Stir-Fried Asparagus MAKES: 4 servings TIME: 20 minutes Among the simplest and most straightforward of stir-fries and one of the best made with only one vegetable. 11/2 to 2 pounds asparagus, trimmed and peeled, then cut into 2-inch lengths 2 tablespoons peanut or...
Steamed Artichokes MAKES: 4 servings TIME: 45 minutes The best way to cook artichokes simply is to steam them, because you don't have to wait for a big pot of water to boil and, more important, they don't become soggy. Just make sure the pot doesn't boil dry. Serve...
Spiced Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts MAKES: 4 servings TIME: 10 minutes One of the quickest things you can get on the table and endlessly versatile too. Serve it with Steamed Sticky Rice or crisp outer leaves of romaine or iceberg lettuce for wrapping the beans into crunchy...
Sauted Brussels Sprouts with Hazelnuts MAKES: 4 servings TIME: 30 minutes These are lovely with mint or dill, but parsley does fine. Use the oil and this is vegan. Other vegetables you can use: cabbage (shredded), snow peas, snap peas, green or wax beans, iceberg...
Roasted or Grilled Asparagus MAKES: 4 servings TIME: 30 minutes Asparagus are terrific when blasted with high heat; if you haven't had them browned, you're in for a new treat. If you have a grill going, you should really try grilling them; thick spears, especially,...
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic MAKES: 4 servings TIME: 45 minutes Brussels sprouts must be cooked thoroughly, but not until they're mushy; they're best when the insides are tender but not soft. And they're ideal, I think, when the exterior is crisp. This...
Red Cabbage with Apples MAKES: 4 servings TIME: About 45 minutes A pretty sweet-and-sour dish, best served alongside a rich stew like Flageolets, French Style, or Kasha with Golden Brown Onions. You can use butter instead of oil if you prefer, but then it won’t be...
Quick-Glazed Carrots MAKES: 4 servings TIME: 30 minutes One of the most useful recipes ever and, sadly, one that is often overlooked. Carrots cooked this way are terrific hot, warm, or at room temperature (use oil instead of butter if you plan to serve them less than...
Quick-Cooked Bok Choy MAKES: 4 servings TIME: 30 minutes Bok choy is, dare I say it, unique. Not the greens; they’re about the same as those of many other cabbages. But its fat, thick stems become creamy and tender during cooking in a way that you cannot duplicate...
Quick-Braised Burdock and Carrots Kinpira Gobo MAKES: 4 servings TIME: 15 minutes If you've never tried burdock, this traditional Japanese dish is a nice introduction. The textures and colors are great. Serve with plain white or brown rice or, for a less authent...
