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This recipe was inspired by seafood dishes we encountered in Fujian, China, the source of fragrant oolong tea and many orchard fruits.

Assam tea provides a flavorful, fat-free broth on which to build the other flavors in the soup. Serving tip: Serve this spicy dish with bowls of fragrant rice.
 

Ingredient tip: Look for powder-fine, vivid green matcha in specialty markets and tea shops.

This simple country-style dish is a national favorite and considered a satisfying snack.

I serve this for breakfast, lunch, and sometimes even dinner—and if we don’t finish it, a slice makes great snacking the next day!

Eating fingerlings with their skins intact gives you a great, earthy flavor. Add porcini mushrooms, and that sense is enhanced. Serve this deep, wonderful fall or winter dish as is, with a small salad, or add a little prosciutto for a full supper. It also makes a great side for grilled meats and fish. Shopping tip: When selecting potatoes, make sure they are firm to the touch.

 Dried figs and prunes add vitamins, fiber, and zing to this Moroccan stew. Serving tip: Serve with whole-wheat couscous or polenta and lightly braised greens.

Prep tips: For variety, add oysters or chicken sausage, or stir in chopped greens when you add the shrimp. If your slow cooker is an older model, use a slightly higher temp to be sure the rice cooks completely. Serving tip: Pair with garlic bread to sop up the hearty sauce.

Surprisingly, a slow cooker works well for some quick dinners, too; its even temperature is ideal for simmering fish. Serving tip: Accompany with brown basmati rice and a salad of chopped kale tossed with feta, walnuts, olive oil, and lemon juice.