Cucumber Raita (Indian Yogurt Condiment)

The most classic version of the refreshing, versatile yogurt condiment, made with grated cucumber and chaat masala.

Salted Mint Lassi (Borhani)

This herbaceous, savory lassi is the perfect accompaniment to any Indian meal. Just a pinch of chaat masala adds funky and tangy flavor, while black pepper and Kashmiri red chile powder bring the heat.

Chaat Masala (Indian Street Snack Spice Blend)

This funky, salty, spicy, and sour spice blend is all you need to transform anything into a chaat (a type of street snack popular throughout South Asia). It's great for traditional chaat recipes, such as for papri chaat and panipuri, but can also be sprinkled over fruit or vegetables or used as a spice for snack foods.

Indian Spiced Chickpea Gravy (Chole)

Chole, Indian chickpea curry, is a wonderful side or main. It's usually eaten with deep fried bread or with a steaming hot plateful of white rice.

Neer More (South Indian-Style Spiced Buttermilk)

A slightly spicy, grassy palate cleanser popular in South India for its cooling properties, this drink is just the thing to get you back on your feet after a heavy meal.

Papri Chaat (Indian Street Snack With Potato, Chickpeas, and Chutneys)

Papri chaat is a traditional street snack found all over India, with crunchy, soft, and fluffy textures, all smothered in tangy, sweet, and hot chutneys.

Spicy and Salty Mango Lassi

This smoothie is a mash-up of a lassi, the Indian yogurt drink, and the spicy mangoes sold by street vendors.

How to Make Chai

Chai, in the context of Indian cuisine, refers to tea made from boiled black tea with spices and boiled and aerated milk. Learn why tea type selection matters and how to properly brew, spice, and rest the perfect cup of chai.

Curd Rice (Indian Rice with Yogurt)

This stuff is pure comfort food, the Indian macaroni and cheese (well, if your spicy-happy grandmother made macaroni and cheese). Flash-fried curd chiles serve as a garnish here, to be broken into bits with a spoon and mixed with the...

Masala Chai

You can adjust this chai recipe to your own personal taste and preference. The ratio of milk to water (or indeed, choice to use cow's milk at all) is perhaps the biggest variable, followed by choice and amount of sweetener. Start with an easy recipe like this, and then adjust to emphasize the qualities you like best in your masala chai.