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Rachel Gurjar head shot - Bon Appétit

Rachel Gurjar

Associate Food Editor

Rachel is from Mumbai, India where she grew up eating a lot of diverse regional food from chaat to chili chicken. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, she moved across the world for school and then worked in restaurants like ABC Kitchen and Public Soho. She continued cooking in catering kitchens and as a private chef in New York for a while, then made the switch and became a test kitchen manager, food photographer, and stylist further exploring her creativity with food. She is currently an associate food editor at BA where she writes and develops recipes that are influenced from her culture and beyond like (marinated mushrooms, scallion-thecha, lamb keema tacos). In her free time you will find her eating street food, learning and teaching Bollywood dances to her coworkers—just ask Christina Chaey!

Masala Rice

Warm spices, a spritz of lime juice, and 10 minutes are all you need to serve a brighter, flavor-spiked side of rice.

Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops With Watercress

Quick-cooking pork chops get a leg up thanks to a speedy, sweet-and-salty pan sauce that feels a lot more dressed-up than it is.

Chicken With Schmaltzy Red Pepper Vinaigrette

Rendered chicken fat forms a flavorful base for the pan sauce that doubles as a punchy, tangy vinaigrette in this one-pan dinner.

Creamy Mushroom and Green Bean Masala

This comforting, richly spiced Indian mushroom gravy is great for casual weeknight meals and dressed-up dinner parties alike.

Plum and Lime Upside-Down Cake

Luscious lime caramel is the star of this gooey, show-stopping, peak summer dessert.

Coconut-and-Lemongrass-Braised Short Ribs

Meltingly tender short ribs braised in a rich coconut-milk-based sauce stay bright thanks to Thai flavors and fresh lime. Be sure to make plenty of rice!

Oniony Brothy Beans

Cozy beans are just what you need to kickstart fall. Serve with crusty bread to soak up all the saucy bits.

Easy Fish Tacos With Spicy Sauce

Keep this 20-minute taco recipe featuring pan-seared fish fillets, a lime-infused slaw, and a creamy, spicy sauce in your back pocket for busy weeknights.

Crispy Chickpea and Cucumber Salad

Crunchy cucumbers can become a full-on dinner once you lean on pantry staples like seeded crackers to bring in the texture and fun.

I Have High Standards For Vada Pav—Here's How I Developed My Ultimate Version

Thanks to four key elements, this vada pav takes me right back to Mumbai.

Peach and Prosciutto Sandwich

Juicy sweet peaches are leveled up with chili crisp and vinegar, becoming the star ingredient in this summer sandwich that’s sure to be your next picnic MVP.

Citrus Slushy

Frozen citrus pieces make the base of this refreshing slushy that is salty and sour with a slightly spicy kick!

Blistered Cherry Tomato Toast

Turn summer’s bounty into a full meal with some blistered cherry tomatoes, cooling yogurt, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze piled on top of fried bread.

Vada Pav With Dry Coconut-Garlic Chutney

This battered and deep-fried potato patty on a bun is the carb-on-carb-on-carb snack of our dreams.

Garam Masala Is a Spice Mix, an Heirloom, and an Act of Love

In an attempt to replicate the flavor, joy, and love of my mom’s, I made my own

Rachel's Mom's Garam Masala

Just a sprinkle of this hot, warm, and sweet spice blend will enhance any dish—especially when you take a few minutes to make it yourself.

Saucy Tofu With Garam Masala

Kick your weeknight tofu up a notch by frying it until crisp and tossing it in this tangy, spice-forward sauce.

Tangy Tomato-Chile Popcorn

Tomato powder makes a simple umami-packed seasoning you’ll want to lick off your fingers while you’re snacking.

Skirt Steak With Scallion Thecha

Packed with garlic, scallions, and a hot green chiles, thecha is a spicy and fragrant Maharashtrian condiment that’ll jazz up any dish—including steak.

Coconut-Mango-Lime Barfi

One bowl, no-bake, and make-ahead-friendly? This South Asian dessert is all that—and chewy, tangy, and fruity too.