Recipe Sifter

Chili-crusted flank steak fajitas grilled with marinated tri-color bell peppers, onions, and Roma tomatoes. A bright, lime-kissed Tex-Mex plate wrapped in warm flour tortillas.

Chilled cantaloupe soup pureed with cinnamon, orange juice and lime, served ice-cold in frosted bowls with fresh mint. A no-cook summer starter that takes 15 minutes plus a chill in the fridge.

Vodka can be made from a variety of grains. Barley and wheat are the most common but corn and rye can be used as well. It can also be made from potatoes and beets. Grain vodkas are generally considered to be the best.

Fresh cranberry salsa with jalapenos, mint, lime juice, and ginger. A tart, spicy no-cook condiment that needs 24 hours to chill and keeps for up to 4 days.

Fresh corn and papaya salsa with Roma tomatoes, red onion, lime zest, and cilantro. A tropical no-cook salsa with sweet fruit and bright citrus that pairs with grilled fish or chips.

Fresh tomato salsa is the no-cook classic Mexican pico de gallo with chopped tomatoes, scallions, green pepper, jalapeño, garlic, lime, and cilantro. Bright, fresh, ready in 30 minutes.

Garbanzo bean salsa blended smooth with fresh cilantro, yogurt, green onions, and lime juice. A creamy, protein-rich dip that works as a hummus alternative in 15 minutes.

Herb-roasted beef tenderloin with rosemary, garlic, cumin, and oregano. Roasted high and fast at 400F (200C), then paired with a bright roasted red pepper and papaya relish.

Hot and sour fish soup poaches cod in lemongrass broth with lime juice, serrano chile, fish sauce, ginger, and cilantro. Vietnamese-style canh chua, served over jasmine rice.

Fresh Indian salsa with tomatillos, tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, onion, and lime juice. A bright, tangy no-cook salsa that blends Mexican and Indian flavor profiles.

Indian-style lemonade sweetened with maple syrup and spiked with fresh ginger and a pinch of cayenne. A no-cook spiced citrus drink made with both lemon and lime juice.

La sabana: a Mexican restaurant classic of paper-thin beef filet pounded to the size of a plate, flash-seared with lime, and served with refried beans and salsa. Four seconds on the griddle, no more.

Broiled lime shrimp with cilantro, jalapeño, and a zippy lime-garlic dressing. Served cool over cucumber slices for a bright low-fat appetizer or light lunch.

Mahogany chicken wings lacquered with hoisin, plum sauce, and soy until glossy dark brown, paired with bright Thai-style green papaya salad. Bold sweet-salty-tangy contrast for a party platter.

Use as a dip or topping for grilled chicken, seafood, etc., inspired by Diana Rattray

Orange appetizers layered with thin red onion, parsley, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. A fresh, no-cook Moroccan-inspired citrus salad starter.