Dinner Tonight: Chana Masala

[Photograph: Blake Royer] Chana masala, more than anything else, speaks to the wondrous things Indian cuisine can do with vegetables. I don't think any other cuisine can make dishes as hearty, rich, filling, and, well, meaty with nary an animal...

Onion bhaji

Onion bhaji is an Indian recipe of crispy, delicious fried onion fritters. They make a great snack or starter for your meal! Just serve them with some dipping sauce. 

'Smitten Kitchen's Mushroom Bourguignon

Those who have followed Deb Perelman's blog Smitten Kitchen for any length of time have learned that she works wonders with vegetables (and also butter). Her past life as a food-loving vegetarian shows in each of her recipes. Her Mushroom Bourguignon is a perfect example. Meaty portobellos (or creminis) and pearl onions are browned a la chuck roast, then added to a rich tomato and wine gravy.

Mushroom Rice

Meet your new favourite mushroom recipe! Mushroom rice is made with seasoned fluffy rice, golden mushrooms, in one pot, easy. Meal or fabulous side!

Dinner Tonight: Shrimp Tikka Masala

I'm a sucker for curry recipes that are deep and flavorful but also quick to make. Such is the case with this recipe from Martha Stewart Living for Tikka Masala. This recipe turns out a pungent, rich sauce in no time flat.

Vegetarian Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms

These one bite Vegetarian Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms are a great starter to pass around. Super easy and fast to prepare (10 min), plus you can prepare ahead.

Dinner Tonight: Red Lentil and Tomato Soup

This recipe, adapted from a Bulgarian soup a friend served me recently, relies on a shot of paprika and fresh thyme, which keep the chunky, tomato-y broth interesting. I added a little cayenne as well to raise the stakes. It's a warming soup to guiltlessly fill up on.

Sautéed Mushrooms

For savory, meaty-textured, deeply browned sautéed mushrooms, start with steam.

Dinner Tonight: Moroccan Spinach and Chickpeas

I had assumed that the mixture of spinach and chickpeas was solely an Indian combination. The creaminess of the spinach is a perfect match for the hearty chickpeas, and with the addition of a few spices, it could turn into a satisfying full meal. Well, it turns that if you change some of those spices and add an interesting new thickener, you can end up in Morocco with a completely new dish. It's kind of astonishing.

Baked Mushroom Rice

Oven Baked Mushroom Rice - buttery, garlicky, golden brown juicy mushrooms and fluffy rice, all made in one pan in the oven!