Maduros (Fried Ripe Plantains) with Mint Mojo

Ripe plantains are slow-fried in oil until deeply caramelized and sweet. They get served with an herbal mint and parsley mojo sauce that brings a bright, acidic element to the sweet-and-savory snack.

Vegan Peanut, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup With Coconut

The version of West African groundnut soup I ate in my youth was a thick, peanut-packed broth made with chicken, spices, and tomatoes, but recipes for maafe (as it's called in Mali) vary hugely.

Collard Greens Braised in Coconut Milk and Tomato

Black cardamom imparts a smoky, camphorous flavor to foods, which I like to use as a subtler substitute for other smoked ingredients. While I realize that for most people who do so, having too many smoked pig parts in their...

Sopa de Platano (Colombian Plantain Soup)

A rich and hearty four ingredient Colombian soup made with fried plantains flavored with onions and cilantro.

Fried Plantains With Black Beans, Roasted Poblanos, Avocado, and Pickled Red Onion

[Photographs: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt] Patacones are the Colombian equivalent of Caribbean tostones—double-fried green plantains. Just like cooking a french fry, you start with a starchy chunk of green plantain, cook it once at a low temperature, then cook it a...

Cashew Cream

I prepared this recipe using a traditional home blender. After 2 to 3 minutes of blending the texture was fairly smooth with hardly any grit. A heavy duty or professional blender (like a Vitamix) will produce an even smoother texture and do it in a little less time as well.

Vegan Spinach and Hominy Enchiladas With Spicy Cashew Cream

Rich and spicy enchiladas stuffed with spinach and hominy with a bright chile verde and smoky cashew-chipotle cream.

Roasted Sweet Plantains With Cream and Cinnamon

My aunt-in-law introduced me to this ultra-simple dessert of roasted sweet plantains enriched with a touch of cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar. As it roasts, it turns custardy soft, taking on an almost pudding-like texture.

Cashew Chickpea Curry

This cashew chickpea curry is perfect for when that Indian Food craving hits. It uses cashew milk to add creaminess instead of heavy cream––and it's vegan!

Chickpea, Coconut, and Cashew Curry

This 30-minute curry is intense with garam masala and ginger cooled by coconut milk and ground toasted cashews.