The secret to cooking fast is cooking smart, suggests Mark Bittman, and here he proves his point with hundreds of simple, flavorful dishes—each ready in 30 minutes or less. But "fast" doesn't mean compromising on quality or resorting to packaged shortcuts; instead, Bittman offers savvy hacks, so that you can sit down to Chickpea Hash with Tahini Sauce, Spiced Cashews with Bacon, Gooey Stovetop Lasagna, Seared Pork Chops with Apples and Onions, Caramelized Bananas, and so many more. Variations, tips, quick side dishes, make-ahead components, and kitchen insights abound.