Simply cooking rice in coconut milk instead of water adds a whole new dimension of flavor. Since coconut is a tropical fruit, coconut rice is traditional to southern Indian, southeast Asian, and Latin American cuisines.
Crudités is a French term that refers to raw vegetables, so a platter of crudités typically consists of one or more types of vegetables served with one or more dips.
Dal is the Indian term for lentils, and in cooking refers to any of the many Indian dishes made with lentils. There are many variations ranging from simple to complex; this recipe is on the easy side.
Dips are so versatile. You can keep one in the fridge for an easy snack, offer a couple at a drinks party, or serve half a dozen different ones for an informal, interesting dinner.