Weeknight Meals

You can substitute flour tortillas for lavash.

Wasabi powder is fiery-hot, so adjust the proportion in the butter according to your heat tolerance. An Asian noodle salad from the deli, blanched sugar snap peas sprinkled with sesame seeds, and a bakery lime tart would be cooling additions to the menu.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

Provide knives so your guests can slice the sections into individual ribs. Have lots of damp paper towels on hand.

Petto di Pollo alla Valdostana con Lenticchie Brasate I sometimes suggest some side dishes to go along with main courses and let you make up your mind which you prefer to serve. I love this combination so much, though, that I'm including the side dish as part of the recipe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

If fresh figs aren't available, dried black Mission figs can be substituted here; look for ones that are soft and moist. What to drink: Crisp Pinot Grigio pairs nicely with the entire meal.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 40 min

Serve with: Grilled asparagus and pasta tossed with Parmesan and chopped mint.

To save even more time, buy the peppercorn medley packaged in a pepper grinder in the spice section of the supermarket. Serve with: Curried rice and sautéed snow peas.

A dollop of yogurt adds a creamy richness and cuts the heat of the chiles.

This pretty salad would be great alongside grilled sausages, chicken, or burgers.

You can grill the zucchini alongside the grilled charmoula lamb chops , then loosely cover it to keep it warm while the lamb is standing. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 30 min

You can grill any cooked sausage you like for this sandwich, but we recommend kielbasa or kosher salami (not dried beef). Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 30 min