IndianRava DosaThin, lacy, crisp semolina crepes flavoured with cumin, pepper and curry leaves. No fermenting is needed, so you can go from pantry to plate in under an hour.55 min·Serves 4
IndianPrawn MasalaJuicy prawns simmered in a thick onion and tomato masala with cumin, coriander and a little kasuri methi. It's ready in under an hour and goes well with rice or roti.50 min·Serves 4
IndianKerala Fish MoileeA mild, creamy Kerala fish curry where firm white fish gently poaches in coconut milk with ginger, green chillies and turmeric. Quick to make and lovely with plain rice or appam.40 min·Serves 4
PakistaniChicken MacaroniTender chicken and macaroni tossed in a spicy tomato masala with capsicum, black pepper and lemon. A quick, filling family dinner with a Pakistani flavour.45 min·Serves 4
PakistaniKaleji Masala (Goat Liver in Onion-Tomato Masala with Ginger and Green Chilli)Tender cubes of goat liver cooked quickly in a thick onion-tomato masala and finished with fresh ginger, green chilli and lemon. Ready in under an hour and lovely with hot roti.55 min·Serves 4
PakistaniShikanjvi (Pakistani Lemon Drink with Roasted Cumin, Mint and Black Salt)A cooling, tangy-sweet lemonade spiced with roasted cumin, black salt and fresh mint. It takes ten minutes to make and is the drink to reach for on a hot afternoon or at iftar.15 min·Serves 4
PakistaniLassi (Sweet and Salted)Thick, cooling Punjabi-style yogurt lassi with two easy versions: a sweet one scented with cardamom and rose, and a salted one with roasted cumin and mint. Ready in ten minutes.10 min·Serves 4
PakistaniHari Chutney (Fresh Coriander and Green Chilli Chutney)A bright, sharp green chutney of fresh coriander, green chilli, garlic and lemon, blended in minutes. Serve it beside samosas, kababs and pakoras, or spread it in sandwiches.10 min·Serves 8
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
PakistaniMint Raita (Pudina Raita with Roasted Cumin)A cooling, pale green yogurt side with fresh mint, roasted cumin and a little green chilli. Serve it beside biryani, pulao or grilled meat to calm the heat.12 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
PakistaniChicken Roll ParathaTender spiced chicken strips, a cool mint-yogurt sauce and crunchy onions rolled inside a flaky, golden paratha. It's a filling street-style snack you can make at home in under an hour.1 h 15 min·Serves 4
PakistaniZeera Rice (Pakistani Cumin Rice)Fluffy basmati rice tempered in ghee with toasted cumin, a few whole spices and a slit green chilli. It's a simple side that goes well with any daal, curry or karahi.1 h 2 min·Serves 4
PakistaniPrawn KarahiJuicy prawns tossed quickly in a tomato, ginger and green chilli masala until the oil glistens. A fast, punchy karahi that suits a weeknight dinner with hot naan.42 min·Serves 4
ChineseChicken Fried RiceDay-old rice stir-fried hot with chicken, egg, peas, carrot and soy. Faster than ordering in.25 min·Serves 4
PakistaniMasala OmeletteThe dhaba-style omelette: eggs beaten with onion, tomato, green chili and coriander, cooked thin and folded.10 min·Serves 1
ItalianSpaghetti Aglio e OlioSpaghetti tossed with garlic gently fried in olive oil, chili flakes and parsley. Five ingredients, fifteen minutes.17 min·Serves 2
GreekGreek SaladChunky tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives and a block of feta, dressed with olive oil and oregano.15 min·Serves 4