Treated properly, vegetables can be meaty, savory, and deeply satisfying on their own. Charring and broiling are easy techniques to accomplish that. Also, thick slices and whole heads of cauli, hearty lentils, and mushrooms with a buttery coating.

We are aware that neither zucchini nor avocados are botanically considered vegetables, but we’re taking a culinary point of view. These are some of our favorite ways to turn vegetables—or non-sweet fruits—into rich and filling mains.