Weeknight Meals

There's no one way to serve latkes. Some people like them as a first course or as an hors d'oeuvre, while others make them as a side dish. We think this Hanukkah specialty is so delicious, we'd gladly serve latkes as a main course. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 35 min

This tart is so deliciously rich, it can stand alone as a luncheon main course. A crisp green salad and a glass of nicely chilled white wine would complete a most satisfactory meal.

This recipe is a wonderful way to prepare tofu as a main course; all it needs is a side of rice.

Browned butter is butter cooked to a browner, nutty-tasting stage. It adds lots of flavor to the steamed squash.

Cilantro and lime lend a bit of Mexican flair to this sandwich.

These vegetables would complement not only lamb chops but roast chicken as well.

The halibut is delicious with sautéed green beans and steamed new potatoes. End with espresso granita or ice cream with grappa.

Fennel seeds, balsamic vinegar, roasted peppers, and caramelized onions really rev up this easy side dish.

Joe's Special This meal was supposedly concocted as late-night fuel for 1920s musicians, at a spot called New Joe's, on Columbus St.

Serve steamed rice mixed with fresh cilantro alongside this spicy Chinese-inspired dish.

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 45 min

Big chunks of portobello and shiitake mushrooms make for a hearty soup.

A gratin is the golden, epicurean crust that forms on the surface of savory baked or broiled dishes. Pungent Gruyère makes a genial topping that acts as a protective layer, preventing the potatoes from drying out.

Active time: 50 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

For a light meal, all you need is some crusty French bread and a garden salad to go with this comforting soup.