When two of the best comfort foods on earth love each other very much, the result is this spicy, funky, cheesy, one-pot dinner. (Thank you to my husband for the inspired idea.) Mapo tofu–ifying the meaty base for Midwestern chili mac—as the name suggests, a cozy blend of chili and elbow macaroni—adds tons of savory … Read more
If a brownie and a cheesecake had a baby, it’d be these cream-cheese-stuffed brownie cookies. A combination of melted chocolate and Dutch-process cocoa powder gives the cookie dough a deeply fudgy texture. Bite in to reveal a soft core of sweetened cream cheese filling. Err on the side of underbaking the cookies. They’ll continue to … Read more
These Middle Eastern meat-stuffed pitas get their earthy, spiced flavor from a scoop of baharat, a blend typically composed of cumin, allspice, black pepper, with further additions depending on the blend (baharat means “spices” in Arabic, so the components change from mix from mix). Finely chopped shallots add bulk to the ground beef and ensure … Read more
Noodles and Filling 1 lb. dried lasagna noodles 1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more 2 large eggs 8 oz. fresh ricotta (about 1 cup) 1 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about ½ cup) 1 cup finely chopped baby spinach (about 2.5 oz.) 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper 1 tsp. garlic … Read more
Cocoa powder and Old Bay seasoning combine to create a spice mix that turns nearly black when cooked yet tastes complex and anything but burnt. If using Creole seasoning instead of Old Bay, look for a blend like Tony Chachere’s or Zatarain’s that contains salt. But if yours doesn’t, add ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or … Read more
Cocoa powder and sweet potatoes might sound like an unexpected combination, but this recipe proves they’re actually a match made in heaven. Instead of doubling down on sweetness, the cocoa powder acts as a foil, taming the candied character of the root vegetable. Immediately adding the sesame seeds and cocoa powder to sizzling hot brown … Read more
“My partner, Cherry, and I agree that broccoli is best when kept really simple,” says Silver Iocovozzi, chef at Neng Jr.’s in Asheville, North Carolina. Here large pieces of roasted broccoli make a great fork-and-knife side for a party, particularly when doused in a bright, savory, funky sauce made from dill, citrus, and fish sauce. … Read more
“I learned this recipe from my mother,” says Silver Iocovozzi, chef at Neng Jr.’s in Asheville, North Carolina. Large shell-on shrimp cook quickly (but gently thanks to the shell that prevents them from getting tough or rubbery) in a bath of Old Bay, butter, and a bit of celery for color and fresh crunch. “It’s … Read more
Every simple stir-fry needs a hero ingredient to make it shine. In this speedy recipe, it’s a crispy coconut and garlic topping you’ll want to eat by the spoonful. Straining the oil from the toasted, crunchy mixture does double duty: It keeps the topping from going soggy as it cools, and it allows you to … Read more
Step 1 Place a rack in upper third of oven; heat broiler. Heat 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Add 1 cup panko and 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt. Cook, stirring often, until panko is golden brown and crisp, about 3 minutes. Transfer to … Read more