Asian

Serve this lush, smooth soup as part of an Asian or Western meal. Large wedges of pumpkin with a pale gray-green skin are sold in Southeast Asian groceries and in Caribbean produce markets. Pick out the pumpkin with the reddest flesh. You can also use an orange "pie pumpkin."

A classic Indian dish that is accented by lemon, yogurt, garlic and spices.

In addition to dressing greens, this is especially good drizzled over sliced avocado. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

After being tenderized by a beer marinade, these chops require only a quick turn on the grill or under the broiler to form the centerpiece of a hearty meal.

Inspired by custom-made Indian snacks sold all over Chowpatty Beach.

(Chicken Stir-Fry with Holy Basil) Two of the common types of basil used in Thailand are now available in North America. Bai horapha tastes like a good strong Italian sweet basil and can be found in Asian markets and some supermarkets, usually sold as Asian basil or Thai basil. The basil traditionally used in this recipes is bai gaprow, or holy basil which can be harder to find because of its shorter shelf life. Holy basil hasn't much taste when raw, but when cooked it becomes strong and distinctive. Asian basil makes a very good substitute, though it can't be cooked as long or it will lose flavor.

Shao mai are classic Chinese steamed dumplings. They make a nice starter or an innovative addition to a buffet.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

In the forties and fifties, before the widespread popularity of fortune cookies, countless Chinese meals were brought to a close with traditional almond cakes like these. The customary all-lard base of this once very popular sweet is here lightened with vegetable shortening. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Amy likes to make these for parties. Wonton wrappers can be found in the refrigerator section and rice vinegar in the Asian foods section of many supermarkets.

This chilled noodle salad from Zygot Bookworks & Cafe is loaded with crisp vegetables.