1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
a 3-inch cinnamon stick
7 whole cloves
5 cardamom pods if desired
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
2 tablespoons milk
spiced, saffron, rice

1 recipe Foamy White Steamed Rice and Bean Dumplings
1 recipe Spicy Lentil and Radish Sauce (follows)

Spicy Lentil and Radish Sauce (Sambaar)
1 1/2 cups yellow split peas (supermarket variety)
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
4 1/2 cups water
1 tablespoon sambaar powder (see tips, below)
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
2 medium-size onions, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
2 cups thinly sliced icicle or daikon radish
2 medium-size tomatoes (fresh or canned), pureed with skin or finely chopped
1 tablespoon dry fenugreek leaves, powdered, or 1/3 teaspoon ground fenugreek seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, or to taste
2 tablespoons light sesame oil or light vegetable oil
4 dry red chili pods
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 tablespoon lemon juice or more, to taste
steamed, rice, bean

Sandwiches
6 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
12 slices sourdough bread

Indian mayonnaise
1 cup packed fresh mint leaves
1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
1 jalapeño chili, seeded, minced
3 tablespoons chopped onion
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1/2 cup mayonnaise
tandoori, chicken,