The finished stew should be decidedly sour, tamarind's calling card, but you're in control of how puckery things get. You can sub other vegetables or simplify the array, but be very careful not to overcook...
Shepherd's pie is usually made with ground lamb, but it's easily riffed on. This ground chicken version adds ginger, habanero, lime, and Angostura bitters.
Think meatless has to mean boring? These delicious patties, made with earthy portabella mushrooms and hearty kasha, defy the bland reputation of vegetarian burgers. A fiery dollop of chipotle mayonnaise...
The Thai-inspired dressing-tart and spicy and salty-plays up the sweetness of watermelon and berries while keeping the fruit salad firmly in savory territory.
Enough cannot be said of the Sri Lankan delicacy black pork curry. Its spiciness comes from the black pepper and its black color from the roasted curry powder and roasted coconut.