CAULIFLOWER RICE PILAF

CAULIFLOWER RICE PILAF

SERVES 6 I was the official rice maker in my family, and I perfected a water-measuring technique that involved placing my thumb against the bottom of the pan, just like my Sitti (“grandmother” in Arabic) taught my mom. I took great pride in my fluffy rice, and it was...
VELVETY BUTTERNUT SQUASH

VELVETY BUTTERNUT SQUASH

SERVES 4 to 6 The word “casserole” is so unassuming and suggestive of “stuff from cans,” it hardly seems appropriate for this dish. It’s almost a confection, made of pillows, clouds, and whispers. It starts as a puree that, while not bad on its own, is still just...
GREEK BROCCOLI

GREEK BROCCOLI

SERVES 2 to 4 Banish boring broccoli! In the time it takes to microwave a bag of frozen stuff, you can whip up this fresh side dish that brings the sun-dappled shores of the Aegean right into your kitchen. The tender broccoli and tangy-sweet tomatoes relax in a sauce...
CUMIN-ROASTED CARROTS

CUMIN-ROASTED CARROTS

SERVES 2 to 4 “The Incident” in my elementary school cafeteria left me cooked-carrot averse. (Think mean lunch lady, waterlogged carrots from a can, tepid milk, and force feeding.) But my mom introduced me to the sweet goodness of roasted carrots and saved the day....
MASHED CAULIFLOWER

MASHED CAULIFLOWER

SERVES 2 to 4 I grew up in diner country, where creamy mashed potatoes were a standard side dish that almost defined a balanced dinner. (Hello, meat and potatoes!) This cauliflower proves that starch is not a requirement for comfort. Snuggled under a hearty beef stew...