Name: Curried Rice with Yogurt
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 1/2 hr (includes soaking)
Yield: Makes 6 side-dish servings
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons finely grated unsweetened coconut (dried); 3 cups water; 1 1/2 cups basmati rice; 1/4 cup diced (1/4 inch) peeled cored seedless cucumber (usually plastic-wrapped); 1 (2-inch) fresh hot green chile such as Thai or serrano, slit in half lengthwise, leaving stem end intact; 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons mildly hot red Indian chile powder; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 1/2 cups whole-milk plain yogurt, whisked until smooth; 2 tablespoons coconut or canola oil; 1 1/2 teaspoons black mustard seeds; 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds; 12 fresh curry leaves; 1 (3-inch) dried hot red Indian chile; a 12- to 14-inch wok

Pulissery

This is the ultimate Keralan rice dish — sour, spicy, and with a strong coconut accent. For more information on grated coconut, coconut oil, and coconut milk. The Indian ingredients can be found at Indian markets and Kalustyan's (800-352-3451).

Cooks' note:

Coconut can be reconstituted 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.

Recipe notes

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.