Watercress

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A Dijon mustard vinaigrette brings all the flavors together. If you can't find basmati rice, white long-grain rice is fine.

This three-in-one dish (chicken, rice, and soup) originated in Hainan, a tropical island off China's southern coast, and has become a culinary staple in Malaysian culture.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This soup is also wonderful hot.

This midsummer fare is adapted from a dish I enjoyed at 192, our favorite wine-bar-restaurant in London's Kensington: its inspiration is, I am sure, from Spain. You can buy a whole chunk of chorizo sausage — or a string of smaller ones — to slice yourself. Most good gourmet stores stock chorizo (mild or spicy), and many supermarkets do, too.

Here's a tangy dressing that is great on sliced tomatoes, mixed greens, hard-boiled eggs, or cold steamed potatoes.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

The contrasting colors of these two beets are especially attractive in this dish but you may substitute any others.

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

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.