Rajma Chawal (Red Kidney Bean Curry with Rice)

Rajma Chawal (Red Kidney Bean Curry with Rice)

Difficulty:★★★☆☆ 1842 kcal

This North Indian home-style dish is a traditional favorite in Punjab and Delhi. The tomato-onion gravy is rich and spicy, the slow-simmered kidney beans become soft and flavorful, and mixed with hot rice it's warm and filling. Beans are rich in protein, dietary fiber and trace minerals, making for a balanced meal. It's simple and beginner-friendly, taking about 40 minutes of cooking, though the dried beans need to soak 8 hours in advance. A rich, homey flavor that tastes like mom's cooking.

Shaking Oil Eel Strips

Shaking Oil Eel Strips

Difficulty:★★★☆☆ 556 kcal

This is a classic Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai home-cooking dish. The eel strips are tender and smooth, the garlic aroma is rich, and the sauce is slightly sweet. After pouring the hot pork lard over it, the fragrance overflows, making it very appetizing. Eel is rich in high-quality protein and DHA, making it nutritious. This dish requires some skill in knife work and heat control; the difficulty is moderate, and beginners may need a little practice. From prep to serving, it takes about 40 minutes.