Colu Henry
Food writer
Recipes

Baked Eggs With Beans and Greens
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Consider this a heartier version of the classic Italian dish “eggs in purgatory,” which works well for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It’s also very forgiving. If you’d rather keep this a vegetarian meal, skip the sausage. No chickpeas? No problem. Any white bean will work well in its place. Same with the greens. Use what you have (anything that wilts works). Sprinkling the dish with grated cheese before serving is not required, but it sure does taste good. Serve with thick slices of toasted sesame bread slathered with plenty of softened butter.

Baked Mushrooms and White Beans With Buttery Bread Crumbs
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Not really a ragout and not quite a gratin, this hearty meatless casserole has it all: deeply browned mushrooms, creamy white beans, salty feta and crisp bread crumbs. The result is rich, comforting and perfect for a cold night in. Fresh bread crumbs are worth making or seeking out for texture’s sake, but panko will also work nicely. Toss the bread crumbs with melted butter, then briefly broil them for a golden, crunchy topping, a nice contrast to the dish’s silkiness. Paired with a bright salad and a hunk of good bread, this dish works well as a vegetarian main course, or as a companion to sausages and other roasted meats.

Baked Ziti With Sausage Meatballs and Spinach
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Baked ziti is meant to feed a crowd, and this one surely does. “Cheater” meatballs made with uncased Italian sausage are strewn throughout the sauce for heft, and baby spinach lends a pop of color. Because ricotta has a tendency to dry out when baked, crème fraîche is added to ensure a more velvety texture, but sour cream thinned out with a little heavy cream works just as well. The whole dish can be assembled and baked ahead the day before. Bring it to room temperature before warming, then broil right before serving for crisp edges.

BLT Pasta
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
When another summer tomato sandwich just won’t do, try this BLT pasta instead. This clever twist on the classic sandwich substitutes spicy arugula for lettuce and in-season cherry tomatoes for heirlooms, which cook in bacon fat and produce a silky, smoky sauce. If baby arugula is out of reach, baby spinach, watercress or Swiss chard would work well in its place. Serve with a raw, shaved zucchini salad tossed with lemon juice, olive oil and mint.

Blue-Cheese Steak and Endive Salad for Two
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Why fuss with reservations when you can have your own bistro night at home? Hanger steaks are readily available, quick cooking and full of flavor. In this recipe, the steaks are seared, then slathered in blue cheese butter and served alongside an endive and radish salad dressed in a citrus vinaigrette, a perfect complement to the rich steak. This very special dinner comes together in about 30 minutes. If you'd like, toss baby potatoes with a little olive oil, salt and pepper and pop them into the oven to roast while you prepare the steak and salad.

Broccoli and Scallions With Thai-Style Vinaigrette
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Roasting gives broccoli an incredible texture and crunch, and it softens and sweetens the bite of the scallions. This is paired with a highly addictive vinaigrette that is a play on the classic Thai dipping sauce prik nam pla. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself with leftovers, spoon it over roast fish, chicken or even plain white rice.

Broccoli Toasts With Melty Provolone
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
A beautifully assembled toast can make a lovely light dinner. In this version, blanched broccoli is cooked in olive oil that's been infused with garlic and anchovies (always optional) until it’s very tender, then it’s piled onto toasted bread. Grated extra-sharp provolone, which is a nice complement to the mildly sweet broccoli, is sprinkled on top, then the toasts are broiled until the cheese is melted and golden brown. You can use cauliflower, broccoli rabe or thickly sliced sweet peppers in place of the broccoli, but be sure to cook your vegetables until they are velvety soft — it provides a nice contrast to the crunchy bread. While these toasts work well on their own, they make an equally good accompaniment to roast chicken or grilled fish.

Brothy Chicken Soup With Hominy and Poblano
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
This vibrant, hearty weeknight chicken soup is reminiscent of pozole, and achieved in record time. It starts with a base of onion and poblano pepper spiced with cumin, coriander and oregano. Broth is added, chicken thighs are simmered, then shredded, and cooked hominy is added for heft (though cooked rice would work equally well). The toppings stray from tradition: Crumbled tortilla chips provide crunch, as do snappy radishes; richness comes in the form of avocado or sour cream. Lay out bowls filled with various garnishes and let guests assemble as they like.

Brussels Sprouts With Walnuts and Pomegranate
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Roasting brussels sprouts brings out their nutty sweetness and keeps them crisp-crunchy around the edges. Tossing them with walnuts and tangy, jewel-like pomegranate seeds adds texture and brightness. It’s worth seeking out pomegranate molasses (widely available in most large grocery stores) to finish this dish. But if you can't find it, don’t let it stop you from make this celebration-worthy side.

Chicken Puttanesca
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Classic Italian puttanesca sauce is typically served over pasta, but it is paired with chicken in this comforting weeknight dish. Chicken thighs are browned, then set aside while you assemble a simple but bold tomato sauce made with briny capers and olives, salty anchovies and spicy red-pepper flakes. Serve the chicken over rice, orzo or egg noodles, with a hunk of bread to round out the meal.

Chicken Soup With Toasted Farro and Greens
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Somewhere between a soup and a stew, this comforting dish starts with chicken stock seasoned with leeks, carrots and celery. Garlic and fennel seeds are toasted along with the farro to add another layer of flavor. Boneless chicken thighs are cooked in the broth, then greens are tossed in just before serving. This soup is best served right away, as the farro will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, but leftovers can be reheated with some additional broth or water over low heat. Lemon zest lends a lovely lift, but a spoonful of chile oil would also be a lively addition.

Creamed Spinach Pasta
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
This pasta nods to everyone’s favorite steakhouse side, and it comes together in no time, making for a fine weeknight meal. One full pound of fresh spinach is cooked down in garlicky butter before cream is added, then simmered until thickened. The cooked pasta is added directly to the sauce, then tossed with ricotta cheese for even more richness. Fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta work best, but the creamy sauce will cling to any long noodles. Top with pine nuts, walnuts or hazelnuts for crunch, or leave the nuts out entirely. Serve as a side to grilled steak, chicken or fish, or serve it on its own, paired simply with a glass of bubbles.

Creamy Pasta With Bacon and Red Cabbage
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Smoky bacon and cabbage are a classic Eastern European combination, but tossing them with pasta and a bit of cream takes them in a heartier direction. Use a short, curvy shape, such as cavatappi or fusilli, that can catch the silky sauce in its crooks. Red cabbage is called for here, but regular green or Savoy cabbage would also work well. Top any leftovers with a fried egg and, of course, extra grated cheese.

Crunchy Chickpeas With Aleppo Pepper and Lemon Zest
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Zippy lemon zest and mildly spicy Aleppo pepper are tossed together with warm roasted chickpeas for a satisfying snack, which pairs well with everything from a gin and tonic to a cold beer. Tossing the dried, toasted beans in oil after they roast helps gives the pepper and lemon something to adhere to. If you’re not having cocktails, these can be used in a salad in place of croutons or anywhere you want some crunch. If you don't have Aleppo pepper, red-pepper flakes make a fine substitute.

Curried Red Lentil Soup With Toasted Coconut
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Fresh ginger along with plenty of earthy spices like turmeric and coriander add complexity to this otherwise unassuming lentil soup. The dish is perfect for a weeknight as the legumes here cook fairly quickly. Pairing the lentils with bold, warming spices gives them a big boost of flavor in a short amount of time. To make the soup feel extra special, toast coconut flakes for a crunchy topping, and put out bowls of roughly chopped cilantro, thinly sliced scallions and lime wedges, so guests can top their soup as they please. If you’re feeling ambitious, a topping of fried shallots seasoned with flaky salt would also be nice.

Easy Chicken Kapama
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
The traditional version of this Greek-inspired dish calls for a whole chicken to be broken down into parts, then braised in a fragrant, cinnamon-laced tomato sauce. This weeknight version instead calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are are much less work and less time-consuming to prepare. Like most braised dishes, this one tastes even better once the flavors have had a chance to mingle, so it’s an ideal make-ahead meal. Serve it over buttered egg noodles or orzo with a showering of grated Parmesan or Greek kefalotyri cheese.

Farro and Green Bean Salad With Walnuts and Dill
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Farro is a perfect vehicle to showcase summer produce. With its nutty flavor and toothsome texture, the whole grain is a great counterbalance to snappy, sweet green beans. The farro cooks while you prepare the rest of the salad, allowing for an easy-to-assemble meal. Dill and walnuts, a nod to Middle Eastern flavors, are used in the gremolata, but pistachios and mint or hazelnuts and parsley would also work. Feta cheese or ricotta salata tossed in at the end would also be a nice addition. This hearty salad works well on its own, but would also be a fine companion to grilled fish or any other protein. Add the acid just before serving; it makes every ingredient sing.

Indian-Spiced Eggs With Spinach and Turmeric Yogurt
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
In this quick meal, sautéed spinach flecked with ginger, chile and garam masala are paired with eggs and used to top toasted pitas spread with turmeric yogurt. The pitas were chosen for their uniform size, but naan or flatbread would work equally well; you want something sturdy to stand up to the moisture of the yogurt and spinach. An olive oil-fried egg tops this dish, but if you prefer poached have at it — that runny yolk is a key element.

Kimchi Noodle Soup With Wilted Greens
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Kimchi jigae, a classic Korean stew, is the inspiration for this spicy, comforting soup. Unlike many soups, this one doesn’t require a lengthy simmer on the stovetop to develop complex flavor, as its ingredients bring complexity: Soy sauce adds umami and kimchi provides pleasant funkiness. Should you want to add shrimp, toss them in with the greens in Step 4, as they only take a minute or so to cook through. While jjigae is traditionally served with white rice, here it is served with delightfully chewy Japanese udon noodles. Although garnishes are always optional, the suggested toppings really take it there, and you should.

Linguine With Clam Sauce
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Purists may object, but canned clams are a great weeknight pantry stalwart. When fresh ones are out of reach, or when you’ve decided you need a briny fix, the canned clam is reliable no matter the season. This recipe calls for dry vermouth, which adds a subtle herbaceous layer of flavor. (Vermouth has a long shelf life when stored properly, and it’s great to have on hand to make a last-minute pan sauce.) Canned clams are already salty, so be mindful of oversalting the pasta water or the sauce. The dish is finished with lemon zest for brightness and butter for silkiness. The best part? The whole thing can be on the table in the same amount of time it takes to boil water.

Linguine With Shrimp and Lemon-Pistachio Bread Crumbs
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Pangrattato, or bread crumbs in Italian, is the secret star of this dish. When mixed with sweet pistachios, bright lemon zest and fresh mint, it makes for a crunchy, flavorful topping that pairs well with garlicky shrimp and linguine. The citrus and herbs provide welcome complexity to an otherwise simple dish. Serve with a shaved vegetable salad of fennel, radishes and Parmesan.

Maple and Miso Sheet-Pan Salmon With Green Beans
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
For a weeknight salmon that’s impressive enough for entertaining, look no further. Salty miso paste and sweet maple syrup are the backbone of this simple, flavor-packed marinade, which is about as involved as this uncomplicated recipe gets. Here, the fish soaks up the sauce as the oven gets hot, and the snappy green beans roast in the same amount of time as the fillets. Start some rice when you walk in the door and you’ll have dinner on the table in under a half hour.

One-Pot Braised Chicken With Coconut Milk, Tomato and Ginger
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Bone-in chicken thighs are a favorite go-to for weeknight meals, as they cook relatively quickly, are versatile and impart a lot of flavor in a short amount of time. Here, they are browned, then braised in a fragrant tomato-coconut broth flecked with ginger, garlic, cumin and cinnamon. The result is a rich, stew-like dish, which works nicely served over white rice. By cooking the rice as the chicken finishes braising, you can get everything on the table at the same time. A good squeeze of lime is not required, but it does give the dish a bright finish. Serve any remaining sauce at the table, with crusty bread for sopping.

Pasta Alla Norma Sorta
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Say “ciao” to your new pasta alla Norma. This updated version of the Sicilian classic includes prosciutto, which is fried until golden. Its rendered fat is used to start the dish and provide a rich, nuanced flavor, and the cooked bits are used to finish it for a salty crunch. To save on time, the eggplant roasts while a quick sauce of cherry and canned tomatoes, shallots, garlic and chile comes together on the stovetop. Just before serving, the eggplant, pasta and mozzarella (in place of the traditional ricotta salata) are tossed together until melty and delicious. Some rules are worth breaking.

Pasta Alla Vodka
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
There’s no need to order takeout from your neighborhood restaurant when this beloved, easy-to-assemble Italian-American classic gets dinner on the table in no time. Adding pancetta brings a salty smokiness, but if you leave it out, you’re still in for a quick and flavorful dish. If you’re feeling ambitious, the pasta is delightful with Caesar salad or garlic bread, but it’s also satisfying enough to take centerstage. Put on some Puccini, open up a bottle of red and you’re guaranteed a more relaxed dining experience than the one you might get at the local red-and-white checkered-tablecloth joint.

Pasta e Ceci (Italian Pasta and Chickpea Stew)
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
There is an incredible number of recipes for this classic Roman dish, and everyone has an opinion on how it should be prepared. This version is more stew than soup, but it can be loosened up with a bit more water if you prefer. It begins with sautéing onion, tomatoes, garlic and rosemary in olive oil, then tossing in the chickpeas, and smashing a few to give the stew a creamy texture. Water is added, then uncooked pasta, which cooks as the stew simmers (and results in one less dish for you wash). Escarole is folded in right before serving. This flexible stew can go in a number of directions, so tweak it as you see fit, but don’t forget to finish each bowl with grated pecorino and a drizzle of olive oil. Ciao.

Pasta With Mushrooms, Fried Eggs and Herbs
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
This fall-inspired, earthy pasta uses a combination of mushrooms for depth of flavor and is topped with a runny egg, which silkens up the sauce. Supermarkets these days generally have a good selection of different varieties such as cremini and shiitake, but if your standard white-button mushroom is all that’s available, this dish will still be a winner. If you’re not feeling pasta, the mushrooms are equally good served on top of creamy polenta or on their own. Red wine not optional.

Pasta With Radicchio, Gorgonzola and Hazelnuts
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
This forgiving pasta makes for a hearty vegetarian dinner that arrives with salad in tow. The sweet, buttery crunch of hazelnuts and the salty, rich blue cheese balance the bitter crisp of the radicchio. If you don't have hazelnuts, any toasted nut like almonds or walnuts will do. If you’re not going meatless, crisp up a little pancetta before you add the radicchio or serve the pasta as a side to accompany roast chicken or pork.

Pasta With Roasted Broccoli, Almonds and Anchovies
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
This no-fuss weeknight pasta makes marvelous use of basic ingredients found in almost every kitchen — and calls for some smart multitasking: Get the broccoli roasting while the pasta cooks, then create an easy emulsified sauce using butter, anchovies, red-pepper flakes, lemon juice and a splash of pasta cooking water. A sprinkle of toasted almonds provides texture and crunch. This dish is endlessly adaptable: Go for cauliflower instead of the broccoli (or a combination of the two); use parmesan or any other hard cheese in place of pecorino; opt for walnuts or pistachios instead of the almonds — or bypass nuts altogether and use toasted panko or breadcrumbs. If you don’t have campanelle or fusilli, that’s fine too. Any pasta with plenty of nooks and crannies to capture the buttery sauce will do.

Pastitsio (Greek Baked Pasta With Cinnamon and Tomatoes)
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
This comforting Greek baked pasta, which bears a striking resemblance to lasagna, derives its name from the Italian word “pasticcio.” That translates to English as “a mess,” indicating the forgiving, flexible nature of the dish. Many traditional pastitsio recipes call for beef –– which you can certainly use here –– but we use ground lamb for a fresh take on a classic (and many cooks prefer a combination). Because kefalotyri cheese and the long tubular noodles traditionally used in pastitsio can't be found in most American supermarkets, we substituted Parmesan and ziti in their place, but by all means, if you can get your hands on the real things, use them. The noodles and spiced meat sauce are layered in a casserole dish then topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden. It’s project cooking that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night.

Roast Chicken With Maple Butter and Rosemary
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
This simple roast chicken combines the classic fall flavors of maple and rosemary with melted butter, which is basted over the bird as it cooks to keep it juicy. The butter browns slightly and helps caramelize the outside thanks to the sugars in the maple syrup. The result is a fragrant, sweet-and-salty chicken that makes the house smell great. There will be plenty of buttery pan juices left over, which you should most certainly pass around the table, but they would also be delicious spooned over rice pilaf.

Roasted Butternut Squash Bread Salad
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
This sheet-pan recipe is an easy way to get a hearty vegetarian meal on the table in under an hour. Inspired by panzanella, which traditionally provides new life for stale bread by tossing it with juicy tomatoes, this bread salad instead gets its moisture from an earthy tahini dressing. The creamy tahini is lightly sweetened with honey, which plays well with the buttery squash, while a flourish of fresh herbs adds a light, springy finish. This makes for a nice supper on its own, but it would also work well as a side to roasted chicken or fish.

Roasted Cauliflower With Feta, Almonds and Olives
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Roasted cauliflower is a pure delight, but tossing it with feta, toasted almonds and olives makes it even better. The additions come together while the cauliflower roasts, allowing you to assemble this side in no time. If almonds aren't available, walnuts or hazelnuts are good substitutions. This dish works well served warm, but it's equally good at room temperature if you want to make it ahead. Serve with grilled pork chops or pan-seared chicken thighs with lemon and herbs, or fold it into cooked grains, such farro or rice, for a hearty grain salad.

Roasted Tomato and White Bean Stew
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
This hearty, flexible stew comes together with pantry ingredients and delivers layers of flavors. Cherry tomatoes, roasted in a generous glug of olive oil to amplify their sweetness, lend a welcome brightness to this otherwise rich dish. Onion, garlic and red-pepper flakes form the backbone of this dish, to which white beans and broth are added, then simmered until thick. While this stew is lovely on its own, you could also add wilt-able greens such as kale, escarole or Swiss chard at the end, and toasted bread crumbs on top. The dish is vegan as written, but should you choose to top your bowl with a showering of grated pecorino or Parmesan, it would most likely work well in your favor.

Seared Scallop Pasta With Burst Tomatoes and Herbs
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Although usually designated as a “something special” ingredient, scallops make a perfect weeknight dinner because they cook in minutes. To get a good, crisp sear, be patient (it's hard for us, too) and let the pan get quite hot before adding the scallops. Once you do, leave them alone to ensure a deeply golden crust. Toss them with pasta and candy-colored cherry tomatoes that burst and get coaxed into a jammy sauce. Finish with a showering of fresh, tender herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

Seared Zucchini With Crispy Parmesan and Black Pepper
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
This summery side dish is inspired by the flavors of cacio e pepe, Rome’s beloved pasta dish. Zucchini or summer squash is seared in a very hot pan until golden, and while it cooks, coarsely ground black pepper is separately toasted and butter is added to brown. (Be sure to salt your zucchini just before you add it to the hot pan — not sooner — as they can release water and become mushy if salted and left to sit.) If you can, take the time to grate your own Parmesan for a lighter, almost pillowy-like consistency that melts into the butter and forms chewy-like nuggets of cheese. (This will not be a smooth, emulsified sauce.) Like many good summer dishes, this one is finished with torn basil. Serve with a side of grilled sausages or pearled couscous tossed with pesto. A tumbler of rosé would make this dinner worthy of eating outside on the back porch, dish in lap.

Sheet-Pan Harissa Salmon With Potatoes and Citrus
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
In this 30-minute recipe, harissa, ginger and orange are combined to create a vibrant, spicy marinade for rich salmon fillets. The potatoes and red onion get a jump-start roasting, while the fish takes a quick dip in the marinade. Then the salmon is added to the sheet pan so everything finishes cooking together. This meal looks impressive right on the pan, so serve it from there and cut down on cleanup. You’ve got better things to do.

Shrimp and White Beans With Fennel and Pancetta
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
This quick, one-pan meal relies heavily on pantry staples. Browning pancetta or bacon adds richness to the tomato sauce, but skip it if you like. Anise-flavored fennel and seeds are incorporated into the soffritto, which plays nicely with the sweetness of the shrimp and the creaminess of the beans. But if you don’t like them, leave them out. Serve the dish in deep bowls with thick slices of garlic-rubbed toast, finish the dish with a flurry of fresh herbs, and pair it with a glass of something red, light and bright.

Shrimp Linguine With Herbs, Corn and Arugula
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
The beauty of this pasta lies in its ease: Combine fresh, seasonal ingredients and let them shine. Here, shrimp is sautéed in butter until just cooked through, then set aside while the rest of the dish comes together. Peppery arugula, sweet corn and an abundance of fresh herbs round out this easy-to-assemble dinner, which is perfect after a long day at the beach or even just the office. Seared scallops would work well in place of shrimp, or you could try a combination of the two. Herbs, too, are up to you: Basil screams summer, but tarragon and Italian parsley would also be nice. White wine is used to make a light sauce for the pasta; you know what to do with any extra.

Skillet Chicken and Pearl Couscous With Moroccan Spices
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
This one-pan meal, which is inspired by the tagines of North Africa, is prepared in a deep skillet or Dutch oven instead of the traditional clay pot. Briefly marinate bone-in chicken thighs in lime juice, garlic, cumin and olive oil, then brown and set aside. (If you’re short on time, skip the marinade; simply add the ground cumin when you’re toasting the other spices in the chicken fat.) Stir in harissa, cinnamon and turmeric, toast until fragrant, then add quick-cooking pearl couscous and the chicken, so everything finishes cooking together. Top the finished dish with a fistful of roughly chopped tender herbs and lime zest for a jolt of brightness.

Skillet Chicken and Zucchini With Charred Scallion Salsa
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Baked chicken breasts have a reputation for being dry, but pan-searing bone-in, skin-on breasts before roasting them helps them render their fat. It also forms a protective coating, develops a crisp, deep-golden skin and adds an extra layer of flavor. In this one-pot recipe, zucchini is tossed with the rendered chicken fat, and everything cooks together in the oven. Swap in any seasonal, quick-roasting vegetable for the zucchini, like cherry tomatoes or asparagus, but don’t skip the charred scallion and jalapeño salsa. The zingy lime, grassy herbs and barely there brown sugar really make this dish sing. If cilantro isn’t your thing, basil makes a fine replacement, or try a combination of the two. Alongside? Steamed rice would be nice.

Soba Noodle and Steak Salad With Ginger-Lime Dressing
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Soba, which are buckwheat noodles common in Japanese cooking, work well for a weeknight meal: They take just a few minutes to cook and can be served warm or at room temperature (which means they make great leftovers). Hanger steak is quickly seared in a drizzle of oil, and once done, the bok choy is cooked in the residual fat left behind, leaving you with one less pan to wash. This flexible dish also works well with seared or grilled shrimp or chicken. Shredded cabbage or tender broccolini could also be swapped in for the bok choy. Soft herbs like basil or cilantro would also be nice. The only thing you need to round out this meal is wine, preferably chilled and pink.

Soy-Butter Basted Scallops With Wilted Greens and Sesame
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
This simple dish was inspired by a recipe for steamed scallop and butter rice found in “Donabe: Classic and Modern Japanese Clay Pot Cooking” (Ten Speed, 2015) by Naoko Takei Moore and Kyle Connaughton. Here, sweet sea scallops are seared in a hot pan and basted with melted butter and soy sauce to finish cooking. Tender greens are sautéed in garlic oil, then the scallops are placed on top and everything is drizzled with the remaining soy-butter and a bit of sesame oil. Finish the dish with a good squeeze of lime, thinly sliced scallions and a smattering of sesame seeds. It’s wonderful served over steamed white rice, so be sure to get that on the stove before you begin cooking the scallops, as the rest of the meal comes together in no time at all.

Spicy Shrimp With Blistered Cucumbers, Corn and Tomato
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
When warm weather arrives, the best recipes are the simple ones that allow seasonal produce to shine. In this recipe, shrimp gets a quick marinade in lime juice, ginger and garlic while the rest of the salad is assembled. Pan-searing cucumbers and corn deepens their flavor and adds a pleasant contrast to the fresh tomatoes. The Thai-style vinaigrette adds zingy brightness. Serve this salad over rice studded with mint and scallions, or as a side dish to grilled steak or pork. The shrimp and the dressing (minus the chives) can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a day or so in advance, just be sure to bring them to room temperature before tossing everything together.

Stuffed Mushrooms With Panko and Pecorino
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
These flavorful stuffed mushrooms come together quickly, which makes them great for entertaining. Crunchy panko bread crumbs, instead of the traditional sort, are combined with salty cheese, parsley and garlic, then spooned into mushroom caps and baked until crisp and golden. You can assemble them through Step 2 a few days in advance and pop them into the oven minutes before guests arrive. Pro tip: Don’t throw away the mushroom stems. Freeze them to add to your next pot of stock for unbeatable richness.

Three-Cheese Cauliflower Casserole
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
There's no shortage of richness in this casserole. Here, three types of cheese and heavy cream result in something luxurious and comforting, perfect for colder weather. Make sure to drain and dry the blanched cauliflower well, since excess water could break the creamy sauce and make it separate. Serve as a side with any braised or roasted meat or, for a vegetarian dinner, balance it with a salad tossed with a bright, lemony vinaigrette.

White Bean Caprese Salad
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
Beloved pantry white beans add substance to this take on caprese salad, which comes together in no time. It’s a perfect side for grilled chicken or fish, and can be easily doubled to work as a main course when it’s too hot to turn on the oven. If you’re so inclined, a handful of spicy arugula, thinly sliced roasted red peppers or ribbons of prosciutto — or all three — would also be nice additions. This dish is easily transportable and tastier when eaten while sitting in a lawn chair.

White Beans With Radishes, Miso and Greens
Colu Henry · NYT Cooking
In this 10-minute take on beans and greens, creamy white beans are sautéed in butter and garlic, then crunchy radishes and tender greens are stirred in at the end for texture and crunch. White miso, a fermented soybean paste that’s worth seeking out if it’s not already in your fridge, provides a complex, umami flavor that pairs well with the mild beans. Finish the dish with a good squeeze of lemon to add brightness and balance out the salty miso. Serve these beans on their own, or alongside grilled shrimp or salmon. Any leftover miso paste can be whisked into salad dressings and marinades, or used as a base for a quick weeknight soup.