Acini di pepe (a pastina, or little pasta, named for its peppercorn shape) is cooked in a caramelized onion-rich soup with shredded Parmesan to make a creamy, mock risotto. More

How could you say no to soy-braised pork belly, sesame-scented cabbage, and homemade chili aïoli stuffed into Chinese steamed buns? Michele Humes shows you how to make six of these sandwiches for under $8. More

I love peas. When I'm told that someone doesn't like peas, I take it very personally. In fact, I make a point of unearthing and undoing whatever childhood trauma has led to this sorry state of affairs. There, there. Even if you were repeatedly subjected to canned peas, or to green peas boiled to yellow, we'll overcome this—together. More

Sometimes I'll stick with a more traditional filling of pork and napa cabbage or I'll do a meatless version with edamame, kale, and cilantro. Either way, I'm well within budget at just under $7. More

This is a stripped-down take on that venerable Spanish dish, the cocido. In my version, thighs and drumsticks are braised in a salt pork and paprika broth that's swirling with spinach and redolent of Spain. More