Serrano Chile

A spicy Thai take on a classic party dish.

(Coriander, Ginger, and Chili Lassi)Lassi is a refreshing yogurt drink that is very popular in its native India and Pakistan.

Bright and fresh, this sauce is also fantastic over broiled salmon or scrambled eggs.

(Savory Stuffed Pastries)

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Pipián Verde con Pollo Serve with Classic Red Rice and tortillas.

These cheese-stuffed corn tortillas, baked under a blanket of warming pinto beans and topped with tangy sour cream, are the perfect post-holiday breakfast.

Pescado Zarandeado Although you can broil the fish, it is at its best when cooked outside (placing the fish in a grill basket makes it easier to turn over on the barbecue). Ask the fishmonger to remove the head and scales and to clean and butterfly the fish.

This recipe yields enough dressing for both the seafood salad and the rice .

This chutney is great with sautéed scallops, grilled shrimp, or grilled lamb. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

In Indonesia, the term sambal encompasses a wide range of condiments and side dishes. Our version gets its sweet and spicy flavor from pineapple and chiles. Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 50 min

This three-in-one dish (chicken, rice, and soup) originated in Hainan, a tropical island off China's southern coast, and has become a culinary staple in Malaysian culture.

This light, spicy soup is delicious hot or chilled. The sautéed aromatics turn the broth a rich red-orange, more reminiscent of tomato than watermelon. See if your guests can guess the main ingredient. Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 1 hr (3 hr if serving chilled)

Japanese bread crumbs, called panko , give these cakes a light, crisp coating. Panko is sold at Asian markets and can often be found in the seafood section of large supermarkets. But if it's unavailable, plain dry bread crumbs are an acceptable substitute.

Chalupas Poblanas de Pollo Look for tightly stacked tortillas in packs of 50 (they can be frozen). They are pressed tightly together to retain moisture and freshness and are available in Latino markets and some supermarkets. Delicious tortillas can also be mail-ordered from Maria & Ricardo's Tortilla Factory (800-881-7040). Other Mexican ingredients are available at Mexican markets and many supermarkets. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 40 min