Puris (Deep-Fried Puffed Bread)

Puris (Deep-Fried Puffed Bread)

Once cooked, these flaky breads must be served immediately, which means that you'll be at the stove while everyone else is seated at the table. It actually isn't too troublesome because Puris take only a few minutes to cook, and if you are well organized you can do it...

Orange Raita

Orange Raita

Raitas are the salad component of an Indian meal. Their cool, refreshing character serves to contrast with the spiciness of many dishes. SERVES 4 TO 6 1 large navel orange 1ВЅ cups plain yogurt ВЅ teaspoon ground cumin Вј teaspoon salt Wash the orange and dry very...

Orange Lassi

Orange Lassi

Lassi is the popular milkshake drink of India, made with buttermilk or yogurt and thinned with ice. It is served either sweetened, salted, or plain. Here is an interesting sweetened version that is made with orange juice and is served with crushed ice, Indian style....

Fruited Rice Curry

Fruited Rice Curry

The contrast of sweet fruit and spicy rice is very appealing in this dish. I sometimes make a simple meal of this with plain yogurt alongside it, or accompany it with a saucy curry, such as Braised Curried Eggplant. SERVES 4 3 tablespoons oil 1 medium to large banana,...

Curried Cauliflower and Peas

Curried Cauliflower and Peas

This classic vegetable dish does wonders with cauliflower. Pair it with another dish such as Cashew Nut Curry, or serve it alongside rice and some plain yogurt for a simple meal. SERVES 4 1 large head cauliflower 6 tablespoons Ghee or butter 1ВЅ teaspoons turmeric 1ВЅ...

Cashew Nut Curry

Cashew Nut Curry

The cashews in this quick Sri Lanka-style curry become very tender, and the sauce is delicate enough not to overpower their subtle flavor. Raw cashews are the ones to use for this dish. SERVES 4 2 tablespoons oil 1 medium onion, diced ВЅ fresh redВ chileВ pepperimage,...

Braised Curried Eggplant

Braised Curried Eggplant

When we were in college my sister Jacqueline and I would oftentimes spend days delving into cookbooks to plan some exotic feast, which we would then cook that weekend for friends. Our favorite cuisine was Indian, and the surprises it offered were seemingly endless....

Banana Raita

Banana Raita

Combining mashed and sliced banana in this memorable raita gives it an appealing silken texture. SERVES 4 TO 6 2 large ripe bananas ВЅ teaspoon ground coriander Dash cayenne pepper Вј teaspoon salt 1 cup plain yogurt Peel 1 of the bananas and put it into a medium...

Baked Eggplant Stuffed with Curried Vegetables

Baked Eggplant Stuffed with Curried Vegetables

Eggplant has a very prominent place in Indian vegetarian cooking for its resemblance to meat and because it absorbs spices so well. Although it is not a particularly nutritious vegetable, it can serve as the basis for a very substantial dish. This stuffed eggplant...

Walnut Loaf with Burgundy Sauce

Walnut Loaf with Burgundy Sauce

This loaf makes an impressive entre for a Thanksgiving feast or any special occasion. Being a great fan of leftovers, I particularly look forward to leftover walnut loaf because it makes superb sandwiches, sliced and topped with mayonnaise or Russian dressing. SERVES...

Mexican-Style Stuffed Summer Squash

Mexican-Style Stuffed Summer Squash

By the end of each summer many people are hard-pressed to find new ways to prepare the seemingly endless gifts of squash that arrive on their doorsteps from overenthusiastic gardening neighbors. I relish the Mexican flavors of beans, chiles, and sour cream, and think...

Black Bean and Cream Cheese Enchiladas

Black Bean and Cream Cheese Enchiladas

When I want a stick-to-the-ribs dish I make these hearty enchiladas. Delicate wheat tortillas are filled with black beans and cream cheese and rolled, then topped with a flavorful tomato chili sauce and baked until bubbly. SERVES 4 1ВЅ cups dried black beans 2 medium...