74 strong recipes

Homemade string hoppers (idiyappam), delicate steamed noodle nests pressed from a soft flour dough and steamed in minutes. A Sri Lankan staple, light and lacy, served hot with curry.

Homemade string hopper sweet rolls, delicate steamed rice-flour noodle disks wrapped around a sweet coconut treacle and cinnamon filling. A soft, lightly sweet Sri Lankan steamed treat for breakfast or tea.

Pickled string beans: a prize-winning, old-fashioned canning recipe that turns fresh green beans into a sweet-tart, spiced jar staple. Crisp, snappy, and ready for the antipasto platter.

Chinese-style crispy string beans flash-fried in a wok then tossed with soy sauce, sherry, garlic, minced pork, and sesame oil. A savory, blistered side dish ready in 30 minutes.

String beans Provencal braised in a sauce of plum tomatoes, onion, garlic, and thyme until meltingly tender. A French-style green bean side dish that's vegan and serves a crowd with simple ingredients.

Thai-style string bean salad with tofu, red and green chilies, dressed in a coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, and chili sauce vinaigrette. Vegan and vibrant.

A no-cook marinated string bean salad with mushrooms, cucumber, cauliflower, and pimentos in a tangy champagne vinegar dressing. Make ahead, fat-free, perfect for picnics and potlucks.

String beans and coconut koora, a South Indian stir-fry with green beans, toasted chana dal, urad dal, mustard seeds, and coconut. A quick vegetable side dish with a crunchy tadka topping.

This green-bean dish is outstanding. The green beans exude aromatic flavors and have an interesting chewy texture.

Southern-style green beans simmered low and slow with a smoky ham bone until fork-tender. Just 5 ingredients and the kind of home cooking that feeds the soul.

Fassoulakia Yahni: Greek-style green beans slow-braised in olive oil with tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs. A classic ladera dish that's naturally vegan and full of Mediterranean flavor.

Thai-style stir-fried bean sprouts with deep-fried tofu, tomatoes, red chilies, and oyster sauce. A quick vegetarian wok dish garnished with fresh cilantro.

Hungarian white tomato soup (Feher Paradicsomleves) made from just three ingredients: ripe tomatoes, strong chicken broth, and salt. The tomatoes simmer whole, then are strained out to leave a crystal-clear, golden broth.

Italian coffee with chocolate: equal parts strong hot coffee and Italian-style hot chocolate poured together, then crowned with whipped cream. A simplified take on Turin's classic bicerin.

Cajun coffee swirls strong hot brew with dark molasses for a New Orleans-style nightcap with serious backbone. Optional dark rum and a cloud of whipped cream finish it Bourbon Street style. Don't stir, sip through the cream.

This simple and delicious cake is perfect for surprising your friends for their birthday!