Lunch
2842 recipes found
Scuttlebutt
Tangy and salty and colorful, the scuttlebutt sandwich vibrates with flavor: hard-boiled egg, pickled beets and carrots, olives, capers, herbs and feta mingle on pillowy focaccia. “The word ‘scuttlebutt’ is sort of like what’s the gossip, what’s the story, what’s the deal or the chitchat, you know, the chatter,” said its co-creator Caroline Fidanza, who devised the sandwich at her Brooklyn restaurant Saltie in 2009 with the chef Rebecca Collerton. Inspired by Ms. Collerton’s practice of cobbling together sandwiches with whatever was in the fridge, they intended the sandwich to change with the seasons, but once patrons got a taste of the pickled beets, the lineup was set in stone. Saltie closed in 2017, but Ms. Fidanza brought the sandwich back at Marlow & Sons in 2020, when it became a best-seller once again. Ms. Collerton, who died of cancer in 2018, was not able to see its comeback. There are many components, and many shortcuts: Use store-bought pickled vegetables and focaccia; doctor up mayonnaise rather than making aioli. But the details make a difference: Ms. Fidanza says that “picking the herbs is a pain, but that’s just what you have to do.”
Halloumi, Arugula and Tomato Sandwiches
In 2022, Jake Marsiglia and Costa Damaskos opened Baby Blues Luncheonette in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to honor the historic diners and luncheonettes that closed during the pandemic, while paying homage to Mr. Damaskos’s Greek roots. One of the best ways they’ve incorporated this history and culture into their menu is through their HLT sandwich, a play on the classic American BLT that replaces bacon with halloumi cheese, seared until golden and crisp. They replace BLT’s standard lettuce with an arugula salad seasoned with a bright Greek vinaigrette, and round out the sandwich with red onions, juicy heirloom tomatoes and a garlic-pepper mayonnaise.
Spicy Cumin Lamb Burgers
Many people go to Xi’an Famous Foods in New York City for their spicy hand-pulled noodles, but the sleeper hit is the cumin lamb burger. This recipe, adapted from “Xi’an Famous Foods: The Cuisine of Western China, From New York’s Favorite Noodle Shop” by Jason Wang and David Shi (Abrams Books, 2020), starts with homemade buns that rise and crisp on a griddle, resulting in a soft interior similar to a pita. (You can make the bread from scratch, or substitute a burger bun or even an English muffin.) The restaurant’s signature spicy cumin lamb with red onions and green longhorn peppers is stuffed inside the bread, resembling a steak sandwich as opposed to a burger. You’ll want to slice the lamb as thinly as possible (a short stint in the freezer helps firm it up), which increases the surface area to great effect: The meat cooks through quickly, browns effectively and easily absorbs a tongue-tingling dose of cumin and chile.
Aloo Tikki (Potato Cutlets)
Aloo tikki, or potato cutlets, are a popular South Asian street food perhaps due to the ease with which they travel and their versatility: They can be eaten as a quick, compact snack and also lend themselves to being slathered in chutney and wrapped up in naan for a full meal. The hearty, heavily spiced and textured tikki is commonly found on tea trolleys as well as at mealtimes in homes. They may be served as an appetizer, a side to many main courses or as the meal itself. Typically fried in a small amount of oil, this version calls for baking the cutlets to minimize mess and to efficiently entertain a large party or household. Make the potato mix a few days ahead, or freeze the cutlets for up to 3 months — perfect for spontaneous hosting.
Deviled Crab Backs
Originating in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, deviled crab is a cousin to crab cakes, making use of the stringier bits mixed with spices, mayonnaise and egg to create a filling appetizer or entree. This recipe is from Andrew Carmines, the second-generation owner of Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, Hilton Head Island’s perpetually busy seafood restaurant specializing in local fare including the prized blue crab. These relatively small crabs (ranging from about 5 to 7 inches wide) are native to the Atlantic Coast and are typically in season from around April to November. You can ask your local fishmonger to order them for you when they're in season. Traditionally served stuffed into a blue crab back, it’s not uncommon to see faux-crab backs made of aluminum foil or crab-shaped tins. Whether it’s baked in tin, foil or crab, it’s an impressive dish that pairs well with rice or salad and a sunny seaside day.
Borani Banjan (Afghan-style Eggplant in Yogurt)
Traditionally in Afghan-style borani banjan, an appetizer or vegetable side, eggplant slices are soaked in salted water for 20 to 30 minutes, drained and dried, then simmered in a spiced tomato sauce before being served in layers of garlicky yogurt. This version significantly simplifies the preparation in the interest of time without compromising its appeal: varied flavors and textures from crispy, caramelized eggplant; creamy, garlicky yogurt; sweet and sour tomatoes; and juicy, bright pomegranate seeds. No soaking or simmering here, just quick pan-frying and layering for the same effect in about 30 minutes. Go back for seconds of a dish that tastes even better when it’s cold.
Grain Bowl With Sardines and Sauce Moyo
A satisfying grain bowl doesn’t need to take a lot of time, especially if you start with a quick-cooking grain like fonio. Fonio, tinier than even couscous or quinoa, takes five minutes to cook and delivers a deep nutty taste. This ancient whole grain, which is also gluten-free, is prepared throughout West Africa, as is sauce moyo, a sauce of crisp onion and pepper, juicy tomatoes, chile and lime. Here, that sauce adds crunch to the tender, sandy grains, and tinned smoked fish delivers a savory richness. You can assemble the whole thing to enjoy at home or pack up to eat as a fresh and filling desk lunch.
Stir-Fried Bitter Melon and Eggs
Bitter melon lives up to its name. The oblong gourd is renowned for its robust health benefits and even more profound bitterness. However, when enveloped in creamy scrambled eggs and seasoned with soy sauce and brown sugar, it creates a complexity of flavor that will grow on you. This quick stir-fry is a home-cooking favorite of Chutatip Suntaranon, who is known as Nok, the chef-owner of the Thai restaurant Kalaya in Philadelphia. The recipe can easily be halved to serve one or two.
Braaibroodjie (Grilled Cheese and Chutney Sandwiches)
A braai is South Africa’s beloved open, wood-fired equivalent to an American barbecue and these grilled cheese sandwiches are an integral component. Mrs. Ball’s, an iconic South African dried-fruit chutney, lends sweet tang, though sweet fruit chutney such as Major Grey’s or even apricot jam can be used in a pinch. A hinged grill-basket or baker’s twine helps keep the sandwiches together while they’re flipped. This recipe is adapted from one by cookbook author Jan Scannell, known as Jan Braai ever since he became the head of the National Braai Day initiative, founded in 2005. Mr. Braai believes that “the correct way to slice braaibroodjies is diagonally, and the correct time to serve is immediately.”
Sage and Walnut Pasta Nada
Earthy, elegant and possessed of a Zen-restraint, this is an ideal — perhaps the ideal — last-second, I-can’t-cope-with-the-stress recipe. It even works for dinner parties. Everyone will like it and have thirds. Serve with a salad and a baguette. Crack a few good chocolate bars into pieces on a plate for dessert. Keep an eye on the walnuts while you are roasting them in the oven. They go from golden to burnt in seconds. This meal is worthy of nearly any bottle of red wine.
Puttanesca Pasta Nada
“In normal life, ‘simplicity’ is synonymous with ‘easy to do,’” Bill Buford wrote in “Heat,” his 2006 book, “but when a chef uses the word, it means ‘take a lifetime to learn.’” That’s true much of the time. But if you take care, a dish as simple as pasta with finely chopped black olives and anchovies can have a chef-like impact with minimum learning and minimum fuss. This dish resets your taste buds. No fancy shopping needed.
Succotash
Typically a combination of corn, lima beans and other vegetables, succotash was first introduced to colonial immigrants in the 17th century by Native Americans. The name succotash is derived from the Narragansett word “msickquatash,” which refers to corn (and a variety of other ingredients) cooked together in a pot. Using frozen corn and lima beans that have been defrosted make this recipe incredibly simple and evergreen, but opt for fresh versions when in season. Cook the vegetables in stages, starting with the longer-cooking ones, then toss in a tablespoon of butter when they’re all cooked for a layer of silkiness. To keep the tomatoes crisp, remove the pan from the heat before adding them, but if you want them a bit softer, toss the tomatoes in with the corn and lima beans. This dish easily adapts to preference and availability.
Green Bean Salad With Dill Pickles And Feta
Green beans, feta and dill are old friends, but using dill pickles instead of dill contributes acid, crunch and verve to the classic combination. For maximum flavor, use pickles that are brined with fresh dill or dill seeds, and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes for refreshing, snappy bites. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days to dole out alongside roast chicken or hot dogs, or on top of salad greens or grain bowls.
Migas
In a world full of breakfast scrambles, migas is a quick, flavorful dish that deserves to be in your rotation. Pieces of tortillas (leftovers are perfect here) are pan-fried then mixed with cheesy eggs studded with softened jalapeño, onion and fragrant garlic. Together they make a filling breakfast of pantry ingredients that goes from stove to table in about 30 minutes. If you like your jalapeños on the spicier side, keep some of the seeds in while dicing. Just be careful to keep your hands away from your eyes in the process. If you’d like to top your migas, cotija, onion and cilantro are all great candidates but you can also go the extra mile and add your salsa of preference. If you’re in the mood for something smoky and blended, try a salsa taquera. If you desire a salsa with a bit more freshness, try a salsa fresca — just be mindful of the amount of jalapeños in both.
Linguine With Zucchini, Corn and Shrimp
This super fast and super easy summer pasta recipe barely cooks peak-season corn and zucchini, maintaining their freshness and crunch while highlighting their vibrant flavor. This same quick-cooking method is applied to the shrimp, which keeps its bite by spending little time in the pan. (While corn and zucchini turn mushy if overcooked, shrimp turns tough and rubbery.) Finishing off this summer pasta is a shower of fresh basil and mint, which cling to each glossy strand of linguine. Feel free to add whatever vegetables and herbs catch your eye at the market. This pasta is best eaten al fresco.
Orzo Salad
This colorful, Mediterranean-inspired orzo salad is a crowd-pleasing side dish for a picnic or potluck, and can be a satisfying, vegetable-packed lunch. The trick to a flavorful pasta salad is adding the dressing while the pasta is hot, so it can soak up plenty of flavor as it cools. This recipe takes that method a step further by tossing the hot orzo and dressing with the chickpeas, tomatoes and olives, giving the ingredients ample time to marinate. If olives aren’t your thing, try adding diced roasted red peppers or marinated artichokes for a burst of briny flavor in each bite. If preparing for a larger gathering, this recipe doubles easily, and leftovers keep well in the refrigerator, making it a good choice for meal prepping.
Crunchy Noodle and Tofu Salad
With crisp noodles and vegetables coated in a tangy dressing, this salad is reminiscent of the ubiquitous Chinese chicken salad, which isn’t actually Chinese in origin. Stripped of the chicken and given a more accurate name, this vegan take is a fresh salad with lots of textures and no active cooking. Fridge stalwarts carrot and celery combine with robust cabbage to provide heart and heft, while store-bought crispy fried noodles (sometimes sold as chow mein noodles) bring mouth-watering crunch. (They’re worth keeping in your pantry to use as a fun, effortless topper for salads or soups.) Another store-bought timesaver is baked tofu, which has already been marinated and baked, and is ready to use straight from the packet. It often comes in several flavors, and any of them will work for this recipe. The dressing is sweet, savory and acidic, and can be easily adjusted to your liking. Maple syrup adds richness, but honey, agave or sugar would all make suitable substitutes.
Crispy Shrimp Tacos With Smoky Chipotle Crema
Imagine tender, sweet shrimp ensconced in a crisp and airy tempura-like batter. Now envision those shrimp lying on a warm tortilla topped with fresh cut cabbage and a smoky-spicy drizzle of chipotle crema sauce. These tacos are not just a dream: This coastal delight can be found, just like some of the best fish tacos, along the main Mexican Pacific coast and Baja Peninsula, but you can also make them a reality at home. The toppings can vary, so add sliced or smashed avocado, spicy pickled onions, salsa macha or any other salsas you may prefer.
Snap Pea, Tofu and Herb Salad With Spicy Peanut Sauce
When the season gifts us sweet, juicy sugar snap (or snow) peas, use them raw in this textural salad. Slicing them in half diagonally not only unlocks their innate crispness, but also allows the inner peas to spill out, creating more texture. This salad is brazenly herb forward, and offers an excellent way to use up any leftover bundles in your fridge; mint, cilantro or basil can be used singularly or as a mix. The two-ingredient dressing is the simplest, and possibly tastiest, peanut sauce you’ll ever make: Peanut butter is whisked together with chile crisp and loosened with boiling water, which helps encourage it to emulsify, creating a smooth, creamy and intensely savory sauce. Looking for another shortcut? You can even skip pan-frying and use store-bought pre-baked firm tofu.
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Koshari (Egyptian Lentils, Rice, and Pasta)
With heaps of fluffy vermicelli, rice, tender black lentils, and soft pasta elbows, koshari is an iconic Egyptian meal that’s worth seeking out and making at home.
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Air-Fryer Chicken Breasts
Our zero-fuss recipe for air-fryer chicken breasts produces meat that’s tender, flavorful, and juicy—just the way we like our chicken.
Antipasto Salad
In this recipe the classic Italian antipasti platter takes the form of a single cold salad. All of the traditional elements are present here: tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts, peppers, cheese and salami. Of course, you can swap all kinds of antipasti-minded ingredients into this salad and omit the meat or cheese for vegetarians or vegans, but don’t skip the butter beans, which are the star of this dish. They’re marinated in an oregano vinaigrette while the rest of the salad is prepped, ensuring they soak up as much flavor as possible. After tossing together, this salad chills in the fridge where the flavors only get better over time. So, feel free to make it ahead. Serve with a nice hunk of bread to make a bellissimo lunch or dinner.
Couscous Risotto With Tomatoes and Mozzarella
This caprese-inspired “risotto” swaps in toothsome pearl couscous for the usual short grain rice, cutting the time spent stirring in half. The result is a pleasantly chewy, creamy one-pot dish that, like true risotto, is easy to adapt. The tomatoes caramelize and concentrate in flavor when roasted, but if you don’t feel like turning on the oven, try replacing them with a heaping cup of drained and chopped roasted red peppers or sliced sun-dried tomatoes (just pat them dry if they're oil-packed). And because pesto is so flavorful, there’s no need for chicken or vegetable broth: Plain old water is the cooking liquid of choice here.
Chicken Pesto Meatballs
Simply adding pesto to chicken meatballs is a quick, easy way to infuse them with complex flavor while providing enough fat to ensure they are moist and juicy. With few ingredients, these meatballs come together fast and work well with any kind of pesto, whether homemade or store-bought. These meatballs can be eaten on their own, make a great addition to any plate and are the perfect companion to pesto pasta, of course.