Top-Ranking Indian Cookbooks to Delve Into for Authentic Flavors
Dive into the realm of Indian cuisine with these kick-ass cookbooks that'll transform your culinary skills— whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro. Expect regional flavors, diverse recipes, and tips to take your homecooking game to new heights.
Indian cuisine might feel like a daunting challenge, but thankfully, we've got a bunch of fantastic cookbooks that demystify things by breaking down complex dishes and techniques. From teaching lentil varieties to the perfect curry mix, these books are a culinary godsend for home chefs.
While it's impossible to encompass every nook and cranny of India-a colossal country with 29 states and a whopping 1.3 billion people- consideration this a fantastic starting point. This list encompasses not only traditionally Indian cookbooks but also those deliciously influenced by Indian flavors and techniques. Let's get rolling!
"An Invitation to Indian Cooking" by Madhur Jaffrey
Jaffrey is a kitchen legend, credited with introducing Western audiences to Indian cuisine. Her very first foray into cookbook land is a must-have essential, featuring the illustrious food of Delhi. Favorites, like hearty wheat samosas, kheema, and tangy tomato chutney, are highlighted, complete with serving suggestions and a few companion dishes to round out parties. Check it out now
"Indian Cookery" by Sameen Rushdie
This UK-born cookbook, re-released in the US, offers a fascinating exploration of Indian cuisine through flavorful descriptions, stories, and eloquent explanations about each ingredient. The cookbook captivates brainiac home chefs with instruction-centric focuses, eschewing flashy photos for in-depth guidance. Add it to your shelves now
"660 Curries" by Raghavan Iyer
This comprehensive bible of curry recipes is the holy grail you've been craving. Forget about trawling through countless cookbooks—this book is your one-stop destination for curry mastery. Iyer, a renowned cooking instructor, shares knowledge so you'll feel like you're attending cooking school. The contents cover an extensive range of flavors and preparations, appealing to both beginners and experts. Get it now
"Asma's Indian Kitchen" by Asma Khan
You might recognize Khan from Netflix's "Chef's Table." Her mouth-watering debut offers a feast-inspired array of dishes, celebrating Indian culture's enthusiasm for celebrations. As Khan writes in the introduction, "Every meal should be a feast fit for royalty." Tastebud-tingling dishes, like the vibrant beetroot raita, the fragrant saffron chicken korma, and the Insta-worthy mango lassi, are both sophisticated and approachable. Order yours now
"Fresh India" by Meera Sodha
Vegetarian dishes reign supreme in Indian cuisine, making it a paradise for plant-based enthusiasts. Sodha's second cookbook delivers a diverse selection of 130 approachable recipes that'll outshine your salad days. From delectable daals and aromatic curries to zesty pickles, this book provides a refreshing departure from ordinary vegetarian fare. Get it here
"Chetna's Healthy Indian" by Chetna Makan
Calling all GBBO (Great British Bake-off) fans! Makan, a season 5 alum, shares her expertise in healthy Indian family meals. She champions the misconception that Indian food is unhealthy or greasy, introducing flavorful, refreshing dishes with minimal oil use. Get ready to indulge guilt-free with scrumptious dishes like stuffed okra, yogurt curry, and cumin paneer salad. Grab your copy now
"Indian-ish" by Priya Krishna with Ritu Krishna
This playful cookbook puts an irreverent spin on Indian flavors and techniques, blending tradition with contemporary tastes. Family memories, comic pop illustrations and stories, and accessible recipes, like saag feta and roti pizza, make cooking weeknights a breeze. It's a fantastic introduction to standard spices and cooking techniques, giving you a solid foundation for further culinary adventures. Get it now
"Tiffin" by Sonal Ved
Modeled after the iconic stacked lunch box used throughout India, "Tiffin" celebrates the defining flavors of the country's diverse regions. The result is an unparalleled 500-recipe assortment, offering at least one dish representing each of India's states-an impressive feat for Indian cookbooks in the West. Irrefutable standouts include the spicy toast and potato creation, kutchi kadak, and the Sindhi macaroni fav, macrolyun patata. Grab it here
"Season" by Nik Sharma
Sharma's culinary philosophy is all about blending his Mumbai childhood memories with his American life experiences. Through dishes like masala chai apple cake, bacon salt, and bombay frittata, Sharma's cookbook combines flavors from both worlds. The book is also filled with stunning photographs that Sharma took himself, making it ideal for visual home chefs. Order now
"Rasika: Flavors of India" by Ashok Bajaj, Vikram Sunderam, and David Hagedorn
For those longing for the famous palak chaat recipe from Rasika, Washington D.C.'s award-winning modern Indian eatery, your prayers have been answered! However, be warned-some recipes in this book are time-consuming, complex, and require advanced skill levels. But for those up to the challenge, you'll be well-rewarded with mouthwatering dishes like sweet potato samosa purses and an eggplant lasagna that'll change your perception of Indian cuisine. Claim your copy now
In the realm of Indian cuisine, Madhur Jaffrey's "An Invitation to Indian Cooking" beautifully captures the culinary essence of Delhi, offering hearty wheat samosas, kheema, and tangy tomato chutney, immersing readers in traditional Indian foods.
Raghavan Iyer's "660 Curries" is a comprehensive resource, acting as a one-stop destination for curry mastery, catering to both beginners and experts with an extensive range of flavors and preparations.
Embracing the joys of Indian celebrations, Asma Khan's "Asma's Indian Kitchen" features sophisticated yet approachable dishes, such as the vibrant beetroot raita, the fragrant saffron chicken korma, and the Insta-worthy mango lassi, showcasing the Indian culture's enthusiasm for festivities especially rejoiced.
