IndianTomato Tamarind RasamA thin, peppery South Indian soup of tomato, tamarind and lentil water, finished with a sizzling mustard and curry leaf tempering. Quick to make and good with rice or on its own.50 min·Serves 4
PakistaniChicken Yakhni (Clear Whole-Spice Chicken Broth Soup)A clear, gently spiced chicken soup simmered with fennel, ginger, garlic and whole spices, then finished with shredded chicken and lemon. Warming, light and easy to make on a cold evening.1 h 15 min·Serves 4
PakistaniKachumber Salad (Crunchy Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad with Lemon and Roasted Cumin)A cool, crunchy salad of cucumber, tomato and red onion with green chilli, coriander and lemon. It comes together in 15 minutes and sits well beside rice, daal or grilled meat.17 min·Serves 4
PakistaniFruit Chaat with Chaat Masala, Lemon and Fresh MintA cool, tangy-sweet bowl of mixed seasonal fruit tossed with chaat masala, lemon and mint. It takes 15 minutes and is a favourite for iftar tables and afternoon snacks.20 min·Serves 6
Middle EasternChicken Shawarma BowlSpiced grilled chicken thigh over rice and salad with garlic-yogurt sauce. Marinate the night before for the best flavour.55 min·Serves 4
PakistaniMasoor Daal with TarkaRed lentils simmered until silky, then finished with a sizzling tarka of cumin, garlic and dried chilies. Weeknight comfort for very little money.35 min·Serves 4
PakistaniChana ChaatTangy chickpea salad with potato, onion, tomato and tamarind chutney. The iftar favourite that works any afternoon.15 min·Serves 4
Middle EasternSilky HummusVery smooth hummus from canned chickpeas, blended with tahini, lemon and ice water.10 min·Serves 6
GreekGreek SaladChunky tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives and a block of feta, dressed with olive oil and oregano.15 min·Serves 4