A savory, eye-catching centerpiece, this rice pilaf is perfect for the buffet table or as an adaptable main dish for a light luncheon or dinner. It is rich with color, texture and flavor. Try it with Tomato Broth with Spicy Paparh Noodles, Glazed Carrots and…
Simple Yellow Rice HALDI CHAVAL
Turmeric lends a glimmer of yellow to this rice dish. The herbs and seasonings are elusive, and they complement the basmati ‘s naturally nutty flavor. This is quick, easy and delicately flavored and goes nicely with any soup and salad. You could also try it with…
Sautéed Rice KHARA CHAVAL
This simple way of steaming rice works equally well with either washed and drained basmati or unwashed American long-grain. By frying the rice in butter or ghee for a few minutes, you can keep the grains distinct, unsplit and fluffy. You may, of course, omit the…
Buttered Steamed Rice SADA CHAVAL
Though rice is generally steamed in a tightly closed pan over direct heat, in this recipe I recommend a “double-steamed” procedure. Measured rice and water rest in a closed pan, which rests in a larger steamer pan. Steam surrounds the entire closed rice…
Ginger-Tapioca Pudding
Once you’ve soaked the tapioca, the final steps of this dessert come together quickly. If you want to amplify the ginger flavor, garnish each dish with a gingersnap cookie. Serves 4 Ingredients • 2-inch knob fresh ginger, thinly sliced • 1⁄2 cup brown sugar • 1 cup…
Papaya-Ginger Cheesecake
Papaya, mango, or pineapple all work well in this creamy sweet dessert, so feel free to substitute with whatever pleases your palette. Serves 8 Ingredients • 2 cups crushed gingersnaps • 4 tablespoons butter, melted • 2 tablespoons freshly grated fresh ginger • 2…
Poached Pears with Strawberry Sauce
This simply beautiful dessert satisfies in any season! Use Riesling if you like your desserts very sweet; otherwise, chardonnay is a fine choice. Serves 8 Ingredients • 1 bottle (750 ml) white wine • Zest of 1 lemon, shaved off with a vegetable peeler in strips • 8…
Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes
If you don’t have cake flour, you can substitute with a mixture of all-purpose flour (just shy of 3⁄4 cup) and 11⁄2 tablespoons cornstarch. Makes about 16 cupcakes Ingredients • 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate squares • 1⁄2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter • 6 large…
Mango Sorbet
To give this sweet treat a burst of heat, add a very small amount of finely chopped chile peppers to the mix. Serves 4 Ingredients • Juice of 3 limes • 1 tablespoon freshly grated fresh ginger • 3 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced • 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest • 1 cup…
Eggplant and Tomato Sauté
A variation on a traditional ratatouille, this can be served cold or warm, and by itself or alongside a grain salad or crusty baguette. Serves 8 Ingredients • 1 medium eggplant (about 1 pound), cut lengthwise into 8 wedges • Kosher salt • 3 tablespoons olive oil,…
Baby Bok Choy in Black Bean Sauce
Once you learn how to make this delicious dish, which transforms bok choy into a special treat, you won’t have any need to visit your local Asian restaurant. Serves 4 Ingredients • 8 heads baby bok choy • 2 cups vegetable or mushroom stock • 1 teaspoon sugar • 1…
Green Bean and Asian Eggplant Stir-Fry
If you like to cook stir-fries, you will want to invest in a good quality wok. They transfer heat better and this method is all about quick cooking at high temperatures. Serves 4 Ingredients • 2 tablespoons soy sauce, or more to taste • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 1…












