Recipe Sifter

Pureed black bean soup brightened with fresh orange zest and cilantro. Vegan, gluten-free, and high-fibre, with a separate-puree technique that gives velvety texture without losing bean character.

General Chua's chicken with oil-blanched pieces stir-fried with dried chili pods, ginger, garlic, and a tangy soy-vinegar-sherry sauce. An authentic Chinese-American classic done right.

Layered Mexican tortilla appetizer with cream cheese, picante sauce, and dried beef stacked between flour tortillas. Chilled overnight and sliced into wedges. Make-ahead party food.

Simple baked trout in white wine with herbs and garlic. Minimal prep, maximum flavor. Whole trout bakes in 30 minutes for an elegant, light dinner for four.

Avocado banana baby food mashes equal parts ripe avocado and banana into a smooth, naturally creamy first food for babies. Two ingredients, no cooking, packed with healthy fats and potassium for growing little ones.

Thai-style green papaya salad with cabbage, string beans, peanuts, lime, and chili. Som tum-inspired bright, spicy, crunchy summer salad in 20 minutes.

Irish oatmeal bacon pancakes made with fine oatmeal, buttermilk, and a beaten egg, filled with fried bacon rashers and folded over with a smear of mustard. A hearty Irish breakfast in 20 minutes.

Quick sweet and sour fried fish with ketchup, vinegar, and vegetables. Pan-fried fish cubes topped with a tangy tomato-based sauce ready in 40 minutes.

Cucumber yogurt salad with fresh mint, cumin, and nonfat yogurt. A cool, refreshing raita-style side dish that's low-fat and ready in 40 minutes.

Steamed fish fillets drizzled with soy sauce and toasted sesame oil, cooked in a bamboo steamer in under 10 minutes. Three-ingredient dinner that's gluten-free when made with tamari.

Traditional Jewish chopped chicken liver made with schmaltz, sauteed onions, and hard-boiled eggs. Silky, savory, and spread on cocktail rye, this is the real deal appetizer.

Three-ingredient chocolate crumb pie shell made with cookie crumbs, butter, and a touch of sugar. Bakes in just 8 minutes for any no-bake or cream pie filling.

Misoshiru (Japanese miso soup): the traditional soybean-paste soup built on dashi broth and served with simple garnishes. Two ingredients, endless variations, ready in 15 minutes.

Simple frozen dessert made with ice cream and a splash of sherry, frozen in a tray. A no-bake, 2-ingredient base you can customize with nuts, chocolate, or fruit.

The combination of chocolate and peanut butter makes this scrumptious cake a favorite!

German Brussels sprouts simmered in beer until tender, drained, and tossed with butter and salt. A traditional Bavarian side dish where the beer adds malty sweetness and tames the bitterness.