Yin-Yang Tang Yuan (Sweet Sticky Rice Balls in Soup)
This soothing, sweet Chinese dessert soup of rice flour dough balls stuffed with black sesame seeds in a rock sugar–sweetened broth is typically served during reunions because the round rice balls symbolize harmony and togetherness. Lucky Chow producer Danielle Chang likes to make it as a sweet treat for her Lunar New Year celebration. To keep the dough moistened throughout the assembly process, cover it with a damp towel.
Risotto with Anchovy and Ginger
Marzapane restaurant in Rome flavors this buttery risotto with both salted anchovies and colatura, the deeply savory Italian version of fish sauce. As a surprisingly delicious contrast to the rich risotto, the chef garnishes the dish with candied ginger. Slideshow: More Risotto Recipes
Fennel Risotto
Venice-based blogger Skye McAlpine doesn't add wine to this risotto; this keeps the fennel flavor pure and sweet. Swap a vegetable stock for the chicken broth if you're cooking for vegetarians. Slideshow: More Risotto Recipes
Risotto-Style Penne with Tomatoes and Zucchini Blossoms
Fabio Trabocchi, an F&W Best New Chef, likes this unusual method of cooking pasta in the style of risotto to create a rich, silky sauce. "It works beautifully with small shapes like penne," he says. A really good imported slow-dried pasta will be quite porous, which allows it to soak up liquid bit by bit, just as rice does in risotto; it also means the pasta will maintain its shape as it becomes al dente. Slideshow: More Penne Recipes
Biryani
This mixed rice dish is a staple in Indian cuisine. Whether made with vegetables, chicken or lamb, these recipes all boast eclectic flavors.
Building a Biryani
Once you’ve gathered all the ingredients, making biryani is straightforward and can be done in stages. You can marinate the lamb overnight and cook it in advance—the onions, too. You can prepare the raita a day ahead as well. Assemble the entire dish and pop it in the oven a half-hour or so before you plan to serve it.
