John Velek, Recipe Tester

A little spicy, salty, and sweet and altogether satisfying. Your latest weeknight salvation when you need dinner pronto but you want something that’s not predictable or boring.

• 15 M
• 15 M
• 6

This spicy tomato soup gets its heat from Thai Sriracha sauce and depth from blue cheese. San Marzano tomatoes are used, so the soup can be made anytime.

• 15 M
• 1 H, 15 M
• 25

A winter classic made with navy beans, a ham hock, and a handful of pantry ingredients that somehow meld together into a sum that’s far, far superlative to its parts.

• Quick Glance
• 20 M
• 6 H
• 6

This supple, falling-apart tender pork roast may require a lot of time in the oven, but barely any time at all from the cook.

• 25 M
• 4 H, 55 M
• 16

Salmon mousse pinwheels are an elegant way to kick off a tea, cocktail party, or dinner. The pinwheels can be made ahead and sliced just before serving.

• 20 M
• 20 M
• 2

For caramelized onion and balsamic vinegar bruschetta, the onion is cooked until brown then drizzled with balsamic vinegar and piled on the bruschetta.

• 15 M
• 1 H, 15 M
• 2

This Southwest chile cheese fondue is brimming with chile ingredients, cheese, and spices. This is a fondue with brio. Dip chorizo for a flavor blast.

• Quick Glance
• 45 M
• 45 M
• 6

Cold outside? Try slowly braising boneless beef chuck and pancetta in a heady mix of Barolo wine, garlic, tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary.

• 1 H, 40 M
• 5 H, 10 M
• 4

Shredded curried chicken is spooned into radicchio cups for a sweet-hot bite of chicken deliciousness. Serves these chicken cups as a party nibble.

• 35 M
• 35 M
• 4