Lentil

This bistro classic is enriched by rounds of smoky, spicy sausage. All you need is a leafy salad and a glass of red wine. The French green lentils that we prefer are prized for their finesse; they also hold their shape better than some other varieties and are less starchy.

Masala Dosas
With its fermented dough whirled into a crêpe-like exterior and its rich filling of curried potato, this classic Indian dish achieves a unique balance. The urad dal, black mustard seeds, and curry leaves are available at kalustyans.com.

Liz and Kurt Gruber of Bellevue, Washington, write: "We really enjoyed the mulligatawny soup we had at Shamiana in nearby Kirkland. Could you get the recipe?"

Healthy bonus: Fiber and protein from lentils; vitamin A from carrots

The cooking time of lentils varies — the fresher they are, the faster they will cook.

Top with pan juices from the Chicken with Olives, Caramelized Onions, and Sage .

Santo Stefano di Sessanio produces some of the best lentils in Abruzzo. Small French lentils make a good substitute.

Hearty lentils and a creamy cauliflower puree make this a particularly satisfying fish dish. Curry powder is an exotic surprise in the lentils.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Dhall Curry In this recipe, the legacy of Cape Town, South Africa's Indian immigrants is apparent.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A blend of cumin, chili powder, and cinnamon gives this dish its Moroccan flair.