Baingan bharta: smoky roasted eggplant mash (vegan)
A North Indian classic of fire-charred eggplant mashed into a spiced onion-tomato base. Naturally vegan, gluten-free and simple to make at home.
TheTasteHQ Desk
Gochujang, gochugaru and doenjang: a pantry guide
A plain-language guide to Korea’s three essential chili and soybean pantry staples: what each one is, how to buy and store it, and what to swap in a pinch.
Nihari: Pakistan’s slow-cooked beef stew for a lazy morning
A deeply spiced, slow-simmered beef shank stew finished with a glossy, thickened gravy. Pakistan’s favourite breakfast-turned-anytime dish.
Thandai: a chilled almond and spice milk drink for Holi
A cooling North Indian milk drink built on a paste of almonds, poppy seeds and fennel, chilled and spiced with saffron, cardamom and rose.
Spaghetti al pomodoro: a classic Italian tomato pasta
A simple Italian tomato and basil pasta that turns a handful of pantry staples into a bright, comforting weeknight plate.
Which lentil is which: a home cook’s guide to Indian dal
Toor, moong, masoor, chana, urad: a plain guide to telling Indian lentils apart, buying them well, cooking them right, and swapping one for another.
Poulet rôti aux herbes: French herb roast chicken
A simple French Sunday classic: whole chicken rubbed with herb butter, roasted over root vegetables until the skin turns deep gold.
Paneer bhurji: a 20-minute scrambled paneer recipe
Soft crumbled paneer scrambled with onions, tomatoes and warm spices, ready in about 20 minutes for breakfast or a quick weeknight dinner.
Gajar ka halwa: a slow-cooked carrot dessert for winter
A warm, ghee-rich carrot halwa simmered with milk and khoya, finished with cardamom and nuts. A winter classic from Punjab.
Masala dosa: crispy South Indian rice crepe with potato filling
A fermented rice and lentil crepe folded around spiced potatoes, masala dosa is South India’s classic breakfast and street food.