Quick
Broccoli Soup with Cheddar Toasts
This soup derives its body and rich flavor from pureed broccoli stems and florets.
Zucchini-Mint Soup
You can also serve this soup cold or at room temperature. Puree it in batches to prevent overflow (particularly because you do so while it’s hot), if needed. You can stir in a small amount of water to thin the soup after pureeing it, if you like.
Cold Curried Buttermilk Soup with Corn and Poblano Chile
This soup can be made up to 1 day ahead and stored, covered, in the refrigerator; stir it again before serving, as it may separate while it sits. Poblano chiles vary in heat from mild to hot; you may need more or less to taste. If you like, garnish each serving with more cooked corn.
Lumpy Guacamole
This lively guacamole can also be served as a dip with tortilla chips. If you want to make it a day ahead, be sure to press plastic wrap directly on the surface of the guacamole to prevent browning.
Miso Soup with Tofu, Spinach, and Carrots
Be sure to purchase firm or extra-firm tofu for this soup, as it will hold up better in hot liquid than softer varieties. Because the flavor and healthful qualities of miso are affected when boiled or with prolonged exposure to high temperatures, it should be added only at the end of cooking. Whisk it with a bit of liquid first so it is quickly and evenly distributed. We used white miso, which is lower in sodium, but you can use darker types for a stronger, more pronounced flavor.
Radishes with Herbed Ricotta Dip, Sweet Butter, and Fleur de Sel
We used a combination of French breakfast, white icicle, and pink beauty radishes, but you can use any variety you’d like. When the weather is hot, sprinkle radishes with crushed ice before serving to keep them crisp.
Roquefort Butter and Red Pear Tea Sandwiches
The red skins of the pears are a colorful accent to these simple tea sandwiches. Use the Roquefort butter in other combinations, such as with watercress or thinly sliced tomato.
Herb-Marinated Cheese
Serve this quick appetizer with a hearty brown bread.