Muhammara is a spread composed of roasted red peppers and walnuts. It's soaked and bound with a healthy amount of olive oil and nar ekşisi, pomegranate juice reduced to a thick syrup. It's tart, sweet, and rich—a salad dressing all on its own. Surprisingly affordable and versatile, it demands inclusion in your pantry. Kick out a vinegar if you have to. More

Just because I like my white bean spread simple doesn't mean I like it boring. My favorite seasoning is za'atar, a blend of dried herbs (usually thyme, sometimes with others), sesame seeds, and spices like sumac. More

Baba ghanoush is a late summer dream, a brilliant balance of flavor and texture. It's light but creamy, kissed by smoke, lemon, and garlic. Tahini gives it body and olive oil lends a fruity finish. And once you get the technique down—which is really just roasting an eggplant to death—you can vary it however you like. This is my version, but different tastes prefer different balances. Taste frequently and make this your own. I've suggested some add-ins to heighten specific dimensions of baba ghanoush's complex flavor profile. More

[Photograph: Caroline Russock] While planning dinner last night I realized that I was in something of a starch rut. I already had a main and a vegetable side planned, but I was at a loss for a substantial starchy side.... More

[Photograph: Caroline Russock] Many people go through life hating certain vegetables just because they haven't eaten them cooked properly. Take brussels sprouts. Up until recently they've been almost a joke vegetable, making otherwise adventurous palates cringe. But most folks have... More

Since we are focusing on healthy and economical cooking this month it shouldn't have come as a surprise when my groceries for the week rang in around $75 less than usual. This might have something to do with my inability... More

[Photograph: Joshua Bousel ] I contend that a great many recipes out there can only be made better with grilling. Case-in-point: my mom made some very tasty glazed carrots for our Thanksgiving meal and as good and they were, I... More