Skip to main content

5 Ingredients or Fewer

Cauliflower Puree

For a garnish, sauté a few sliced cauliflower florets in a bit of butter until tender and lightly golden.

Mexican-Style Corn

Set out the sour cream, cheese, and corn, and let each person fix his own.

Tuscan Kale with Caramelized Onions and Red-Wine Vinegar

Tuscan kale, also known as cavolo nero, dinosaur kale, and lacinato kale, is sweeter and more tender than regular kale, which can be used instead but may require more cooking time.

Haricots Verts with Mustard Vinaigrette

I like to serve these chilled haricots verts with lamb—their crunch and acidity cut the richness of the meat. Blanched haricots verts can be refrigerated, in a resealable plastic bag, up to 1 day. Refrigerate the vinaigrette separately, up to 1 day; bring to room temperature before serving.

Wilted Baby Spinach with Crispy Shallots

Baby spinach is easy to find—either loose at farmers’ markets or prewashed and bagged at supermarkets. If possible, get the curly-leaf (crinkled) type, as it doesn’t shrink as much during cooking as the flat-leaf variety does.

Tomatoes with Oregano and Lime

This recipe calls for lime juice—rather than lemon juice or vinegar—to brighten the sweet flavor of summer tomatoes. We used heirloom varieties for their exceptional taste and vivid colors, but you can use any kind or size—from the farmers’ market or your own backyard—as long as they are ripe.

Sautéed Peas and Scallions

Cooking peas only briefly—in a little bit of butter—lets them retain their flavor, color, and texture.

Braised Cabbage

Leeks should be cleaned thoroughly. After slicing, place the pieces in a large bowl of cold water. Let stand about 10 minutes, then remove them with a slotted spoon.

Provençal Roasted Tomatoes

These tomatoes hold up well for up to 2 days when stored in the refrigerator; serve as a sandwich filling or pasta topping.

Winter Greens and Bacon

Any combination of kale, chard, and mustard or collard greens works well.
83 of 500