Vegan

"I'm from India," writes Hema Kundargi of Cupertino, California, "and I enjoy the foods of my homeland. My children are the opposite — they like 'American' food. But I haven't given up trying to make Indian meals that the whole family will like. This recipe pleases everyone."

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 1 hr

For years I carted cases of this citrus-flavored Cuban marinade back from Miami, til we started making it in the restaurant. The real thing is all tarted up with the juice of bitter oranges — nearly impossible to find. So we add a touch of lime juice to freshly squeezed orange juice to give it the right kick. It's one of the most versatile pantry ingredients you can make. Use it as a marinade for pork and chicken, pour it over cooked veggies or potatoes, or toss it with salad greens.

Frijoles Negros Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 2 hr

Two favorite fall fruits turn up in an interesting, herb-scented side dish.

"This is a recipe I created on a snowy night when my family needed a little warming up," writes Rebecca Averill of Beverly, Massachusetts. "I combined the spices of India with the flavors of the Southwest, and added bulgur to give the chili a meaty texture. "

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 hr

This recipe is an accompaniment for Shrimp with Orange Dust . Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 45 min

This is our salsa closest to the classic home-style Mexican salsa de molcajete that's made from roasted garlic and chiles pounded in a lava-rock mortar (molcajete) with roasted tomatoes. Even though we've updated the equipment for the modern American kitchen, that perfect blend of sweetness (roasted garlic and tomatoes) and raciness (roasted jalapeños) is what you'll spoon out. The final addition of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of vinegar focuses the whole experience: This is just what most Americans wish they were getting when they open a jar with that ubiquitous "salsa" label. Made with plum tomatoes, your salsa will have a more homogenous texture — just right for using the salsa as an ingredient in other dishes. Because round tomatoes give a looser texture, choose them when you want a condiment to set on the table.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 45 min

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

This is used in four of the dishes in the menu; the recipe makes enough for them all.

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

A complete vegetarian main course, with fresh herbs and Moroccan accents.