My father lives just on the edge of what we consider to be normal. He prefers confectioners’ sugar in his tea, has the buttons of his back pockets removed (for fear of damaging his car upholstery), and keeps a logbook of when he waters the plants. One time, he…
Achari means “pickled.” As with most pickled foods, this cauliflower dish helps to sharpen the edges of other, more comforting dishes at the table. It’s lip-smackingly delicious, and the flavor will improve over time, so it’s a good thing to make in advance. It works…
This dish comes from the royal court kitchens of Uttar Pradesh, where it was a favorite of state banquets, high society, and Mughal emperors. At that time, food wasn’t just food, it was a way of showing off. It is still a great dinner-party dish today: a head-turner…
You don’t have to use baby vegetables for this dish. I use them because they’re sweet and beautiful, but you could use larger roots and cut them down to size. Serves 4 2¼ pounds mix of baby carrots, parsnips, turnips, and potatoes canola oil 2 teaspoons ground cumin…
These fun little dumplings are the most popular street snack in Darjeeling, thanks to the thousands of Tibetans who have made the town their home since the 1960s. They’re enjoyable to make, but more so on a weekend when you’re over-indexing on enthusiasm and patience….
Lemons preserved in a salt brine are a staple ingredient in North African cooking. They are used as both a condiment and a flavoring ingredient in tagines (stews) and salads. In this collection I call for them in the Spring Vegetable Couscous, but you can also use…
MAKES ENOUGH FOR TWO 12- TO 14-INCH PIZZAS, EACH SERVING 2 OR 3 This is a very easy, no-hassle dough. I use a little more than half whole wheat flour for it; you can vary the proportions and see what you like. It’s an easy dough to work with, just a little bit sticky…
Strawberries for sushi? Why not! Thin slices of the fruit lie elegantly on top of a roll filled with sesame rhubarb. Use a mandoline to slice the strawberries as thinly as possible. Be sure to blot the strawberries dry with a clean dishtowel or paper towel before…
Store-bought roasted red bell peppers can often have a briny taste. If you prefer a more neutral flavor, try roasting your own bell peppers. Generously oil a red bell pepper, then place it on a baking sheet. Roast it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the skin begins…
How can you distinguish the difference between caterpillar sushi rolls and dragon rolls? Both are beautiful rolls draped gracefully in vibrant avocado. Caterpillar sushi rolls typically include mild fillings and are served with a sweet sauce. Dragon sushi rolls, on…
Simmered tofu packets (inari) have a sweet and savory flavor that makes them a favorite when stuffed with tangy sushi rice. They’re just as tasty cut into strips and tucked inside sushi rolls. Always pat away any excess liquid from the strips before adding them to…
The buttery feel of avocado across the palate inspired sushi chefs in the ’70s, when an ingredient with a similar texture was nearly impossible to obtain in California. California Rolls get their name from the avocados they contain—the fruits grow abundantly there….