Customer Reviews

Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen

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I run a literary website that among other things offers book reviews. We do not consider either self-published or vanity-published books for review in order to manage our in-flow and also to avoid having to toss what are for the most part poorly-written, poorly-printed books. I've seen far too many bad books in my roles as book reviewer, book editor, and now editor-in-chief at different publications to believe that books outside the commercial realm have much to recommend them.

But in April of 2010, when I attended the annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, I came across a booth staffed by a single person. This is always the sign of a self-published author and I usually avoid any eye or body contact (because I am wearing a press badge) until I can get past. One booth stopped me, however, and it proved to be the author of this book and her husband. Even from a distance I could see what appeared to be a fabulous cover. (I am also a long-time book design judge for a national contest.)

Upon opening a sample copy, I proceeded to browse, and discovered, to my absolute delight, one of the most fabulous coffee table-style cookbooks (but with a strong, practical bent) I have ever had the privilege of seeing. (You can bet I bought it--and within five minutes of seeing it.) The family had invested in superb photography, excellent cover and interior designers, copy editors and proofreaders--all the complement a woman who really does cook all these dishes and knows how to share her recipes with those unfamiliar with the cuisine.

The book is large, heavy, and the paper used on both the cover and the interior pages is rich and luxurious. It perfectly matches the warm coloration of the photographs and the dishes that often contain a saffron yellow hue. Even the end papers are an extraordinary photograph of the various herbs and spices used in Indian cooking. The title and TOC (Table of Contents) pages are wonderfully designed yet the necessary information is cleanly and clearly presented. The book is divided into the following categories. The Introduction, Elements of Entertaining, and Indian Cuisine parts provide practical information on non-food aspects such as style and design, themes, preparation and planning, invitations, menu, table setting, china and so on. While the author does not insist that you buy special dishes or silver, she does point out that small changes (such as napkins, flowers, or table accessories) are an easy and inexpensive way to change the look of your table.

Her discussion of Indian cuisine is only a couple of pages long, yet in that brief space she manages to elucidate the different food choices for different areas and the reasons why those exist. You'll learn why yogurt, pickles and chutneys are important as are papadams and vadiams (wafers).

She also offers suggestions for twelve different parties (or feasts) ranging from a casual "Snack & Chaat Party" to elegant Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners. Each "party" section begins with opulent pictures showing the setting, food before beginning with the menu itself and the recipes.

Since it is summer as I write this, the Barbecue Party seems appropriate to detail. "While barbecuing is a time-honored tradition in America," she writes, "Punjab is the only region in India where tandoor ovens are used to cook meat and bread outdoors." Sound good? It should. Recipes for her outdoor party include Manog Salsa & Chips, Meyer Lemon Lemonade, Iced Tea with Saffron and Cardomon (I can personally vouch for this!), Pomegranate Margaritas, and Mango Margaritas. Entrees include Barbecued Whole Fish, Lamb Kabobs, Tamarind Glazed Pork Ribs, Tandoori Chicken, Corn Seekh Kabobs, Paneer and Vegetable Kaboks, Grilled Vegetable Chaat, Grilled Spicy Naan. There are two dessert recipes: Kulfi and Spiced Fruit Salad.

One need not (nor would one) make everything, but it is all there. Plus, the recipes are written out extremely well. It begins with the number of servings, then a bulleted list of ingredients in bold), and finally the directions. There is almost always a large, clear photograph of the actual dish so you can see what you are going to get. And the spices are always clearly laid out. If you can make a particular spice like Tamarind Paste, she notes the page on which you will find that recipe.

This book is a kind of hybrid, that is, it is both a sensuous gift book and a practical cookbook. Don't hesitate to take this into the kitchen and get spills on it while making its recipes because those splotches will only enhance the look. If you are an adventurous cook (though you need to have some knowledge it is enough to be a "mid-list level cook) you will love this book. I doubt there is any better.

In her debut book, Komali presents a rich and magical guide to Entertainment and fills a crucial niche in the cookbook market. Browsing through the book is like embarking on a delightful journey that combines the irresistible aroma and seductively-spiced Indian food with incredibly gorgeous photographs. Filled with over 500 delicious and approachable recipes, this book offers a comprehensive guide to dishes from all the regional cuisines of India and western cuisines. This book will make my Christmas shopping easy!

This book is so very beautiful to look at and read that it is worth buying even for someone who has no plans to cook or entertain.

It is filled with splendid recipes, clear instructions and fabulous photographs.

I have bought three copies so far as gifts in addition to the one I keep for myself. Each of the recipients has been just delighted by this impressive work.

I had my doubts when I ordered this cookbook, but now I am in AWE with the results! :) The recipes are a GG!

I bought this book after seeing it at the LA Times Festival of Books. It is beautiful; the first cookbook I own that can double as a coffee table book. I like the glossary for those not native to Indian cooking, as well as the notes the author has throughout the book regarding the recipes and local customs of the different Indian states. My husband is chomping at the bit for me to cook this entire book, and I look forward to adding these recipes to my regular cooking rotation. It has also inspired me to put more effort into the display of my food and table presentation for gatherings. The pictures are wonderful inspiration for my home and garden.