Recipes: Using avocados for Indian food? Raw zucchini? These unusual dishes really sing
The first bite fills my mouth with unexpected stars. Yes, sometimes dishes surprise me. On paper, the recipes or descriptions may seem puzzling or humdrum, the combination of ingredients failing to sing to my food-loving imagination. But I am always eager to try new concoctions when cooking with talented chefs. Their gifts open my palate to new tastes and textures. Three addictive dishes come to mind; each a scrumptious revelation taught to me by a Southern California chef. Concoctions such as an avocado-centric raita that is so flavorful its delicious teamed with everything from chicken to chips to salad. A bright green rice that is simmered in a pureed mix of fresh herbs and broth. And a meat-free carpaccio that...