Modern Spice: Inspired Indian Flavors for the Contemporary Kitchen Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First, I must admit that the author is a friend, and that I worked with her on this book. But please don't let that make you think that any praise I give the book is unearned. Believe me, if this book had fallen out of the sky into my kitchen I would also love it.
Why?
Reason #1: The recipes WORK. I'm lucky enough to know that Monica tests her recipes, and has people with all different levels of cooking skill test them, too. And she won't let a recipe go until everyone can make it. So even if you are a novice cook, you *can* make these dishes. And if you are already skilled in Indian cooking, you just might find a simpler way to make something you love. Case in point: the recipe for Cream of Wheat and Paneer Pancakes (page 200). When I read it, I recognized it immediately as idli. But where is grinding the grains for it? Where is letting the batter sit overnight (or longer) to ferment? Gone! But what you get is a delicious pancake that works as a side, as a bread, as the basis for a meal.
Reason #2: She is there to guide you through things that might be new to you. It might be a bit much to call this a "Mastering the Art of Indian Cooking," but there is very helpful information about ingredients and techniques that might be unfamiliar. And again, even if you think you know all about them, you just might learn something.
Reason #3: This really is a book for *modern* cooks. Who has time to grind spices, and make complicated multi-day recipes? Very few of us. But even the simplest, quickest recipes are so full of flavor, you'll almost feel guilty at how easy they are. There is no such thing as a recipe that is too simple, as far as I'm concerned, not if the people I serve it to eat up every last bit! When I told the wife of one of my cousins about this -- she's an engineer who was born in the United States to parents from India who live now in North Carolina -- she exclaimed, "I would love that. And my mom would LOVE it, too!"
Reason #4: This is more than "just" a cookbook. Monica writes beautiful essays that may touch your soul, or remind you to call a friend you haven't spoken to in too long, or make you forgive your spouse for a silly argument, or let you marvel at how wonderful simple cooking can be. Even if you never cook anything from this -- although I can't imagine not wanting to -- you can sit with it and have a glass of wine or a cup of tea and lose yourself in her writing.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Modern Spice: Inspired Indian Flavors for the Contemporary Kitchen

Click here for more information about Modern Spice: Inspired Indian Flavors for the Contemporary Kitchen

Read More...

Secrets from an Indian Kitchen (Secrets from a Kitchen Series) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I checked this book out from the local Library, as I'm a fan of Indian food and wanted to try my hand at cooking it at home. I came to Amazon to see if I can find a copy to purchase, as I didn't want to return it! The recipes are well-explained, the reasons for procedures are given so you're not flying blind. I loved the variety of dishes, each with its own introductory tale. I've improved my repertoire of Indian dishes, and have this book to thank. Luckily I have many ethnic markets easily accessible, as many ingredients are not to be found in supermarkets, though this has been improving as well.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Secrets from an Indian Kitchen (Secrets from a Kitchen Series)

'Secrets from an Indian Kitchen' is part of an exciting series of cookery books which will now be released at incredible value in paperback. The books reveal the tried and tested secrets passed down from generation to generation through families. These tips and techniques are the key to successful cooking. In this book Mridula Baljekar explores the subtle flavours of Indian cuisine in over 100 recipes, through techniques such as dim (steaming), korma (braising) and talana (deep-frying). The selection of exquisite recipes includes Pulao Rice and Chappaties, Chicken Korma with Whole Spices and the more exotic Quails Poached in Coconut Milk. Mridula's highly readable text also reveals the secrets that create the delicate aromas that distinguish Indian dishes, and one of her tips is to fry curry leaves in coconut oil to create a delicious aroma. The book is divided into chapters by cooking method and each section opens with an introduction about the method in which Mridula draws on her Indian background and the secrets passed on to her from earlier generations.

Click here for more information about Secrets from an Indian Kitchen (Secrets from a Kitchen Series)

Read More...

My Indian Kitchen: Preparing Delicious Indian Meals without Fear or Fuss Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)While having lived in America for a few years before I moved back to India, I have often had my colleagues and friends make statements like,"No other cuisine frightens me more in the kitchen than Indian food. Don't get me wrong, I love eating it, but preparing it from scratch is a whole other thing! So, I've been putting off the idea of cooking Indian food at home forever..."
This book is a boon to all similar-thinking novice chefs, the hostess who wants to entertain and impress her guests with exotic Indian food,the busy working mother, the 'supermom' homemakers and anyone else who loves to cook! The recipes in this book are made simple, yet carry the exotic anecdote that is often associated with Indian cooking. Hari Nayak has his own indigenous way of making sure that there is no compromise on taste and flavours, even when he is substituting Indian exotic ingredients with produce locally found in America. This is not an ordinary book, you will see. Not only does the book contain great recipes, it also contains simple techniques and trivial tricks and tips with which conjuring up a delicious Indian menu will be easy as a breeze. It is an exhilarating read which really showcases the diversity of Indian cuisine, various elements and seasons that catalyse certain dishes that we make. The ornamental motives embedded in the layout, and the spectacular food-photography in this book, makes it a visual appeal.
I also like the fact, that each recipe has a small history to it, making it all the more personal and offering you sort of a peek into the chef's mind, while he was probably putting the book together.
The steps in each recipe are comforting, re-assuring and easy-to-follow. Each of them come with recommendations of pairing with complimenting courses, accompaniments and even drinks, making it more convinient for you to plan a full fare.
The book is so comprehensive,that, it probably is, the only Indian cookbook (even though I stay in India!) I'll ever need to stay in "MY Indian Kitchen".


Click Here to see more reviews about: My Indian Kitchen: Preparing Delicious Indian Meals without Fear or Fuss

In My Indian Kitchen, author and chef Hari Nayak shares the secrets of his family's style of southern Indian cooking as well as favorite dishes from other parts of the huge Indian subcontinent—secrets that he learned from his mother and aunts, neighbors, local street vendors and countless friends. It is full of hunger-inducing recipes and simple tips that will allow even the novice cook to succeed at unlocking the "hidden magic" of Indian cooking.With the recipes in this book, consistently delicious Indian food at home becomes a reality. From a perfect Mint Chutney with Samosa to a melt-in-the-mouth Chicken Tikka Masala, to Pork Vindaloo, Tandoori Chicken and Sweet Mango Yogurt Lassi, traditional Indian meals without hours and hours of work can be achieved. Having lived in the West for many years, Hari understands the time for meal preparation is limited. To accommodate our busy lifestyle, the recipes in this book have been simplified, without sacrificing any of their authenticity. With Hari's guidance and timesaving tips, the ability to create Indian meals appealing to the individual tastes of the home cook can, finally, be achieved.

Click here for more information about My Indian Kitchen: Preparing Delicious Indian Meals without Fear or Fuss

Read More...