In each of these recipes, big flavors and simple techniques transform pantry staples, common proteins, or centerpiece vegetables into a delicious meal. And each intuitive recipe is a road map for other mix-and-match meals, which can come together in minutes from whatever's in the fridge.

With most recipes taking less than an hour to prepare, and just a handful of ingredients, you'll enjoy:

• Pasta with Shrimp and Browned Butter
• West African Peanut Chicken
• Red Lentil Soup
• Scallion Noodles
• Open-Faced Omelet with Fried Dill and Feta
• Greek Bean and Avocado Salad
• And for dessert: Spiced Strawberry Compote with Greek Yogurt or Ice Cream

When it's a race to put dinner on the table, these recipes let you start at the finish line.

Christopher Kimball's Milk Street is changing how we cook by searching the world for bold, simple recipes and techniques. Adapted and tested for home cooks everywhere, these lessons are the backbone of what we call the new home cooking. We are located at 177 Milk Street in downtown Boston, site of our editorial offices and cooking school. It also is where we record Christopher Kimball's Milk Street television and radio shows, and is home to our online store, which curates craft food and cookware products from around the world. Visit 177milkstreet.com to shop and for more information.