10-Minute Dumpling Soup

Pick up a package of frozen vegetable gyoza or dumplings (available at Trader Joe's or most good supermarkets). Saute chopped kale and a lot of minced garlic in olive oil. Boil a pot of vegetable broth (fresh or from a cube). Drop frozen dumplings and frozen edamame in boiling broth. Let cook for about 3 minutes then shut off flame. Add kale and garlic, a splash of soy sauce, and hot sauce (Siracha if you can find it) to taste.

1st Street Tostadas

From Alexandra. Chop an onion, chop some garlic. Saute some of both in a pot with olive oil for a bit then add a can of pinto beans and some salsa. In a separate pan, saute the rest of the onion and garlic in some olive oil. Add slices of yellow or red bell pepper. When they’re almost soft, add spinach leaves and cook until they’re just wilted. Soften tortillas—corn or flour—in the oven. To assemble, take a tortilla, add grated cheese, a dollop of the beans, a dollop of the spinach/pepper mix, guacamole, chipotle or other chile saude, chopped tomatoes, lime juice.