My stepdad brought Indian home cooking into my life. He and my mother had been high school sweethearts, American students at an international school in the foothills of the Himalayas where my stepdad had grown up, stuffing himself on dal and pappadums throughout childhood and cultivating a lifelong craving for fragrant vegetarian curries. Thanks to him and to recipes like this mixed bean masala, it's a craving I now share. Quick, healthy and economical, it's an easy recipe to double and freeze in preparation for chilly winter nights, when the scent of onion, ginger and spices bubbling on the stove will warm up the whole house. More

All week we're sharing Asian food recipes and inspiration here at The Kitchn. Here are some refreshing drinks to sip alongside your East, South, and Southeast Asian meals – or just to cool down on a hot summer day. More

Whether making masala chai is something new to you or part of your regular routine, this video by filmmaker Eric Slatkin is worth watching, and not only for the excellent soundtrack. We've been making this tea for years and yet we learned an interesting technique at the 1:40 mark… More

Q: My girlfriend's birthday is in July, and I'd love to make her a meal of Indian food: entrees, side dishes, drink, and dessert. The only problem is that I am just learning how to cook. Also, she's vegetarian. What are some dishes that would be easy to make and go well together?

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When you're craving Indian food, it can be tempting to rely on your neighborhood Indian restaurant. But you shouldn't be intimidated by Indian recipes - it's very possible to replicate your favorite dishes at home! Here are 20 Indian recipes we love, from a simple Dal Palak to Spiced Lamb Meatballs. More

Paneer is the reason why many of us are addicted to dishes like palak paneer and shahi paneer korma. This fresh milk cheese is a true staple in Indian cooking, which is no surprise given how well it's mild flavor and chewy texture goes with spiced up curries. Do you ever cook with it? More

Many of us have had a basic raita, comprised of yogurt and a few fresh vegetables to form the much–needed cooling antidote to spiced foods, but did you ever think to throw some pineapples in the mix? Get ready for your new favorite condiment.
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Have you ever tasted an appam? These lacy rice pancakes are served for breakfast and alongside dinner (frankly, they're fantastic anytime of day) in many parts of South India and Sri Lanka. They require a little advanced planning and preparation, but are so worth it! More

Raita is a mixture of yogurt, vegetables, and often fresh herbs (sometimes a little fruit makes its way in here too) that's served alongside spicy curries across India. It is the ultimate cooling agent when your mouth starts to burn with heat from chilies. It's also just wonderful atop a bed of wilted greens or swirled into soup. Raita is the perfect thing to have hanging around in the fridge. Have you ever had raita? Here's a very simple recipe to make a bowlful at home. More

I have a secret love affair with peas. Yes, I love them in their fresh-from-the-pod form, but during the winter months, I use their frozen cousins. I spice them in my favorite manner, similar to a dish I had in Cochin, Kerala, in Southern India, and eat them up with a large spoon, stopping only for a quick bite of naan or dollop of raita. More