Cilantro

These powerfully seasoned chicken breasts grill up smoky and moist. Serve with minted iced tea and Asian beers. For dessert, offer mango sorbet with pineapple.

One extremely popular fish in Bombay, India's financial center, is pomfret, found in most coastal areas of the country. In one of my favorite pomfret preparations, called patrani macchi, the fish is stuffed with an herb paste and steamed in a banana leaf—which lends a unique fragrance and makes an attractive presentation at table (but should not be eaten). As pomfret is difficult to find in most parts of the United States, we suggest salmon, which is equally delicious.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A low-fat version of the Mexican soup.

(Cold Avocado Soup)

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. We serve this salad with slices of bread or crackers.

A quick appetizer or light main course.

This stuffed potato is practically a meal in itself; just add a salad, and you're all set.

Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 25 hr

Quinoa, an ancient grain eaten by the Incas, is naturally coated with a bitter-tasting substance called saponin. But once the residue is rinsed away, you have a versatile, nutty-tasting grain that makes a fine alternative to rice and barley. For convenience, grill the bell peppers in this dish at the same time as the vegetables and beef for the main-course kebabs.

Instead of burger buns, we like to serve the lamb with lentil and rice salad and fresh greens. Of course, the burgers are equally delicious the traditional way. Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 25 min

A one-dish meal with all the earthy flavors of the Southwest.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.