Main Dishes

To elevate our tart to entrée status, we wanted a crust that was delicate, sturdy, and flavorful, with a filling to match. To increase the flavor of the crust and keep it tender, we swapped out part of the white flour for nutty whole wheat, and we used butter rather than shortening. To punch up its flaky texture and introduce more structure, we gave the crust a series of folds to create numerous interlocking layers.

Chichen Shish (Şiş Tavuk) is a classic Turkish kebab that is also found all over the Middle East, with its roots in Syria and the Persian Empire. It is also one of the simplest kebabs in terms of ingredients.

Known to some as Tamale Pie, this one-dish meal is great for busy weeknights because it’s quick, easy, and filling. Our family changed the name because it bears no resemblance to a tamale, but whatever you call it, it’s sure to draw everyone to the table.

Pork slivers make a delicious addition, but vegetarians may omit them and still enjoy the dish.

Ingredients

The burger craze doesn’t seem to have left a stone unturned. New York, London, Paris, Stockholm--every city I visit has any number of burger bars touting gourmet beef patties in soft brioche buns. Don’t get me wrong, I love a burger! But after seeing all that meat, I find myself craving something a little lighter and fresher tasting. Wrap your hand round this cauliflower cheeseburger, take a big bite, and let some of the juice dribble down your hand ... just like the real deal!

My mother made this type of stew from the carcass of a raw chicken and its gizzards; I use pancetta instead of gizzards for additional flavor and chicken legs, which stay moist during the cooking. Jardiniere means “gardener” in French, and the vegetables change according to what is in season or in my garden. The stew is easy to put together, and it gets better every time you reheat it.

I love this dish, a rich savory pie made with whatever greens I find at the farmers’ market. I’ve made it with kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, radish tops, beet greens, half a bunch of parsley—if it’s green and leafy, it’s going in the torta! A generous amount of olive oil and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano enriches the greens and prevents the torta from feeling too restrained, too healthful. Serve thin wedges of this as a starter.