Potato-Chutney Crisps (Sev-puri)
Throwing a party? Greet guests with appetizers of sweet-and-sour and spicy chutney and potatoes on crackers or chips.
Cauliflower Panko Pakoras
Coat cauliflower in a light batter and breadcrumbs, then bake ’til brown and crispy. Serve with a cilantro and mint dipping sauce.
Spicy Potatoes
Serve these sweet-hot garlicky potatoes with wedges of Indian flatbread or whole-wheat tortillas.
Shrimp Biryani
Layer shrimp, cashews, and Indian spices with fragrant basmati rice. Garnish with toasted saffron threads. Serve with raita.
Cumin-Mint Raita Salad
This easy make-ahead dish borrows from Indian raita, a cucumber and yogurt mixture designed to cut the heat of spicy foods. We add vegetables such as onion and radishes for a refreshing take on chopped salad.
Papaya-Kiwi Chaat with Pistachios
Toss together papaya, kiwi, onion, chilies, and mint up to three hours ahead. When ready to eat, stir in orange and lime juices and salted pistachios.
Indian-spiced Salmon
Brush salmon with a mix of spices and brown sugar, then finish in the oven ’til bubbling and well browned. Garnish with cilantro and lemon.
Indian Dal
Cook lentils with ginger, garlic, onion, chile, and spices. Serve with hot basmati rice, warmed naan, and cool raita.
Frozen Mango Lassi
For a cool drink with heat-packed foods, serve a frosty shake made of mango sorbet and yogurt.
Curried Spinach and Fresh Cheese (Saag Paneer)
It’s surprisingly easy to make this simple cheese at home. Its fresh flavor highlights the warm spices of this classic North Indian dish.
Garbanzos Masala
Round out your party table with a tomato and garbanzo bean salad flavored with onion, ginger, and cilantro.
Creamy Basmati Rice Pudding
Finish the evening on a sweet note, no matter who wins the Oscar. Crunchy pistachios top this creamy cardamom-scented pudding made with tender basmati rice, mascarpone, and cream.
