Sugar Snap Pea

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

Pho, the Vietnamese noodle soup, is traditionally made with long-cooked beef stock. Our quick version calls for deli sliced beef and canned beef broth instead.<

Accompany the risotto with a lettuce and radicchio salad, and pass a basket of poppy-seed breadsticks. A strawberry tart would be a nice way to end the meal. See how to finely chop herbs.

This salad is so much lighter and fresher-tasting than mayonnaise-based versions. It gets crispy sweetness from sugar snaps and peppers and nuttiness from tahini. Keep in mind that tahini can turn rancid rather quickly (even in unopened cans, in our experience). We recommend buying it from a place with a high turnover, such as a Middle Eastern market or a natural foods store. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 2 hr

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Sugar snap peas, cucumber, tomatoes, green onions, parsley and mint combine with orzo pasta for a lovely warm-weather salad.

Braising brings out the best in oxtails, the star of this long-simmered stew. It is garnished with bright green sugar snap peas for a contemporary touch.

This simple-to-make dish is a wonderful addition to any Spring time supper.

A simple salad with a tangy dressing-perfect for and April picnic.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

Serve steamed rice mixed with fresh cilantro alongside this spicy Chinese-inspired dish.

Two kinds of just-cooked peas and an Asian dressing make one delicious salad.

If you haven't already made the low-fat buttermilk dressing for the buffalo burgers you'll need to allow a little extra time for this recipe. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 40 min

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.