Name: Spinach in Yogurt Sauce
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Yield: Makes 6 servings (as part of a large meal)
Ingredients: 3 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided; 1/2 small onion, chopped; 1 pound spinach, coarse stems discarded and leaves finely chopped; 1 small fresh green chile, such as serrano, Thai, or jalapeño, slit lengthwise with stem end intact; 2 tablespoons water; Salt; 1 cup plain yogurt (not Greek-style); 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1/8 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes; 10 fresh curry leaves (optional)

Image may contain Plant Furniture Dining Table Table Bowl Food Produce Meal Dish and Vegetable

Spinach in Yogurt SauceJohn Kernick

Pachadis are lightly cooked South Indian salads, often involving yogurt. This was my grandmother's recipe, and it remains a feature of my core repertoire because it's so simple and unusual at the same time. This recipe is part of our menu for Sadhya, a South Indian feast.

Cooks' Notes:

•Indian ingredients can be mail-ordered from Kalustyans.com.
•Chile can be removed during cooking when the dish is spicy enough for your taste.
•Spinach-yogurt mixture, without spiced oil, can be made 1 day ahead and chilled. Reheat before proceeding with recipe.

Recipe notes

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Meatball Tagine

Warming harissa and cinnamon, briny olives, and sweet dried fruit make up the flavorful base for this weeknight-friendly take on tagine.