Customer Reviews

Secrets from an Indian Kitchen

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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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.

I checked this cookbook out from the library and now I'm going to buy it. I've tried many different Indian cookbooks and recipes, but never with such success. All of the recipes I have made over the last month from the book have turned out delicious. The book also teaches you about different spices, how to cook them effectively, and it also educates the reader on different Indian cooking techniques. It does take the average cook out of his/her comfort zone at times, as I had to make a trip to my local Indian grocery to buy spices I'd never heard of...but it was well worth it! The dishes are amazing and when I've made them for friends my guests have been amazed. I guess my only criticism is that I wish the cookbook told more about where the different dishes originate (Northern India, Southern India, etc.). The author mentions geographical distinctions for a few of the recipes, but I'd love to know more about the history of the individual dishes.

I am not an Indian, neither am I well-exposed to Indian food. I recognise only a few dishes, finding most of them unfamiliar. Nevertheless, some unfamiliar ones are interesting enough for me to want to try cooking them. However, I am put off as I do not know how the dish should turn out. Not all recipes in this book are accompanied by pictures; there are only a few pictures interspersed between pages of recipes.