I love sweet potatoes. They have an earthy sweetness that is so comforting. This is a very simple curry to make, as the author says, ready in 20 minutes. The curry is mildly sweet with a hint of chilli; it is rich, thanks to the mashed sweet potatoes that act as a thickener. The potatoes are soft and the star of the curry, their flavour pervading the sauce. It is simple, elegant, and perfect with white or sticky rice. I added a few sticks of lemongrass to the curry; they were

In India, we know of the Paan leaf, Betel leaf, Piper betle , a chew that is beloved by the nation. It is used as a wrap with calcium hydroxide, catechu (which gives the red colour), and araca nut seed, and often with rose jam (gulkand) for a sweet version. There are more varieties, some with tobacco, and various other spices and herbs. These are always chewed raw, and the taste of the beetle leaf is pungent. And then I discovered, with Naomi at her home, Miang kham, the Laot

Tofu came to Vietnam from its neighbour, China, centuries ago. It rose to prominence due to Buddhism. Tofu serves as an essential part of...