Recipes with olive oil

Italian braised lamb and potatoes with pecorino cheese, red capsicum, and garlic simmered in stock until fork-tender. A make-ahead casserole that tastes even better the next day.

The victual of choice to be served with vodka is of course caviar but other kinds of seafood and various salty morsels are also good choices.

Stuffed pitta breads loaded with spice-rubbed roasted lamb, herbed couscous, griddled eggplant, and black olives in a balsamic-ginger dressing. A make-ahead meal that starts with an overnight marinade.

Stuffed pitta breads loaded with spice-rubbed roasted lamb, herbed couscous, griddled eggplant, and black olives in a balsamic-ginger dressing. A make-ahead meal that starts with an overnight marinade.

Stuffed pitta breads loaded with spice-rubbed roasted lamb, herbed couscous, griddled eggplant, and black olives in a balsamic-ginger dressing. A make-ahead meal that starts with an overnight marinade.

Kakavia is the Greek fisherman's soup built from homemade fish stock, whole fish pieces, lobster tails, and shrimp simmered with tomatoes, leeks, and potatoes. A traditional seafood soup served with crusty bread and lemon wedges.

Paprika-rubbed chicken breasts chargrilled until smoky, sliced over fluffy couscous tossed with toasted pine nuts, dried apricots, and fresh coriander. A vibrant 40-minute dinner with North African flair.

Egyptian koushari layers brown lentils, elbow macaroni, and fried rice tossed with tomato puree and crispy ta'leya onions. Egypt's beloved street food, vegetarian and filling.

Egyptian koushari layers brown lentils, elbow macaroni, and fried rice tossed with tomato puree and crispy ta'leya onions. Egypt's beloved street food, vegetarian and filling.

Vegetarian penne pasta with fresh Roma tomato sauce, broccoli, zucchini, sugar snap peas, carrots, and Parmesan. A colorful one-pot weeknight dinner.

Rainbow Raditore with Chicken, Broccoli, Red Peppers recipe

Broiled chicken breasts stuffed with red bell pepper, Parmesan, and pine nuts, served with a fresh mango-papaya-coconut salsa spiked with ginger, lime, and jalapeno. A 45-minute dinner that's equal parts elegant and easy.

A rich beef and pork lasagna with a slow-braised ragu, a roasted butternut squash layer, and a quick creme fraiche white sauce instead of bechamel. A layered, deeply savory take on the classic.

Moussaka soup with browned eggplant, cubed lamb, tomatoes, and peas in a rich lamb stock with oregano. All the flavors of Greek moussaka in a quick 30-minute bowl.

Vegan spinach lasagna layers tender noodles with steamed spinach, broccoli and mushrooms, all bound in a creamy tofu cheese sauce. No dairy, no eggs, just a hearty veggie-packed dairy-free lasagna.

Indian-spiced lentils with wilted spinach, plum tomatoes, and a fragrant blend of curry, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Vegetarian, high in fiber, and on the table in 45 minutes. Serve over rice.