Rice & Grains

Make a batch of grains on Sunday and you're within striking distance of a winning dinner on any weeknight (and lunch al desko for days). Case in point: This easy stir-fry, which, when combined with the trusty #putaneggonit, is irresistible. We use kimchi juice to finish; it keeps the grains moist and gives the dish a kick.

Meet posole, one of the tastiest, prettiest, one-pot dishes on earth. Make ahead and all that's left to do is ice some beers and set out all the toppings.

Millet, a wonderfully healthy, naturally gluten-free grain, stands in for the more common bulgur wheat in the North African–inspired parsley salad in this simple baked chicken dish.

Tossed with a miso and tahini dressing, this spring-evoking grain bowl can be topped with whatever seasonal produce looks irresistible at the market.

Pile roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed kale, black beans, and a sunny-side egg over grains for a healthful, filling grain bowl that'll power you through the day.

Using salted butter and resting the dough are the secrets to these crowd-pleasing cookies that are equal parts chewy and crunchy.

While smaller squash, such as acorn, can be roasted whole, they are more starchy and liable to dry out. Stick with the big boys.

Risotto feels like restaurant food, but you can absolutely make a great version at home. This risotto gets its deep flavor from freshly made shrimp stock, tomato paste, herbs, and lots of garlic.

This moist, chewy loaf is packed with seeds, oats, and whole wheat, which makes it both energy-sustaining and beautiful to look at.

Known as wheaten bread in some parts of Ireland, this version of soda bread incorporates whole-wheat flour for a heartier crumb. Buttermilk adds a pleasant tang.

This savory oatmeal is reminiscent of cheesy grits: very creamy and rich with little bits of crisp bacon. An egg on top is terrific if you like your lilies gilded.

Polenta is often used as a neutral carb canvas for a rich sauce or braised meat, but here the creamy ricotta-and-spinach-enriched polenta is the centerpiece, with a simple little tomato salad on top for freshness. An egg on top is great, but optional.

In this Filipino chicken rice porridge, a combination of medium-grain and sticky rice cooks in freshly made chicken stock until it becomes thick and creamy.

Red wine and bitter lettuce give this low-maintenance risotto a punch of flavor and sophistication.