Name: Spiced Coconut Carrot Soup
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon coriander seeds; 2 tablespoons virgin coconut or extra-virgin olive oil; 1½ pounds carrots, peeled, chopped (about 4 cups), plus 1 carrot, thinly sliced; Kosher salt; 2 red chiles, such as Fresno or cayenne, seeded, chopped; 1 large shallot, chopped; 1 1-inch piece ginger, peeled, finely grated; 4 garlic cloves, chopped; 2 teaspoons curry powder; 1 15-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk; 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; Crushed red pepper flakes, toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions, and/or cilantro leaves (for serving); A spice mill or mortar and pestle

Image may contain Food Dish Meal Bowl Curry Stew Soup Bowl and Soup

Photo by Alex Lau, Styling by Chris Morocco

Puréed soups are easy because they don’t require lots of knife work... but they can also be boring. Amping up the seasoning and topping with crunchy shaved vegetables and bright herbs makes it clear that this one's not baby food.

Recipe notes

Quick Butter-Braised Tomatoes and Dumplings

Store-bought dumplings, fresh tomatoes, butter, and soy sauce simmer away for dinner in a flash.

Baan Mae’s Thom Khem Thaohu

Slowly caramelized sugar, sweet lychees, warming spices, and fiery ginger create the perfect base for tofu to simmer in.

Silken Tofu With Black Bean Garlic Sauce

A homemade black bean sauce is better than anything you can find in the grocery store. Plus, the 15-minute dinner you can make with it.

Coconut Chicken Katsu With Smashed Cucumbers

These crispy cutlets feature a coconut-breadcrumb coating and sriracha mayo. Pair with a bright cuke salad to turn into a meal.

Pad Kra Pao

This fast stir-fry dish pairs minced pork and fragrant basil with hot Thai chiles and a crispy fried egg.

Cold Matcha Noodles

Matcha tints this refreshing noodle dish a delightful green hue—and imparts its characteristic grassy flavor.

Mar i Muntanya

The original surf-and-turf, this rustic Spanish dish combines tender seafood and beefy meatballs in a thick, savory stew.

Jalapeño Popper Skillet Tacos

Roasted poblanos, jalapeños, and red onion are coated with a melty sauce—warm with the flavors of pepper jack, and stabilized with a block of cream cheese.