Recipe courtesy of Valerie Bertinelli Boiled lima beans and corn are tossed with golden sauteed onions and plum tomatoes in a bright cider vinegar dressing seasoned with parsley, sage, and nutmeg. This hearty, rustic salad celebrates classic American harvest ingredients and makes a wonderful Thanksgiving side dish.

Chicken breasts poached in stock are shredded and simmered with white beans partially blended for body, green chiles, ancho chile powder, cumin, and coriander, then served with extensive toppings. This creamy, mild chili is a crowd-pleasing game-day staple that invites everyone to customize their bowl.

A smoky grilled corn and bean salad packed with black beans, chickpeas, bell peppers, and cilantro. Tossed in a zesty lime-cumin dressing with a splash of hot sauce.

Pinto beans simmered with cumin, coriander, and chipotle, mashed to a thick paste with some texture left for body, and finished with fresh lime. A flavorful, from-scratch staple that outshines any canned version and anchors the whole So-Cal menu.

Crisp-tender green beans tossed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette with minced shallots. A simple, flavorful side dish from Tom's kitchen.