frying

Golden, crisp-edged fingers of choux-style dough, fried and soaked in a lemony, rose-scented syrup. They are crunchy outside, tender and almost custardy inside, and are served cold.

Ground beef worked with crushed rice, onion, and herbs, shaped into small meatballs, fried until golden, then simmered gently in a fresh tomato sauce. Known in Egypt as koftet rozz (rice kofta), this is a staple of everyday Egyptian cooking and a particular favorite during Ramadan, when it's often served with a side of fried rice.

One of Morocco's great sweet-savory dishes: lamb simmered slowly with prunes, cinnamon, and honey until it turns almost jammy, finished with a scattering of golden fried almonds. This home-style version is a simplified take on mrouzia (m'rouzia), the festive tagine traditionally prepared for Eid al-Adha with leftover mutton from the sacrifice. Grander versions lean on ras el hanout and saffron, but everyday home cooking often pares the spicing down to cinnamon alone, as it is here.

Peanut chicken noodles are a satisfying Australian-style stir-fry inspired by the flavors of Southeast Asian satay. Tender chicken thighs are seasoned with coriander, cumin, and turmeric, then tossed with chewy Hokkien noodles, crisp vegetables, and a creamy peanut and coconut sauce. Lime, sweet chili, and soy sauce balance the richness with brightness, sweetness, and a savory edge. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this is the kind of multicultural cooking that has become a familiar part of the Australian food scene.

Fresh, elegant, and full of sunny flavor, this asparagus side dish turns a handful of simple ingredients into something special. Tender spears of asparagus get a quick stir-fry until bright and crisp-tender, then meet a golden shower of buttery breadcrumbs kissed with fragrant orange rind. A scattering of fresh tarragon and delicate flakes of Parmesan bring it all together with an aromatic, savory finish. It's a dish that celebrates the joyful, unfussy spirit of Mediterranean cooking, where fresh produce takes center stage.

Quick, glossy, and bursting with flavor, this spinach side dish is a lovely reminder that simple greens can steal the spotlight. A warm dressing of rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and fresh ginger coats tender spinach until it just wilts, while a shower of toasted flaked almonds adds a nutty crunch. It's a dish that captures the fresh, vibrant spirit of Asian home cooking, a perfect fast, flavorful companion to almost any meal.

Glossy, savory-sweet, and irresistibly fragrant, teriyaki beef is one of Japan's most beloved gifts to the dinner table. Thin slices of tender beef fillet soak up a rich marinade of mirin, light soy sauce, and brown sugar, all brightened with fresh ginger, garlic, and a nutty hit of sesame. Sweet baby corn cooks right alongside the beef, catching those caramelized edges, while the leftover marinade simmers down into a luscious sauce to drizzle over the top. A scattering of thinly sliced green onion adds a fresh, crisp finish.