks quickly. Check often so that it doesn't overcook

Start with a large platter.

Skirt steak, which is full of flavor and holds marinades well, is the essential beef cut for fajitas.

This old-fashioned winter dish is the soup equivalent of a hot toddy. Use a wide pot so the dumplings don't stick together.

Though traditionalists may insist that making cassoulet is an all-day affair, this hearty version-cooked with country-style spareribs, the meaty ones located closest to the pork shoulder-can be made in under 3 hours.

Simple to make and packed with omega-3s, this soup can be an easy weeknight supper or a sophisticated starter at a dinner party. Serve it with oyster crackers for the kids.

Crispy calcium bites by Janine Doran, chef at Cafe Flora in Seattle.

Kristine Subido, chef at Wave in Chicago, makes you forget about pasta.

A fiber-filled belly warmer from Brian Scheehser, chef at Trellis in Kirkland, Washington.

This spicy soup from Shawn McClain, chef at Green Zebra in Chicago, is rich in immunity-enhancing vitamin A.

To keep this dish colorful, be sure to layer the red tomatoes inside the yellow peppers and the yellow tomatoes inside the red peppers.

Toss with the vinaigrette while rice is warm, so it absorbs the flavors.

You can slice and dice the ingredients for these no-cook pizzas in advance, but serve them right after assembly so the flatbreads don't get soggy.

Eat this hearty chili as is or over rice.

To dress this salad, choose your favorite red-wine or lemon vinaigrette.

Cooking the curry powder with the vegetables mellows its flavor.

A diced confetti-style hash is a great way to use leftover meat and vegetables.

Be sure to cook the beef just to rare or medium-rare. This way, the meat won't overcook or dry out when you use the leftovers in the other recipes.

Not your typical chicken pot pie. Cumin, cinnamon, and paprika add an aromatic spiciness, which is balanced by briny green olives and sweet golden raisins.

An intriguing, rich, and spicy soup with West African roots.