30 Minutes or Less

If you can’t find lemon thyme, use small, fresh basil leaves instead.

The thick consistency of Greek yogurt is ideal for this spread. If your grocer doesn’t sell it, use another whole-milk yogurt, and drain it for 30 minutes in a fine sieve set over a bowl. You can make the spread one day ahead and refrigerate it (cover with plastic wrap); wait until just before serving to stir in the parsley and radishes.

You can use store-bought mayonnaise, if you like; skip step 1.

You can make the goat cheese filling one day ahead and refrigerate it. These hors d’oeuvres can be assembled several hours before serving. Loosely cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Select plantains that are firm and green.

An old-fashioned cast-iron skillet with shallow round indentations is ideal for making uniform corn cakes. Since these pans can be rather hard to find, you can use a regular cast-iron skillet and achieve equally lovely results. Pepper jelly adds a bit of sweetness and subtle heat. Look for it at farmer’s markets and in gourmet shops.

Allow this robust dip to mellow overnight in the refrigerator. Before serving, bring it to room temperature, or reheat it gently in a saucepan.

Cut the avocados just before serving to keep them from discoloring.

Add a touch of Provence by applying a rub of thyme, marjoram, rosemary, and sage to sirloin steak.

Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture that’s perfect for this classic meat-lovers’ dish.

Serve this Asian-inspired dish with a colorful fruit salad and soba noodles.

Simmer spring vegetables and chunks of chicken in a rich tomato sauce to serve over whole-grain fettuccine. Round out the meal with a seasonal fresh fruit salad.

Give leftover beef (or pork) a well-balanced makeover by adding bell pepper, broccoli, and whole-grain pasta. The result is an easy one-skillet meal.

Lots of fresh seasonings make this stovetop entrée sparkle. Try it with steamed brown rice and Greens with Tomatoes and Parmesan (page 245) on the side.

An Old World comfort dish without the work, these pork chops pair nicely with whole-grain noodles and steamed brussels sprouts.

Richly colored with paprika, this traditional Hungarian entrée is full bodied and satisfying. It goes well with Balsamic-Marinated Vegetables (page 78).

Enjoy a delicious island meal by making your own fragrant jerk seasoning to flavor grilled or broiled pork chops.