Crispy masala tofu with lemon rice and raita

Here's a fun party trick: If you soak tofu in salted boiling water, it will crisp up better in the pan than if you press it (and will taste better). In this recipe, craggy hand-torn chunks of tofu are tossed with cornstarch and garam masala and pan-fried into shatteringly crispy morsels--no deep frying required. The tofu is the centerpiece of this bowl, served alongside two more Indian-inspired dishes that play off one another: a streamlined riff on South Indian lemon rice dressed with cashews, cilantro and turmeric, and a tangy, vegan tomato raita with a kick of green chile.

Warm, sweet, spicy flavors and crispy, creamy, soft textures come together in a bowl that's equally at home on a weeknight or at a small gathering.