Cilantro

You might have to grill these in batches.

For best results, make this stuffing with day-old Buttermilk Corn Bread.

This is a simplified version of Havana Harry's recipe; at the restaurant, they deep-fry the pork after braising it.

"Whenever I visit my family in the Chicago area, my sister and I make a point of having lunch at Fresh Starts Restaurant in Flossmoor," says Carol De Biase-Ruffe of Arvada, Colorado. "They serve delicious, healthful food — and we're never disappointed. The last time we went there, I ordered a fish entrée topped with tomato salsa." The restaurant uses tilapia for this dish; we substituted the easier-to-find orange roughy.

Serve with: Shredded lettuce and radishes tossed with lemon vinaigrette, and Spanish rice. Dessert: Lime sherbet.

This slightly spicy side dish is excellent with grilled meat or chicken.

This homey soup was inspired by a recipe from Maria, the nanny for Patrick's family. She served warm corn tortillas alongside.

In Cuba, this versatile side dish is known as congrí. Louisiana has its own version of red beans and rice, of course, but in that one you won't find the oregano, cumin or cilantro.

Serve with: Yellow rice pilaf mixed with baby peas, and buttered steamed spinach.

If you can't find Thai anise basil and Thai lemon basil, you can substitute Italian basil and lemon balm (the latter is available at farmers markets and specialty produce stores).

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 45 min

This recipe makes plenty of extra salsa to serve on tacos or with chips.