Main Course

Austin, Texas, firefighter Rip Esselstyn and his wife chose this hearty lasagna as their wedding entree. Because sweet potatoes are prominent in "The Engine 2 Diet," Esselstyn usually cooks a few to keep on hand. If you're starting this from scratch, begin by baking two sweet potatoes and start layering the lasagna once they're done.

Almost everything here - except tamarind pulp and dried shrimp - comes from the supermarket. Do all the chopping and assemble the ingredients on a tray. You'll also need a deep wok or skillet. 

"Tasty dish for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians; the tomato, onion and cheeses give it just the right zing. My children are pretty picky, and even they are willing participants in eating this eggplant dish! It's great the next day for leftovers, too!"

It's been a long workday. At home, you pop open a bottle of red wine and stare into the fridge. You then open the drawer of takeout menus, and briefly contemplate cereal. Wine and cereal don't really go, leftovers are tiring, and takeout means spending money. So you look to the pantry and there it is: a forgotten bag of lentils. Throw some into a pot with a carrot, leek, or onion, garlic, and bay leaf, and simmer them in a little water. Within 25 minutes, dinner is ready.

Pressing excess moisture out of your tofu will increase its firmness and its ability to absorb the flavors of the marinade. 

Huevos rancheros or “ranch eggs” is a classic Mexican dish that is great for a quick dinner. Traditionally, it’s made with a red tomato-based sauce. Here we use tart and tangy green salsa instead. Serve with: brown rice and slices of avocado.

This hearty combination of whole-wheat couscous and lentils perched atop a lightly dressed bed of arugula makes a tasty vegetarian main-course salad. The lemony vinaigrette is especially good for bringing out the spicy notes of the arugula.

1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati rice
6 tablespoons butter
1 onion, finely chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/4 pounds spinach leaves, stemmed and coarsely chopped