Recipes with salt

Scallop or shrimp curry with apple, onion, cardamom, and a lime-finished cream sauce. The mild Anglo-Indian seafood curry that reads as comfort food more than fiery heat.

Pantry pasta puttanesca: quick tuna, anchovy, and olive pasta in low-fat tomato sauce. Low-fat, 20-minute weeknight dinner built entirely from pantry staples. Neapolitan attitude, no trip to the store.

Double-chocolate cheesecake with cooked chocolate pudding folded into the cream cheese filling, baked in a graham cracker crust, and topped with tangy sour cream. Creamy, dense, and deeply chocolatey from edge to center.

Baked oatmeal studded with dried fruit and baked in individual cups until just set. A make-ahead, kid-friendly breakfast topped with a fun fruit smiley-face the little ones love.

Pudina rice, a fragrant Indian one-pot mint pulao, with a fresh mint, coconut, ginger, and garlic paste, whole spices, and tomato simmered into the rice. A vibrant, herby vegetarian dish.

Asparagus ham rolls baked under homemade cheddar cheese sauce and golden breadcrumbs. Three asparagus spears per roll, covered in creamy bechamel.

Chinese-style wilted greens relish with spinach or garland chrysanthemum, sesame oil, and vinegar. A bright, cold side dish served at room temperature or chilled.

Vegetarian eggplant and mushroom stroganoff with balsamic-wine saute, garlic, cream of mushroom soup, and paprika. A meatless take on the Russian classic served over rice or fettuccine.

Rich baked chocolate pudding pie with 18 egg yolks, two types of chocolate, heavy cream, and dried currants. A custard-style filling baked in a water bath.

Mediterranean mushrooms simmered in a garlicky tomato and olive oil broth with lemon juice, bay leaf, and fresh parsley. A low-calorie vegetarian side dish or appetizer bursting with bright, clean flavors.

Rich fudge cake with unsweetened chocolate and brown sugar, topped with a thick milk chocolate and semisweet frosting. A serious chocolate lover's layer cake.

Mexican quiche baked in crispy tostada shells with Swiss cheese, crumbled bacon, green chiles, and a half-and-half custard. Mini quiches with a cayenne kick for an unusual brunch presentation.

Chocolate cheesecake with a chocolate wafer crust, melted sweet chocolate swirled into the cream cheese filling, and garnished with cookie crumbs and fresh mint.

Creamy carrot cheddar soup uses canned cream of cheddar, chicken broth, milk, and a quick roux for a 30-minute weeknight bowl. Sweet carrot, savory cheese, paprika, and Worcestershire give it depth.

Dry-fried shrimp with fresh ginger, garlic, scallions, and Chinese rice wine in a hot wok. A fast, saucy stir-fry that goes from raw to plate in under 5 minutes.

Easy salsa verde with canned tomatillos, fresh cilantro, serrano chiles, onion, and garlic. Seven ingredients, no cooking, ready in 20 minutes. Vegan, gluten-free, naturally low-calorie.