Food World Cuisines South Asian Cuisines Indian Cuisine Luscious Lamb Biryani, Spiced Carrots with Whipped Feta, and More Recipes From Cheetie Kumar The superstar Raleigh chef layers so much flavor into main dishes, sides, and your new favorite staples. By Kat Kinsman Kat Kinsman Executive Features Editor, Food & Wine Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Published on August 27, 2024 Close Photo: Greg DuPree / Food Styling by Emily Neighbors Hall / Prop Styling by Christina Daley Chef and restaurateur Cheetie Kumar became a beloved fixture of the Raleigh, North Carolina, restaurant scene, with her community-inclusive and James Beard Award nominated Ajja, and her now-shuttered (and much-missed) restaurant Garland. Get to Ajja as soon as you can to enjoy live concerts in the backyard (Kumar herself is the guitarist in the band Birds of Avalon and co-owns a music venue with her partner), and in the meantime, indulge in flavorful lamb biryani, sumptuous summer squash casserole, a spiced carrot and whipped feta dip that'll be the star of any party — and the clever building block recipes that will become staples in your own home. Tinfoil Swans Podcast 01 of 06 Lamb Biryani Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Nidia Cueva "It’s like shepherd’s pie but way sexier," says Cheetie Kumar of this stunning biryani. "If you can make coq au vin or a braised brisket, you can do this." Though she understands that a home cook might be initially intimidated by the many steps, smart tips like buying fried onions and pre-cubed lamb cut down prep time without sacrificing a single lick of flavor. Get the Recipe 02 of 06 Grilled Summer Squash Casserole Victor Protasio Make this Punjabi ratatouille-style casserole once, and you'll be mad at all the months when summer squash isn't in season. The addition of cubed paneer can easily glow up this side dish to entree status. Get the Recipe 03 of 06 Spiced Carrots with Whipped Feta Greg DuPree / Food Styling by Emily Neighbors Hall / Prop Styling by Christina Daley Bring these spiced and caramelized carrots with tangy whipped feta to a party and you immediately rule the dip table. Urfa pepper brings smoky, sweet heat to the fore, and Kumar recommends slicing and toasting sourdough to smear it all over. Get the Recipe 04 of 06 Saffron-Rosewater Milk Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Nidia Cueva This quick and simple whole milk is an essential ingredient in Kumar's biryani as well but easily pulls double duty as a flavor and moisture enhancer in a whole host of dishes. Don't be daunted by the notoriously pricey saffron — a wisp goes a very long way. Get the Recipe 05 of 06 Masala Paste Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Nidia Cueva A homemade masala paste is one of the elements that lends luxurious heat to Kumar's biryani. The meld of creamy cashews, toasted spices, and fruity Kashmiri chiles is a perfect foil for rich lamb and rice, but you'll find yourself getting creative and using it in every dish under the sun that could use a little kick. Get the Recipe 06 of 06 Spiced Yogurt Marinade Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Nidia Cueva Another level of flavor comes from Kumar's tangy yogurt marinade. Garam masala, black pepper, cumin, fennel seeds, mace, and more spices bring warmth to the mix while whole-milk yogurt breaks down the proteins in lamb, goat, chicken, and other meats to make them impossibly tender. Get the Recipe Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit