Weeknight Meals

Hearty lentils and a creamy cauliflower puree make this a particularly satisfying fish dish. Curry powder is an exotic surprise in the lentils.

To pit an olive quickly, use the side of a large knife to crush the fruit, then pop out the pit. Serve with: Linguine tossed with olive oil and parsley and twirled into nests, roasted artichokes, and a crusty baguette.

This main-course soup showcases some of summer's best flavors. Serve with: Flaky biscuits, and a baby spinach salad with roasted red peppers.

Raymond Williams of Minneapolis, Minnesota, writes: "Every November, my wife and I drive to our winter home in Scottsdale, Arizona. We always look forward to warming up in the desert sun and eating at our favorite restaurant in town, Zinc Bistro. Last winter we had an outstanding artichoke and celery root salad there."

This recipe is an accompaniment for <epi:recipelink id="230635">Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce, Creamed Spinach, and Truffled French Fries</epi:recipelink>. You'll need a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Peach Barbecue sauce . This side is also great with barbecued ribs or chicken.

Willow Cheng of Santa Monica, California, writes: "I just got a big promotion and my husband wanted to take me out to dinner to celebrate. We had both heard great things about A.O.C., so we decided to check it out. The food didn't disappoint — especially the outstanding curried cauliflower."

Serve with: Sesame breadsticks, and arugula tossed in balsamic vinaigrette.

"On my days off from the restaurant, I cook for my wife at home. We tend to eat light, and I cook with foods that are in season since I've never been one for complicated dishes. It's just not my style. I'd rather have sliced tomatoes with a good olive oil or pasta with vegetables than something fussy." Broccoli rabe is also called rapini.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Pork Tenderloin with Cider Jus .

This elegant dish is perfect for weeknight entertaining. There are many different kinds of herbed white wine vinegars; choose your favorite. Serve with: Green beans sautéed with mushrooms, and mashed potatoes with chives.

These healthy sandwiches get a kick from the curry powder. Serve with: Potato chips, red grapes, and a rice wine-marinated cucumber salad.

Star anise, cinnamon, and apple cider give this dish the flavors of fall. Add some wilted greens and a nice Zinfandel, and you've got a sophisticated dinner party.

Serve with: Tabbouleh (bulgur salad), and green beans sautéed with almonds.

Serve with: Orzo tossed with butter and sliced green onion, and sliced roasted beets.

Serve with: Texmati rice pilaf tossed with toasted pecans, and broccoli florets sautéed with sliced garlic.