Yasmin Fahr

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

Set in a shallow pool of briny, gingery oil, mild fish fillets cook effortlessly on a sheet pan, layered with bold lemon, olives and capers, similar to a deconstructed tapenade. The mixture is brightened even further with the addition of grated ginger, which provides a zingy contrast to the salty, meaty olives. (But this recipe is flexible: Sliced garlic or anchovies would also work nicely, taking a more savory turn.) Nestling the delicate fish in oil helps it stay moist in the oven, and creates a no-effort pan sauce that is best served with bread, to soak up every delicious drop.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

Embracing vibrant Moroccan ingredients like preserved lemon and cumin, this citrusy one-pot pork dish thrives by putting a bunch of delicious ingredients in a pot and letting the oven work its magic. First, the pork is covered so that it is infused with the flavors of the punchy preserved lemon, earthy cumin and warming ginger while cooking gently. Next, it’s uncovered, prompting the honey and soy sauce to caramelize in the open heat, lending color and a touch of sweetness. The acidity of the fresh lime and orange juice balance out that sweetness. While the creamy beans make it a meal in itself, you could serve it over a bed of fresh spinach for some extra greens.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

Here, an old-fashioned cooking technique transforms little more than Parmesan, potatoes and broccoli into a rustic soup, comforting in its simplicity and heartiness. Bite-size pieces of potatoes and broccoli are simmered in an aromatic broth until soft and mashable; a portion gets mashed into the broth — no blender required — while the remaining bites retain texture. Salty Parmesan is stirred in at the end, seasoning and thickening the soup, so be sure to season lightly throughout the cooking process. Have fun with the ingredients to vary the flavors: You can add any combination of garlic, scallions and ground cumin, or finish with lemon zest or juice plus a sprinkle of red-pepper flakes. Serve leftovers with a drizzle of oil and a touch more grated cheese.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

The ever-so-popular pair, broccoli and salmon, shine again in this warm salad that actually feels like a real meal. Both are seasoned with miso and soy then roasted until the broccoli is charred and the salmon just cooked through. The salmon is then flaked into bite-size pieces to top the salad, while the broccoli is mixed into soba noodles dressed in a miso-peanut sauce. There are ample variations to play with: You could grate ginger or garlic into the salmon marinade or dressing; roast scallions with the salmon or add them raw to the salad; or drizzle with some chile crisp or chile-garlic sauce for heat. Finishing with a sprinkle of sesame seeds would add extra color contrast and texture. This salad makes a lovely supper when fresh, but any leftovers are well suited to a packed lunch, as they’re equally delicious cold or at room temperature.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

Highly transportable and sunny, this no-cook salad is perfect for outdoor meals or potlucks — but it’s also evergreen enough to be a desk lunch any time of year. Stained and seasoned with curry powder, the chickpea salad’s bold flavor is brightened with fresh herbs, scallions and a splash of vinegar. Mashing a portion of the chickpeas offers a pleasant variance in texture and helps thicken the sauce; a little yogurt brings everything together. You can throw this salad together quickly for an impromptu meal, or even make it a whole day ahead, as it gets better with time. As it sits, the spinach softens and shrinks slightly; if you prefer a fresh, crunchy bite, then toss in the spinach at the last moment before serving.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

Inspired by the bright, refreshing flavors of ceviche, this recipe takes advantage of an abundance of winter citrus to season pan-cooked shrimp, cooking it until tender and warm rather than curing it simply using salt and acidity and without the application of heat, as classic ceviches do. Shallots and jalapeños quickly bathe in orange and lime juice to cut the rawness and heat of each. You can substitute chopped scallions for the shallots, and white fish or scallops are easy stand-ins for shrimp. Best enjoyed with rice and a simple lettuce salad with avocado and a mustard vinaigrette, this vibrant, colorful dish can brighten up even the dreariest of cold days.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

This chicken and potato dish is a low-effort, one-pot weeknight dinner inspired by the rich, warming aroma of Indian curries and the slow cooking style of Moroccan tagines. Like many tagines, this recipe calls for first simmering the chicken gently, covered, then cooks it further, uncovered, to reduce the liquid and concentrate its flavors. Though the meal takes time to cook, set a timer and it becomes a set-it-and-pretty-much-forget-it situation. Chicken parts are braised in coconut milk laced with cumin, turmeric and fresh ginger until tender and falling off the bone, making this dish a comforting, cozy meal for any time of year. Serve with rice or bread to soak up the flavorful liquid. You can mix baby spinach into leftovers the next day to keep it feeling new.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

If you're under the weather and need a hug in food form, fast — or just dinner for a weeknight — this cozy, warming one-pot soup is ideal. Creamy and satisfying from the coconut milk, it is full of bold ingredients like ginger, garlic and turmeric. It happens to be vegan, and flexible: The greens can be swapped with whatever you have on hand; rice noodles can jump in instead of white rice; tofu or red chiles fit right in. This soup thickens as it sits, so be sure to reheat it with a splash of water and stir in fresh greens, if you’ve got any to spare.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

Baked in the oven and sealed with a layer of tomato paste and yogurt, this chicken — your choice: breasts or thighs — stays juicy as it cooks on top of a bed of tomatoes. The tomatoes deflate and collapse, becoming a little saucy, as the panko and Parmesan layer on top of the chicken crisps and melts. To maximize this dish’s appeal to kids and crowds alike, it doesn’t have any heat, but red-pepper flakes would be a welcome addition, as would grated garlic or chopped basil. You can serve the chicken with rice or bread, to soak up the pan juices, or bring it as is to picnics and potlucks.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

With charred skin and crispy bits, this irresistible side dish embodies the beloved dichotomy of smashed potatoes or tostones — soft inside and crunchy outside — but with the natural sweetness of the sweet potato. The key is to cut the sweet potatoes at just the right thickness — about ½ inch — so they can spread out when smashed. The optional step of sprinkling a thin layer of cheese on top before the final broil gives each piece a slight salty finish, with additional texture: Any bits that fall onto the pan become crisp and frico-like. A tangy, lime-mustard-yogurt dip or drizzle would also be welcomed.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

A one-pot dish that guards all the delicious flavors it creates as it cooks — the crispy browned bits of seared chicken, simmering soft scallions and burst tomatoes — and transforms them into a sauce with the addition of white wine and mustard. The tomatoes pop and deflate as they soften, adding their juices to the liquid, which helps gently braise the chicken. Tip in pickled jalapeños and a bit of brine to add punch. Serve this with crusty bread or spoon it onto rice or polenta. A green salad or steamed broccoli complete the meal.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

Quietly dazzling, this salad is a dish you’ll turn to time and time again. It’s ideal for when you want something simple and hearty without being too filling. Made mostly of pantry ingredients, it has a punchy, acidic dressing that’s lightened up with fresh ingredients like fennel and parsley. While satisfying enough on its own, it works well with simple proteins like salmon, chicken or a jammy egg. Eat it for lunch during the week, and refresh leftovers by adding some baby spinach, fresh dill or more parsley.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

Inspired by bite-size steak tips — the highly snackable bar food that’s beloved in Boston and the greater New England area — these garlic butter steak bites follow a classic bistro flavor profile accented with a punch of soy sauce. They’re quick and clever: Cutting steak into small pieces creates more surface area to quickly soak up a marinade, and the morsels cook off in just minutes. Here, they are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce and olive oil, then finished in the pan with a swirl of butter, garlic and parsley. They are perfect for summer spreads alongside a hearty, lemony farro salad or a summery corn salad, plus some bread to swipe up the rich sauce. Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking, or small plates.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

A snappy skillet dish well-suited to warm weather eating and snacking, this garlic shrimp recipe is a sunny mashup of shrimp scampi and gambas al ajillo, leaning on the lighter side. A hefty dose of smoked paprika adds a spirited color and dynamic smoky flavor to both the garlicky shrimp and chickpeas. The canned chickpeas gain extra depth and texture from sizzling in the pan until crunchy, then simmering in white wine until tender. Use a wine that you’d like to sip alongside this dish, and serve with some crusty bread to wipe your bowl (and even the pan). If you’d like some greens to round out your spread, simple sautéed spinach with garlic would be a delightful addition.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

This stellar side of caramelized mushrooms and herbs will quietly dazzle on any table, with little effort. The mushrooms are cooked in a hot, dry pan to release their moisture and start caramelization, then butter and olive oil coat the mushrooms with a soft, silky sheen. The finishing touch of soy sauce amplifies the umami of the mushrooms, for an earthy, savory dish. Garnish with different herbs or cheese, depending on the meal being served. Sprinkling these on seared steak; toast slathered with a soft cheese; or mashed potatoes would be wise.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

Simple and impactful, this pantry marinade made from lemon, honey, tahini and olive oil gives chicken a subtle nutty flavor and imparts a gorgeous color — and caramelization — thanks to the honey’s sugar content. You can cook this chicken one of three ways: on the grill, in the oven or a skillet; all options lead to sensational results. Flavorful but versatile, this chicken pairs with almost anything. You could serve a refreshing green salad or grilled vegetables on the side, or tuck the chicken into a toasted pita with avocado, cucumbers and crumbled feta. Sprinkling sumac on the cooked chicken or adding it to the sauce will add extra depth and citrusy notes.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

This herby, feta-and-kale-filled breakfast sandwich is just the thing to make the next time you need to feed a crowd. Inspired by kuku sabzi and a frittata, this sheet-pan recipe takes a pile of kale, scallions, cilantro and parsley and binds them with just enough eggs to fuse them together. The feta melts in the spaces in between the greens, giving the dish a creamy texture and flavor. Stuffed in a pita (or wrapped in lavash) with tomatoes, more feta and a sprinkle of harissa, it is best served at room temperature. Make it the night before and you can use the oven to simply toast the pitas. Play with the toppings: Sprinkle sumac or za’atar on the yogurt or quick pickle onions or scallions.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

Golden slices of warm, honey-glazed halloumi crown this simple spinach-and-chickpea salad. Briny halloumi is balanced by a sweet honey glaze, and the crispy, crunchy exterior contrasts with the warm and melty center. Nutty notes swim throughout the dish, in both the sesame seeds and the lemon-tahini dressing that gets tossed with spinach, cherry tomatoes and canned chickpeas. Like most salads, this one invites creativity: Pickled red onions, sliced scallions (cooked in the pan with the halloumi or tossed in raw) or fresh mint or basil would all complement the flavors of the dish.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

These sweet and salty honey-garlic chicken breasts are perfect for when you want big flavor, but you’re short on time. To ensure golden-brown chicken breasts that stay plump and moist, start with a hot pan and pat the chicken dry to avoid adding extra moisture, then allow the chicken to sear properly. Once your chicken has taken on color, set it aside and create a simple pan sauce of honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and butter. When the sauce is glossy, return the chicken to the pan and turn it until coated in the satiny honey-garlic sauce. Serve with roasted potatoes, rice or bread to soak it all up.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

A colorful dish primed for spring, or whenever you crave the promise of the season: bright colors and flavors. Here, radishes roast to cut their bite, rendering them more like rose-colored potatoes that cook with peas and chicken, which is crisped to a golden hue. Vibrant preserved (or fresh) lemons are mixed into butter and tucked under the chicken skin so that the butter melts into the meat while the chopped lemon bits flavors it, lingering as bite-size treasures. As for variations, those are abundant: Season the chicken with cumin, add fresh or dried herbs to the butter, and use your preferred variety of skin-on chicken parts to please every guest.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

Alchemy is at play here with the delightful union of miso and sherry vinegar, both working to amplify mushroom’s savory, umami notes, and create a rich, layered pasta in just over 30 minutes. Sautéed leeks and mushrooms form the core flavors of the pasta, but it is the addition of miso that completes the dish: Whisked with the starchy pasta water and grated Parmesan, it forms a quick sauce to coat the noodles. A farro, spelt or whole-wheat pasta would nicely complement the earthy flavors of this dish.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

A delightful blend of bright, sunny colors and flavors shine in this summery salad. A lemony dressing coats the tender, slightly chewy, pearled couscous, which helps to cut the richness of the miso-butter mixture that coats the shrimp and charred corn. While this salad is best with fresh corn — at its sweetest scraped straight off the cob — frozen corn makes an excellent substitute any time of year, even though it won’t char quite as visibly. Serve at room temperature or warm for a picnic or outdoor dinner, pairing it with an herby green salad or grilled broccoli.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

This hearty vegan dish uses miso and soy to add a tremendous amount of depth and flavor to a relatively quick, one-pot mushroom barley soup. Quartering the mushrooms allows them to retain bite, but you can thinly slice them if you’d prefer everything to be soft and tender. Resist the urge to salt heavily during the bulk of the cooking, as the miso and soy — both sodium-heavy ingredients — will be added at the end to bring the soup together. This is a soup that will thicken, so add more water or broth when reheating. It’s as accommodating as it is comforting: You can empty your pantry or fridge by swapping the barley for farro and spinach for chopped bok choy or other greens.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

This one-pot chicken and lentils recipe takes a well-spiced blend of pantry staples plus a handful of fresh ingredients and simmers them together for a throw-in-the-pot meal that is both comforting and filling. It relies on bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, and the role of the skin is essential: First, it forms a protective shield when seared, preventing the chicken from drying out in the bubbling liquid as it simmers, and helps build flavor as its fat renders. (Thank the skin for its service and discard it before serving.) The finishing touch of lime adds a nearly imperceptible sour flavor, similar to some Persian stews, that rounds out the braising liquid, which is best enjoyed with bread or basmati rice.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

An upside down take on typical skillet meatballs, these juicy garlic-and-herb filled ones are smothered in greens rather than being cooked on top or alongside them, an ingenious trick to streamline efforts for weeknight cooks. The meatballs first brown in the pot for both color and flavor, then are covered with a mound of greens, which achieves two feats: It gently finishes cooking the meatballs while the chard and lemon slices steam and collapse on top, draping themselves over these hidden delights. Scoop them up with a soup ladle, spooning the lemony pan sauce over everything.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

In this layered spinach, salmon and rice dish, a bed of greens layered on simmering coconut rice acts as a steamer basket for the fish nestled on top, allowing it to cook gently. The rice starts cooking while easy-to-eat salmon pieces are coated with savory miso and colorful turmeric. A bit of lime balances the rich flavors. It’s a recipe to play with, depending on whim and what you’ve got on hand: Swap the spinach for chopped chard or kale; stir in preserved lemon for brightness or sliced ginger for a warming kick; or serve with fresh avocado or radish slices.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

Simplicity astonishes at first bite: Juicy meatballs simmer in a flame-red tomato sauce with an undercurrent of smoky depth and tender bites of orzo. Pimentón, or smoked paprika, a popular ingredient in Spanish cooking, leads the show. Fresh chorizo (or Italian sausage) is rolled into one-ingredient meatballs that finish cooking with the orzo. This recipe takes cues from a Catalan dish of fideos (thin short noodles) with clams in a tomato sauce, and, similarly, the orzo here is toasted to bump up the flavor and retain its bite. Top this with cheese, such as queso fresco, Mahón or Parmesan, to add another level of creaminess.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

This cheery, sheet pan chicken twist is inspired by patatas bravas. Here, mayonnaise and smoked paprika coat boneless chicken thighs, which cook on a layer of thinly sliced potatoes. They’re served with a paprika-tinted, lime-scented mayonnaise dip for a tangy, acidic touch — but you could also sprinkle the mixture with crumbly cheese like feta or queso fresco to try out other routes to richness. If you don’t think your knife skills are up to slicing the potatoes thinly, you can make fast work of the task with a mandolin, or cook thicker slices for 5 to 10 minutes first before layering the chicken on top.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

This colorful grain salad gains punchy acidity from pepperoncini and lightly pickled vegetables. While the nutty farro is cooking, the soaking begins: Scallions, radishes, cucumber, parsley and white beans are tossed in a sherry-Dijon dressing spiked with a spoonful of pepperoncini pickling liquid. The beans add a creamy texture to the dish in lieu of cheese, though a crumbled feta or torn mozzarella would work nicely. Swap these ingredients as the season changes, adding corn kernels or snap peas, or play with the herbs, mixing in cilantro or mint, too.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

This wintery twist on Caesar salad upholds the beloved creamy, crunchy and punchy characteristics while opting for a new set of greens — and a flavorful vegetarian alternative to anchovies. Tahini acts as both the thickening agent for the dressing, binding it together, and the flavor maker: Its sesame seed nuttiness and creamy texture balance the bitter undertones of the roasted brussels sprouts, which form the base of this salad. Quartering the sprouts decreases the cooking time and their size, so you can eat them by the forkful.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

Nature’s candy, plump and lush medjool dates add sweetness to this creamy and tangy weeknight pasta. Eggplant is roasted with cumin, oregano and crushed red pepper on a hot sheet pan, then tossed with the dates, using the residual heat to warm them so the flavors blend together. Mixed with cooked pasta, feta and bright mint, it’s a hearty yet light dish, perfect for summer nights. To streamline this dish, use the eggplant-cooking time to prep the finishing touches (the dates, cheese and mint). Bring any leftovers to room temperature, then refresh them with a drizzle of oil and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

An ideal salad for chillier nights, this hearty, dinner-friendly salad comes together in the time it takes for the spiced butternut squash to roast. To reduce prep work, the squash is simply halved then roasted, so you can easily scoop out pieces after cooking rather than chopping the firm vegetable beforehand. Cumin and coriander season the sweet squash, adding an earthy, warming flavor to the dish. While the squash roasts, you’ll prepare a simple feta-yogurt dressing that draws on the sweet acidity of freshly squeezed orange juice. The scooped squash and sweet, tender onions are tossed with the dressing and spinach, plus a sprinkle of crunchy sunflower seeds, for a bright and satisfying meal.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

The dressing in this 30-minute recipe is inspired by green goddess dressing and mast-o khiar, a Persian side dish of cucumbers and yogurt. Here, thick yogurt is combined with fresh herbs, tangy feta and crunchy Persian cucumbers. If you have trouble finding Persian cucumbers, they can be swapped for similarly sweet-skinned English cucumbers or peeled regular cucumbers. Flaking the salmon into the salad evenly distributes it and is a nice alternative to serving a fillet for dinner. Leftover salad can be enjoyed cold for lunch the next day, freshened up with a squeeze of lime juice and more fresh herbs.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

For nights when you need a sparkle of color, this dish is just that, in both appearance and taste. First, roast a side of salmon, rubbed with coriander and garlic, and topped with lime slices to infuse it with flavor. As it cooks, prepare this simple and bright avocado salad, spiked with lime juice, jalapeños and scallions, and tossed with gentle greens, to balance the richness of the salmon. Serve with lightly oiled pearled couscous or orzo, plain rice or cilantro rice, or crusty bread.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

Sweet, earthy and zingy, this sheet-pan meal uses a punchy yogurt marinade as its workhorse. First, the blend of yogurt, honey, cumin and pickled jalapeño brine coats the chicken to keep it tender and juicy in the oven. Later, a reserved portion of the marinade is drizzled over the finished dish, creating a tangy contrast to the sweet carrots. The honey helps the chicken caramelize in the oven, but you can pop it under the broiler for one or two minutes for more color or char, if desired. For a stronger kick, add chopped pickled jalapeños to the yogurt sauce. Serve with rice or bread.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

A mixture of chile crisp, soy sauce and honey coats salmon bites that roast alongside scallions and asparagus for a quick and colorful weeknight dinner. While the salmon doesn’t need to be cubed, it’s an easy and enjoyable way to eat it; the bite-size pieces can be served over rice, cooked grains or big salads. Much like a grain bowl component, this recipe is versatile, and works as an add-on or base. Finish it as you’d like: Try some gently torn fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, flaky sea salt, lime slices or an extra drizzle of chile crisp.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

Colorful and bright in both flavor and appearance, this dish is a splash of sunshine for dark winter days. The purpose of the citrus rounds is twofold: They infuse the salmon with flavor, and they keep the fish from sticking to the bottom. (And yes, you can eat the citrus flesh, too.) While rich salmon works with the creaminess of the beans and punchy citrus flavors, a flaky white fish such as hake, cod or halibut would succeed equally well. Adjust the cook time depending on the thickness of the fish. Serve with couscous or a citrusy green salad.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

Drawing on some of the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean, this recipe coats boneless chicken thighs in yogurt, lemon juice, oregano and garlic, then cooks them with some lemon slices to infuse them with bright flavor. Paired with juicy, charred tomatoes, silky red onion and an array of toppings, this sheet-pan feast is perfect for piling into a pita pocket. Adding some of the feta to the reserved yogurt dip is encouraged, as is serving this with thinly sliced cucumbers for a cooling, refreshing bite.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

This is a true oven-to-table sheet-pan dinner full of tender, crunchy brussels sprouts and crispy, lemony chicken. A simple lemon-and-herb compound butter seasons both the chicken and sprouts, which are then topped with thin lemon slices that become crunchy in the oven, offering a nice textural element and a bright splash of color and flavor. The key is to cut the lemon rounds almost paper-thin, so they can crisp up and lose their bitterness. This recipe is easily adjustable for a larger batch: Add 4 drumsticks (about 1 ½ pounds) to the chicken thighs, increase the butter by 1 tablespoon and adjust seasonings as needed.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

The star of this speedy supper is the golden-topped, lightly scorched feta that remains irresistibly spreadable and melty when sliced. Thanks to the direct heat of the broiler, charred and burst tomatoes add juiciness to the sheet pan, along with tender zucchini spears. You could also scatter some arugula or baby spinach over the ingredients, gently tossing to wilt, and eat this dish right out of the pan with some bread for a warm, late-summer salad. During other times of year, you could swap the zucchini for asparagus or broccolini.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

This refreshing, seemingly everyday green salad has a surprise at the bottom: A layer of creamy feta stirred into yogurt awaits, giving tangy richness by the forkful. Its base of greens, radishes and avocado is dressed with a simple lemon-Dijon vinaigrette, making this salad endlessly adaptable, depending on the season and your pantry. For crunch, you could add a handful of toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds or broken bits of toasted pita, inspired by fattoush. If in need of protein, some chickpeas or white beans will do the trick. You could even turn this into a more filling summertime snack or meal by layering the feta-yogurt sauce on top of crunchy store-bought tostadas and piling the salad on top.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

A simple yet surprising cast of ingredients creates a deeply flavorful one-pot meal made primarily from chicken thighs, white wine, ginger, apricot and spices. It’s reminiscent of long-simmered, well-spiced stewed dishes but comes together quickly. The earthy, warm spices contrast the sweetness of the silky red onions and apricots, which soften and plump in white wine, leaving a pool of flavorful liquid at the bottom of the skillet. Dried figs or prunes would be easy substitutes for the apricots. To take advantage of the fragrant pan sauce, serve with bread, lightly oiled orzo or rice.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

This sheet-pan recipe cooks chicken thighs much like roast chicken, setting the thighs in the center of a pan to cook slowly, seasoning the surrounding vegetables with their drippings as they turn golden. The chicken thus cooks in the oven, undisturbed — ideal for multitasking needs and tired nights — until the skin is impossibly crisp. It’s not necessary to push the vegetables around halfway, as the exposed parts might look crisped, but inside they are soft and full of delicious flavor as they cook in a light, mustard-flavored broth that ensures sauciness. Substitute other hearty vegetables like potatoes, brussels sprouts or mix and match with what you have lingering in the fridge.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

Seasoned with pickled jalapeño juice and honey, these juicy thighs have a tangy, spicy-sweet flavor profile that evokes Tex-Mex toppings and salty soy sauce chicken. In this mostly one-pot meal, broccoli florets steam in the heat of the skillet alongside the chicken, so be sure to cut the broccoli into bite-size pieces that will cook in the time it takes the chicken to finish. (Chopped asparagus would be an easy swap for the broccoli.) Though the dish is vibrant on its own, adding some minced garlic or ginger to the honey mixture and finishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten it even further.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

A back-pocket recipe for tired weeknights when you don’t want to cut an onion or mince garlic, this one-pot pasta is coated in a flavorful sauce thanks to a simple base of olive oil, tomato paste, fiery Calabrian chile paste and pasta water. Crushed Calabrian chiles blended with oil, salt and sometimes vinegar comprise this Italian chile paste that offers both heat and flavor, though a chile-garlic paste or hot pickled chiles can be used if you have trouble finding it. (Err on the side of caution with the chile, as you can always top your bowl with more.) Serve the arugula two ways: Add a tangle of it to the bottom of each serving bowl and toss it with the hot pasta to soften and cut the rawness, or pile it on top, drizzle with your nice olive oil and some grated cheese for a salad and pasta combination.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

This shockingly simple dish achieves success thanks to a small yet mighty powerhouse: Salty, umami-rich anchovies melt into the cooking oil, giving the dish subtle complexity and oomph. This pasta uses only a few ingredients and just one pot, and the method is smart and streamlined: As you boil your pasta, you set your spinach in a colander then drain the cooked pasta directly on top. You’ll dissolve the anchovies in olive oil in the empty pot, then return the cooked pasta and wilted spinach to the pot, along with cheese and red-pepper flakes, stirring to form a glossy sauce that is aided by the moisture released by the spinach. A great back-pocket recipe for nights when prep work seems impossible, this recipe is a satisfying meal all on its own, but feel free to stir in some white beans if you’d like to bulk it up.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

Simple, no-cook dishes are ideal for hot summer days when you want something filling but not too heavy. Inspired by both a Greek salad and one typical throughout Spain, with tomatoes, tuna and onions, this salad hits all the marks: Tangy and creamy from a touch of feta, acidic and refreshing from the tomatoes, with a bite from the onions and added brine from the olives. The tinned fish you use, be it tuna, salmon, trout or sardines, can be swapped, depending on your pantry and preferences. Play with the olives, too: Ones soaking in a spicy brine add a kick, while lemon-garlic ones add brightness. Serve with bread or potato chips.

Yasmin Fahr · NYT Cooking

A study in contrasts, this textured salad tops mild, gentle zucchini with a bold, invigorating mix of fried capers and toasted bread crumbs. First, you’ll soak diced zucchini in a tangy lemon-mustard dressing. While the zucchini soaks up flavor, you prepare the toppings, sautéeing capers, garlic and bread crumbs until crispy and crunchy. A dusting of Parmesan completes the dish. Serve this zucchini salad one of two ways: You can mix it all together after layering, so that the bread crumbs soak up the dressing, or divide among plates, drizzling any remaining dressing in the bottom of the bowl over everything.