Name: Steamed Catfish in Banana Leaves
Yield: Makes 8 servings (as part of larger meal)
Ingredients: 1 lb banana leaves, thawed if frozen (see cooks' note, below); 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste; 3 tablespoons Thai chicken stock or canned chicken broth; 2 tablespoons nam pla (Asian fish sauce; preferably Thai); 1 1/2 lb catfish fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 1/2 tablespoons toasted rice powder; 3 (4-inch-long) fresh or frozen Kaffir lime leaves (sometimes called bai makroot), very thinly sliced; a large (6-qt) wok with lid; a heatproof plate (just small enough to fit inside steamer rack); a large steamer rack

Steamed Catfish in Banana LeavesGEORGE WHITESIDE

Hor Neung Pla Duk

Active time: 2 hr Start to finish: 21/4 hr

Cooks' notes:

• Fish packets can be steamed 30 minutes ahead. • You can substitute 8 large collard leaves for the banana leaves. Trim stems flush with leaves, then put leaves on pieces of foil cut to size. Mound fish curry on leaves, then fold up leaves and wrap packets in foil to catch any juices. Tie packets closed with kitchen string for steaming.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.