Showing posts with label spices. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spices. Show all posts

The Cooking of India (Foods of the World) Review

The Cooking of India (Foods of the World)
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I bought this book in 1976 and used it several times with good results, then it fell into the back corner and out of sight.
Today I'm looking at this book again with renewed interest. The writing about culture and food in this book is really outstanding. The recipes are simplified for the American cook and may lack some authenticity but work very well.
Nice intro to Indian cooking.
Fabulous reading. Particularly enjoyed a discussion on breakfast foods (p 62).

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Classic Indian Cooking Review

Classic Indian Cooking
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Some eight years ago or so, I decided to try to impress both my vegetarian and non-vegetarian friends by making them some authentic Indian dishes. The only thing was, I had no real idea of what I was getting into, as almost all of the Indian food I had eaten had been in restaurants in London and the East Village in Manhattan.
Somehow I found my way to purchasing "Classic Indian Cooking." Slowly and methodically, I then made my way through the very helpful discussions about such things as roasting and crushing spices and herbs and techniques for preparing onions, garlic and ginger root as bases for various curry dishes.
I've since learned that this cookbook was ranked last year as one of six all-time cooking "bibles" by the New York Times. I can see why. It's not a picture text (although there are some helpful illustrations); it's a text for teaching yourself a wholly different cuisine whose fundamental cooking techniques may be completely foreign to many home chefs in the United States, although that seems to be changing.
There are some simply astonishing recipes in this book. You will need to take your time though, because they can be complex and may require preparation of recipe components a day ahead of the time you plan to serve your meal. You should take Julie Sahni's words to heart that cooking should be a "relaxing" enterprise.
If pressed to choose a favorite recipe, it would have to be "Keema Bhare Bandh Gobhi" (meat-stuffed cabbage rolls with ginger lemon sauce), which has a vegetarian counterpart in "Aloo Bhare Bandh Gobhi" (same cabbage rolls, but a vegetarian version stuffed with a spicy potato filling). The extraordinary taste of this meal cannot be found in any Indian restaurant of which I am aware (they tend to stick to a small repertoire of established recipes that in no way define the range of cuisine actually available in India). I have seen these cabbage rolls almost voraciously consumed. That--in my book--is the mark of a great meal.
So, my friends over time have been duly impressed and I must say that I've become a much better cook because of "happening" across this true classic of varied Indian cuisines. Hope you have as much fun with it as I have had over the last eight years!

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This extraordinary cookbook, Classic Indian Cooking, amounts to a complete course in Indian cuisine. Elucidated by over 100 line drawings, it systematically introduces the properties of all the basic spices and special ingredients of Indian food, then explains the techniques employed in using them, always with the help of comparisons to familiar Western methods.
It is immediately obvious that Indian food is rich and varied, yet not difficult to prepare. The cooking principles are basic and wellknown. The utensils needed are few and simple. As Julie Sahni says, "If you know how to fry, there are few tricks to Indian food." Every recipe has been especially designed for the American kitchen -- practically all the ingredients can be found in any American supermarket and there are scores of time-saving shortcuts with the food processor and handy directions for ahead-of-time preparation.
Following a lively and absorbing introduction to the history of India's classic Moghul cuisine, Julie guides the cook through the individual components that make up an Indian meal. She begins with delicious appetizers like Crab Malabar and Hyderabad lime soup; continues through main courses, both nonvegetarian and vegetarian (this book is a treasure trove for the non-meat eater); goes on to all the side dishes and traditional accompaniments, from spinach raita and lentils with garlic butter to saffron pilaf and whole wheat flaky bread; and ends with the glorious desserts, like Ras Malai, sweetmeats, and beverages. Clear, illustrated, step-by-step instructions accompany the cook through every stage, even for making the many wondrous Indian breads, both by hand and with the food processor. And at the end of each recipe are balanced serving suggestions for every kind of meal, Among the many special features are ideas for appropriate wines, a useful spice chart, a complete glossary (which might also come in handy when ordering in Indian restaurants), and a mailorder shopping guide that will make Indian spices accessible anywhere.
Most important, Julie Sahni imparts the secrets to mastering the art of Indian cooking. Even the beginner will quickly learn to move within the classic tradition and improvise with sureness and ease.
Julie Sahni has written a masterpiece of culinary instruction, as readable as it is usable, a joy to cook from, a fascination to read.


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The Spice and Herb Bible Review

The Spice and Herb Bible
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One of the great mysteries in life is how some people seem to have the natural ability to combine food ingredients to make the most delicious meals you've ever tasted. It's the same food that everyone else prepares, so what's the difference? Could it be those who excel at cooking and preparing meals have mastered the art of flavor by educating themselves better about what spices and herbs can do to the foods they make?
In my opinion, that's EXACTLY what they have done and now you can learn the art of doing this too with "The Spice and Herb Bible."
Written by Ian "Herbie" Hemphill, an Australian man with over four decades of working in the spice and herb business, this hefty and colorful 608-page book is the most comprehensive book of information you will find on bookstore shelves today about virtually any spice and herb in the entire world. Who better to tell you about these ingredients to spice up your low-carb like than Herbie?! The man is a living legend in the industry and stands ready to share his wealth of wisdom with others.
Herbie has traveled all over the world to identify and introduce the most unique and exotic herbs and spices you'll ever put inside your mouth. He knows his stuff too serving his customers at his wildly popular Herbie's Spices store in Sydney, Australia.
"The Spice and Herb Bible" includes three different sections that you can jump back and forth from to locate the information you need:
First, you will be educated about "The World of Spices" with a historical and educational journey to an entirely different culture of this incredible industry. You'll learn about the difference between spices and herbs, how they are made, and where they are turned into the secret ingredients of some of your favorite foods.
Second, the education continues in the "Spice Notes" section with an alphabetical listing of over 100 spices. You'll be provided with invaluable information about each, including the origin, other common names for the spice, the official botanical name, which family of spice it comes from, and what the spice is called in other languages (this was pretty neat!). Page after page of information with gorgeous full-color photos of the spices and herbs themselves will keep you captivated for hours and hours.
Third, if you feel the gumption to mix and match spices yourself, then Herbie shows you how in "The Art of Combining Spices" section. Because Herbie knows you'll get the itch to start cooking and experimenting with this newfound knowledge, he provides nearly 60 pages of delicious recipes using both common and rare spices and herbs for your enjoyment courtesy of his daughter Kate who created them. They are magnificent!
I had the privilege of trying a few of Herbie's spices for myself and was quite impressed. The Lemon Myrtle Leaf Ground complemented chicken very well for a pleasantly tangy flavor while the Australian Forest Berry Herb provided a hint of sweetness to what would otherwise be a rather drab meal. Both the Exotic Moroccan Blend of Ras El Hanout and the Chermoula Moroccan Rub were perfect ingredients for adding some zip to just about any Mexican dish you are serving.
Get yourself a copy of "The Spice and Herb Bible" and never settle for dull and drab meals ever again. Spice up your life with some flavorful herbs!

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The classic reference - expanded and in full color.Professional chefs and home cooks use spices and herbs to enhance food flavors and to create new taste combinations and sensations. From vanilla beans to cinnamon, from cumin to tarragon, no kitchen is complete without spices and herbs.The second edition of this classic reference is significantly expanded, with four new spices and herbs as well as 25 additional blends. The book is now printed in full color and features color photography throughout. Every herb and spice has a handsome and detailed color photograph to make identification and purchasing a breeze. The book includes fascinating and authoritative histories of a wide range of global herbs and spices such as angelica, basil, candle nut, chervil, elder, fennel, grains of paradise, licorice root, saffron, tamarind, Vietnamese mint and zedoary.The Spice and Herb Bible, Second Edition, includes 100 spices and herbs and 50 spice-blend recipes. It is an essential resource for any well-equipped kitchen.

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Culinaria Southeast Asia: A Journey Through Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia (Cooking) Review

Culinaria Southeast Asia: A Journey Through Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia (Cooking)
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Superb explanation with spectacular photos. The only draw back is that it lacks the Indian aspects of food in Malaysia. The Indian community and it's food forms part of Malaysian culinary and was totally left out in this book. It talks about the Chinese and Malay though leaving out the other major ethnic group comprising Malaysia.

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Food and culture are inexorably tied together. The Culinaria series reports on every aspect of the cuisine of a country within the context of the people who created it. One of the most successful series in cook book history, these new editions are updated with the guidance of first-class chefs, and come in a durable flexi-cover format to withstand abuse while spending time in the kitchen. The teams behind each Culinaria volume spend months in the region they are working on, allowing them time to fully absorb all of the food and drink a country can offer. Profusely illustrated with spectacular photography and abundantly peppered with authentic recipes, these volumes are a treat for both the mind and the palate. Learn about the history behind the dishes, their cultural significance, and how to prepare them. Beautiful photographs take you on a tour from the local villages to inside the kitchen where you will find the final product.Enormous variety of magnificent photographs and tempting recipes together with knowledgeable text that is easy for readers and cooks of all skill levels to understand.

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Cooking with Spices for Dummies Review

Cooking with Spices for Dummies
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I picked this item up in order to learn what I needed to know about spices and how to use them in cooking. It's a rather short book, but that can be undestandable being that it's a book "for dummies". I learned a lot in this book, only knocking it down a star for not being thicker...it's a light read for amatuer cooks.

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Cooking with Spices For Dummies is an easy guide to flavorful, spicy food inspired by classic dishes from the U.S. and around the world. In this book, you will find descriptions of the most common whole & ground spices, spice blends, fresh spices, aromatics and spicy condiments including the basic spices every kitchen needs and how to select and store spices. Learn quick fixes and ìdamage controlî for common spice mishaps and expand your culinary expertise with 100 recipes plus variations for spice rubs and mixes, marinades, salsas & salads, main courses, vegetables, sides, breads, and beverages. You get that and much more, such as a 16-page color insert of photos and line drawings throughout the book. Cooking with Spices For Dummies will show you how to effectively combine spices and complementary ingredients when cooking different ethnic cuisines to help you spice up your life!

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Spice Up Your Life: The Flexitarian Way Review

Spice Up Your Life: The Flexitarian Way
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I've been drooling over the recipes in this cookbook for a while. So I decided to try the Spicy-Sweet Deviled Eggs for Easter. They were amazing!
I also ventured to make Coleslaw Tempered with Coconut for Easter. The funny story with that recipe is that I had the pan too hot and I completely burnt the spices. The kitchen filled with smoke, and set off the alarm. So watch the heat! Making it the second time I got it right and it tasted wonderful.
I was really interested in this cookbook because I'm trying to cook healthier. Flexitarian is what it sounds like: a mostly vegetarian diet that is flexible enough to allow occasional lean meat proteins. It appealed to me because it allows me to add more vegetables to my diet while still allowing for chicken and fish in the main dishes. I also enjoy this cookbook because it's adding new flavors into my cooking repertoire. There are only so many nights you can make Italian or Mexican for dinner.
Everything I've made from the cookbook has been exceptional. The only problem I'm having right now is deciding which recipe to try next!


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Too often we are forced to sacrifice taste for healthier fare. With these low-fat recipes rich with savory spices, bland health food is a thing of the past. Focusing primarily on fruits, grains, and vegetables with selected protein, these dishes will have you enjoying each meal without the guilt! From appetizers and sauces to main dishes and desserts, every meal is covered in this instructional, step-by-step cookbook. Kick it up a notch and add a little spice to your cooking with Spice up your Life!

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Anjum's New Indian Review

Anjum's New Indian
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Author Anjum Anand relates an old Indian saying in this book, "A guest is like god" and any of her Indian Food Made Easy recipes would be worthy to put on a party menu for entertaining. They are colorful, succulent and rich with history as well as spices and other exotic ingredients.
Yes, it's true that the recipes in this well constructed cookbook will have you going in search of things like cardamom pods, garam masala, curry leaves and Goan red spice paste. But Los Angeles-based India Sweets and Spices ([...]) can prove a wonderful resource companion to this delicious cookbook.
Indian food gets too short shrift in many culinary annuals, but Anjum Anand does a wonderful job of shining the spotlight on new and old recipes from her homeland.


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Herb Mixtures & Spicy Blends: Ethnic Flavorings, No-Salt Blends, Marinades/Dressings, Butters/Spreads, Dessert Mixtures, Teas/Mulling Spices Review

Herb Mixtures and Spicy Blends: Ethnic Flavorings, No-Salt Blends, Marinades/Dressings, Butters/Spreads, Dessert Mixtures, Teas/Mulling Spices
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While mainly a book of recipes of blends, the Introduction also contains good information on drying your own fresh herbs, seeds, and freezing fresh herb; as well as helpful information on storing herb mixtures. An added bonus is are helpful suggestions on packaging blends for gifts. There are recipes for appetizers, butters, dressings, no-salt blends, meat, seafood,traditional blends such as Italian, Pumpkin pie spice, bread and dessert blends; and some "not so traditional" such as "Wassail Spice Mix", for a punch. I especially like this book because after each formula there are suggested uses and a recipe using the blend. Each page also has a little history about where the blend comes from. Good Book!

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Field Guide to Herbs & Spices: How to Identify, Select, and Use Virtually Every Seasoning at the Market Review

Field Guide to Herbs and Spices: How to Identify, Select, and Use Virtually Every Seasoning at the Market
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Part of a series which also includes guides to Produce, Meat, Cocktails and Stains, this useful and attractive little book contains a wealth of information on herbs from Angelica to Wild Lime Leaf and spices from Ajwain to Wasabi.
Set up like a field guide - with color plates in the center, along with the guide to the icons - each entry includes Other Names, General Description, Season, Purchase and Avoid, Storage, and Recipe.
Anyone who glances at this will find a place for it on the kitchen shelf. The recipes alone are likely to win you over, from Creole Mustard Sauce (mustard seed), Carrot Currant Salad (rosemary) and Veal with Myrtle. For those who want to try Shrimp with Calamint, say, or Indian Naan with Negella Seeds, online sources are listed at the back of the book.
The entries themselves are packed with information from origins and history to special preparations and seasonal considerations. A truly terrific little book.
--Portsmouth Herald

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Herbs and spices make everything taste better but can you tell your thyme from your sage? Do you know the difference between dill and rosemary? Where can you find hyssop or rose geranium?
Field Guide to Herbs & Spices is here to help. With color photographs of more than 200 different international seasonings, you'll soon be flavoring your dishes like a pro. Award-winning chef Aliza Green shows the basic history of these spices (saffron used to be worth more than gold!), its season (if applicable), names in other languages, a recipe featuring the seasoning, and much more. This handy field guide will make all of your meals complete!

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Spice: Recipes to Delight the Senses Review

Spice: Recipes to Delight the Senses
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While perusing the library I stumbled upon this incredible book (which I later purchased due to it's great content). After thumbing through the pages I was instantly intrigued by the use of Asian ingredients with dishes ranging from meats, noodles, soups, appetizers and deserts. All using ingredients that I like to employ in my everyday cooking.
The first recipe that caught my eye was a Ahi Tuna over Spinach and Homemade Anchovy Aioli. It was incredible and one of my favorite recipes in the book. All of the recipes I've tried are imaginative and complex in flavor. As I type this I have a Spicy Vegetable stock for a Turmeric and Lemongrass Noodle dish on the stove.
Warning to those who only shop at the not-well-stocked American grocer: many of these recipes call for ingredients you simply will not find. But, if you feel like being adventurous, give it a try. There are also a lot of online grocers for a variety of ingredients should you live in a small town.


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Many people use the bare minimum when it comes to spicing up their food, sticking with the standards of salt and pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg, oregano and basil. But spices should be a sensual feast that enlivens the palate, seduces the taste buds and tantalizes the mind. Spice is anything but dull, a cookbook love affair with the exotic and under-appreciated, and draws on spices and aromatics from countries such as Sri Lanka, Japan, Singapore, Tunisia, China, Thailand and Mexico.Spice includes a plethora of delicious recipes such as Saffron Prawn Risotto, Asparagus and Fragrant Curry Sauce, Smoked Eggplant and Spicy Masala Sauce, and Tangelo Cardamom Ice Cream. With a comprehensive spice index, a description of the wide variety of spices available today and a huge selection of recipes including everything from appetizers to drinks and desserts, Spice will add zest to everyone's palate.Praise for Spice:"Christine Manfield evokes rich aromas and luscious flavours from the very first page...The recipes, from traditional Thai pastes to Manfield's own exotic inventions, are exceptional." - Marie Claire

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Balti: Curry Cookbook (Curry Club) Review

Balti: Curry Cookbook (Curry Club)
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Unlike a lot of Indian cook books this delivers restaurant style recipes and techniques as opposed to traditional home cooking. It contains a very tasty basic balti spice mix and a selection of variations on the main balti theme. Not only does it have all this but also a good introduction to the basic Indian techniques such as bargar, bhuna and the like. An excellent introduction to Indian cooking, which includes a lot of revealing history of UK Indian restaurant cuisine. However some of the recipes tend to be a bit "samey" as they use the basic balti masala. This is a minor criticism of an excellent book. I also recommend the other Curry Club titles, especially the "Curry Bible".

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Balti or karahi cookery originates from Baltistan in Pakistan. The author provides information on the basic techniques and recipes - such as Balti Chicken Tikka Masala and Balti Jal Frezi. He then suggests many other spicy balti combinations. Sections include seafood, vegetables and accompaniments.

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Heavenly Fragrance: Cooking with Aromatic Asian Herbs, Fruits, Spices and Seasonings Review

Heavenly Fragrance: Cooking with Aromatic Asian Herbs, Fruits, Spices and Seasonings
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The seller did an excellent job in sending this book. It came in time, nicely wrapped and in excellent condition. Thank you. I ordered one more copy.

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Heavenly Fragrance introduces the art of using Asia's most aromatic cooking ingredients to prepare food with wonderful fragrances to excite both the palate and sense of smell. Since over three quarters of what we taste in fact comes from smell, the aromas produced by our food are vitally important to the enjoyment that comes from eating.Inspired by fond memories of fragrant cooking since her childhood days, author Carol Selva Rajah has included in this book a collection of new and traditional Southeast Asian dishes for anyone wishing to serve the best flavors of the East at home. With chapters on aromatic herbs and flowers, aromatic fruits and nuts, and aromatic spices, pastes and seasonings, these recipes will incite the senses and inspire the soul.

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The Spice Kitchen: Everyday Cooking with Organic Spices Review

The Spice Kitchen: Everyday Cooking with Organic Spices
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The Spice Kitchen is a good introduction to the use of spice for those who have been timid of doing so. An apt description from the back cover is that this book is "a fresh new way to make everyday foods more delicious...."
Hence, most of the recipes consist of an already-familiar dish that has been jazzed up with the addition of one or few spices. I find this to be a good approach for those who are inexperienced in using spices. The chance of success is high, compared to something like a complex Indian curry. It also allows the novice to clearly taste the effect of the spice.
Some dishes that illustrate this approach include:
Curried Deviled Eggs with cumin, coriander and turmeric.
Popcorn spiced with Creole seasoning.
Caramel corn with cloves.
Cheeseburgers with ancho chile and lemon zest.
Potato salad with fennel seed and dill weed.
While there are a few recipes that include a more complex blend of spices (Jamaica Jerk Chicken, Tandoori Chicken Skewers with Curry Butter sauce), most recipes are fairly simple. For this reason, cooks already experienced with the use of spices will probably find this book a bit lacking.
The ultimate goal of this book was to provide ways to spice up simple daily home cooking, and it meets that goal. The book is also visually appealing and well-written. Combined with a rack of spices, it would make a good gift for less experienced cooks.

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The Spice Kitchen offers more than one hundred delicious recipes for using herbs and spices to add vibrant flavors to your food at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and any time in between. From Spiced Yogurt and Granola Parfaits, to Strawberry Salad with Cinnamon-Balsamic Vinaigrette, Spiced Guacamole, Tarragon Chicken Potpie, Clove Spiced Caramel Corn, and more, this exciting cookbook is full of inventive recipes, information, and tips for using herbs and spices. Best of all, the recipes are easy and fuss free--a must for busy home cooks who want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time at the family table. And with dozens of full-color photographs and illustrations, The Spice Kitchen is as beautiful as it is practical.The Spice Kitchen changes everything, using herbs and spices to add special twists to favorite family recipes, from macaroni and cheese, to burgers, chicken salad, deviled eggs, and much more. It's the only all-purpose cookbook for spicing up everyday meals. Not just exotic extras, spices from around the world make it easier--and much more fun--to turn out delicious and healthy food. The simple but flavorful recipes and ideas in The Spice Kitchen will make old family favorites new again--and bring everyone to the table.

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Modern Spice: Inspired Indian Flavors for the Contemporary Kitchen Review

Modern Spice: Inspired Indian Flavors for the Contemporary Kitchen
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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.

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The Spice Merchant's Daughter: Recipes and Simple Spice Blends for the American Kitchen Review

The Spice Merchant's Daughter: Recipes and Simple Spice Blends for the American Kitchen
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If you notice the other reviews I think they all know the author personally or have taken her cooking classes at some point. Most of them have only written one review for Amazon and that being this book. A couple of them have written 2 so that leads me to believe that the other reviews while well meaning aren't necessarily unbiased. I would like to offer that review as I do not know the author, have never taken a cooking class nor have been paid by her to review the book.
This is it.
I enjoyed reading the book. While it is a cookbook it is also almost a diary. I enjoyed the first chapter where the author describes her childhood and growing enchantment with spices. I too have a similar memory but in rural Kentucky our smells were fat back and chitlins. Everyone remembers their own sweet smells from childhood. Ms. Arokiasamy does a wonderful job of leading us to hers.
One of my pet peeves is people describing most asian cooking as Thai cooking when in fact it is not. And the author knows that and shows us the differences between broad southeast asian cooking and its traditions. The author suggests introducing these spices slowly so that your family will become accustomed to their taste. I think I've heard you need to expose a child 10 times to a new food before they can truly decide if they like it or not.
She as many recipes for making your own spice blends and suggests adding the spice at the beginning of the cooking process if you want it milder in flavor and at the end if you want it strong. Helpful information to know about any spices.
There are recipes for curry powder, garam masala, fiery curry powder, lemon pepper rub, steak and chop rub. The steak and chop rub was delish. I used it over t-bones and the whole family loved it, even the kids. It was not too harsh and added a different flair. I made mine with Worcestershire but you could use soy as well.
The official review by Amazon included words like luscious photography...that is not so. The book is printed on recycled paper so the pictures look like they've been printed on recycled matte paper. They are not beautiful and not really appealing. There are only a few pictures anyway so it doesn't really add anything.
I would have liked more white space in the book to add my own notes and my own takes on the different spice combinations. But I can still do that if I want.
I hope this provided an unbiased review of the book if you were considering getting it I would suggest you do so. And if I'm ever in the Pacific Northwest I'll have to make a point of meeting Ms. Arokiasamy and taking one of her cooking classes.


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It was the aroma. The exotic scent of spices: rich, alluring, and almost magical. A scent that would sometimes overpower the freshness in the air and sometimes subtly mingle with it to create a tantalizing bouquet. A scent that would always bring me back to my childhood.Growing up enveloped in the aromas of her mother’s spice stall in Kuala Lumpur, Christina Arokiasamy developed an artist’s sense of how to combine and use spices in traditional and innovative ways. In The Spice Merchant’s Daughter, she shares her family’s spice secrets, expertly guiding and enticing home cooks to enliven their repertoires.Christina weaves evocative stories of cooking at her mother’s side with real-world practical advice gleaned not only from working in professional kitchens but also from tackling the nightly task of getting a home-cooked dinner on the table for her family of four using American ingredients. She shows how easy it is to build layers of complex flavor to create 100 tempting Southeast Asian–inspired recipes, including Lemon Pepper Wings, Spicy Beef Salad, Steamed Snapper with Tamarind-Ginger Sauce, Cardamom Butter Rice with Sultanas, and Coconut Flan Infused with Star Anise. She unlocks the transformative power of homemade spice rubs, curry pastes, and sauces, as well as chutneys and pickles, enabling home cooks to bring new depth and dimension to their favorite dishes. With lush photography and a chapter identifying and defining key pantry ingredients and aromatics, The Spice Merchant’s Daughter both inspires and empowers, awakening the senses and unlocking the alluring world of spices.

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Madhur Jaffrey's Ultimate Curry Bible: India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa, Kenya, Great Britain, Trinidad, Guyana, Japan, U Review

Madhur Jaffrey's Ultimate Curry Bible: India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa, Kenya, Great Britain, Trinidad, Guyana, Japan, U
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Madhur Jaffrey is a legend. Her books have helped cooks in the UK recreate the taste of Indian cookery for around 30 years now.
This book starts off with a comprehensive and very interesting discussion on the history of curries and how Indian cookery spread across the globe through the spice trade and emmigration.
In fact it covers more than just curries. The sections are split into:
1. Lamb, Pork, beef, veal and goat
2. Poultry and eggs
3. Fish and seafood
4. Vegetables
5. Dals, beans and split peas
6. Kebabs and soup
7. Rice, noodles and breads
8. Relishes and Accompaniments
9. Special ingredients and techniques
Each chapter is prefaced with a page or two of introductory notes on the topic. Also, what I really like about the book is that interspersed throughout, are notes on topics such as "The Anglo Indian Influence", "The British 19th century curry", "In search of the perfect kebab" "The origins of the Bhuna", "The Japanese love of curry", "The origins of the Korma" and "The story of the goat curry". This stuff is great to read if you are a curry enthusiast like I am!
Recipies are represented from India, Pakistan, Trinidad, Hong Kong, USA, South Africa, Japan, Guyana, UK, Kenya, Bangladesh, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia - so it's truely an eclectic mix. Yet this strength in diversity is also the weakness of the book, as Madhur Jaffrey is an expert in Indian cookery. In her quest to write a "Curry Bible" she steps out of her comfort zone and into more unfamiliar territory - international cookery.
It doesn't quite meet the heights of her earlier works such as "An invitation to Indian cooking" where she is really cooking from the heart, and teaching something she knows and loves. On the whole, the recipies in that book are probably better. All the same, if you are a curry lover like I am, and want to step out of your own "curry comfort zone" and want to try a few non Indian curries, then this book is worth the money. 4 stars.

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This is the most comprehensive book ever published on curries, written by Madhur Jaffrey, the world's bestselling Indian cookery author. The influence of the Indian curry has been far-reaching: Indian immigrants and traders influenced the cooking of many other great cuisines of the world, including those of Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and China. History blends with recipes in this meticulously researched book, which will prove fascinating reading for food lovers everywhere. With over 150 mouthwatering recipes, Madhur starts with the best curry recipes in India today, moves on to Asian curries, and even includes European curry ideas such as French curry sauces. Some recipes have never before appeared in print, such as fish seasoned with tamarind and coconut and lamb braised with oranges. Also included are Madhur's tips for the best accompanying foods - she gives us ideas for rice, bread, chutneys, relishes and sweets - the perfect complement for any curry. Beautifully illustrated throughout, this book is set to become the standard reference book on curries.

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Curry: A Global History (Reaktion Books - Edible) Review

Curry: A Global History (Reaktion Books - Edible)
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I began reading this book thinking that "curry" is just a spice used in Indian cooking. I ended with an education--on history, geography, culinary facts and anecdotes, and delightful cultures.
The beauty and variety of the illustrations, from maps to ancient drawings, richly colored antique product labels, and--of course--mouth-watering photos of curry dishes, made the experience that much more engaging.
This book would be a great textbook for aspiring chefs everywhere. But even those who aren't comfortable in the kitchen can enjoy the interesting history and diverse preparations of curry. Some (maybe me?) may even be tempted to try the historical and modern recipes in the last chapter.


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Curry is one of the most widely used—and misused—terms in the culinary lexicon. Outside of India, the word curry is often used as a catchall to describe any Indian dish or Indian food in general, yet Indians rarely use it to describe their own cuisine. Curry answers the question, "What is curry?” by giving a lively historical and descriptive account of a dish that has many incarnations. In this global history, food writer Colleen Taylor Sen describes in detail the Anglo-Indian origins of curry and how this widely used spice has been adapted throughout the world. Exploring the curry universe beyond India and Great Britain, her chronicles include the elegant, complex curries of Thailand; the exuberant curry/rotis of the Caribbean; kari/raisu, Japan’s favorite comfort food; Indonesian gulais and rendang; Malaysia’s delicious Nonya cuisine; and exotic Western hybrids such as American curried chicken salad, German currywurst, and Punjabi-Mexican-Hindu pizza. Along the way, Sen unravels common myths about curry and Indian food and illuminates the world of curry with excerpts from popular songs, literary works, historical and modern recipes, and illustrations depicting curry dishes and their preparations. A vibrant, flavorful book about an increasingly popular food, Curry will find a wide audience of cooking enthusiasts and hungry fans of Indian food.

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