Meatless meals do not have to be complicated or bland. The best everyday vegetarian and vegan dishes come from cuisines where they are traditional: Indian dals, Mexican bean dishes, Italian pastas, Middle Eastern mezze and East Asian tofu dishes. Weeknight ideas (vegan or easily made vegan) Vegetarian classics (with eggs or dairy) Make it satisfying … Read more
Fish cooks quickly, which is good news for weeknights and bad news if you are distracted. Matching the method to the type of fish and watching for doneness are the two keys. Know your fish Pan-searing Perfect for fillets with skin. Pat the fish very dry, season, and place skin side down in a hot … Read more
Pasta is simple, which is exactly why small details make a big difference. Most of them happen in the last two minutes of cooking. Cooking dried pasta The secret: pasta water and finishing in the pan Before draining, scoop out a cup of the cooking water. Then transfer the pasta, slightly underdone, directly into the … Read more
Home ovens do not reach the 800°F of a wood-fired pizzeria, but you can still make excellent pizza. The secrets are a well-fermented dough, maximum heat from below, and restraint with toppings. 1. A dough with time A basic Neapolitan-style dough uses 00 or bread flour, water, salt and a little yeast, at about 60 … Read more
Soup is forgiving, cheap and a great way to use up vegetables. Almost every good soup follows the same pattern, so once you understand it, you can cook without a recipe. 1. Start with aromatics Gently cook onion, carrot and celery (a mirepoix) in olive oil or butter until soft and sweet, about 8 to … Read more
Fruit and vegetables taste best and are usually cheapest when they are in season. A tomato in August and a tomato in February are almost different foods. Cooking with the seasons is also a simple way to bring variety into your meals. Why it matters What is in season (in much of the US) Seasons … Read more
You buy a bunch of cilantro for one recipe, and a week later it is a slimy mess in the fridge drawer. Fresh herbs are among the most wasted foods. Storing them properly and having a few ways to use them up solves the problem. Soft herbs vs hardy herbs Herbs fall into two groups … Read more
A clean litter box is the single most important factor in keeping a cat using it. Cats have a sensitive sense of smell, and a dirty box is one of the main reasons for accidents around the house. How often to clean Washing the box Empty the box, wash it with warm water and mild … Read more
Most Americans eat more sodium than recommended. The Dietary Guidelines advise adults to limit sodium to less than 2,300 milligrams a day, about one teaspoon of salt. Too much sodium raises blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Where the salt comes from The salt shaker is not the main culprit. … Read more
Leftover pizza is safe in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, as long as it went into the fridge within 2 hours of being delivered or baked. That is the standard USDA guidance for cooked leftovers, and pizza with meat, cheese and sauce is no exception. What about pizza left out overnight? It is … Read more
