The Essential Vegetarian Indian Cookbook by Pavani Nandula - [Book Review]

Book Details:

Title: The Essential Vegetarian Indian Cookbook 

Author: Pavani Nandula

Genre: Vegetarian Cooking, Indian Cooking, Cookbook

Print Length : 208 pages

Publisher : Rockridge Press

Source: A free review copy from the author

Blurb:

Authentic Indian cooking comes home―125 classic and flavorful vegetarian recipes

Simply put, spice is the true essence of Indian cuisine. With The Essential Vegetarian Cookbook, you’ll learn how to master the magic of mixing simple herbs and spices like cumin and turmeric with fresh vegetables, legumes, grains, and dairy to create irresistible layers of flavor.

From Vegetable Korma to Paneer Makhani, this complete vegetarian cookbook gives you everything you need to get started simmering up these diverse and versatile dishes. Whether you crave Indian food and want to re-create your favorite mouthwatering meals at home or you’re trying to switch to a smarter, healthier way of eating, this is the perfect guide for you.

This standout vegetarian cookbook delivers:

125 Plant-based recipes―Discover dozens of delicious family favorites and lesser-known vegetarian fare that cover a wide range of regional Indian cuisine.
A straightforward approach―This vegetarian cookbook offers precise, easy-to-follow prep instructions and easy-to-find ingredients.
The basics―Explore Indian cooking techniques, kitchen and pantry essentials, expert tips, and more.

Spice up mealtime, anytime with this essential vegetarian cookbook full of real Indian flavors.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review :

The Essential Vegetarian Indian Cookbook is for those who want to try Indian cuisine and learn the basics of Indian cooking.

Spices play an important role in India cuisine, hence Pavani covers the information about the different spices used in the cuisine and introduces the readers to different types of lentils , legumes, cooking techniques and kitchen equipment required in the first chapter.

The book is divided into multiple sections to cover the basics, appetizers, recipes with egg and diary, main course dishes, chutneys, salads, desserts and spice blends.

There is a glossary, measurement conversions and menu ideas at the end of the book.

My Favorite recipe from the book is Kadai Paneer. 

Pavani explains the masala preparation ahead which can be stored for the future preparations. Paneer is the favorite for most of the vegetarians and Kadai paneer blends the spice and the creamy rich flavor of tomatoes very well. 

Tried this today and it came out so well. We had the curry with Indian flat bread rotis and kids too liked the curry.

I am planning to cook this dish for special gatherings and family meals as well.

What I liked about the book?

I liked some unique recipes like Stuffed Bell peppers with Aloo, Zucchini dry curry, Spicy Seviyan, and Coconut ginger chutney. 

I loved the meal plan ideas at the end of the book which are good for a simple family meal or a special buffet meal.

The process to prepare Paneer and Sambar masala are very useful for everyday cooking and planning. 

Appetizers mentioned in the book are interesting. I might love to try Okra fries and Vada Pav.

My Rating: 5/5

I recommend this book to the beginners in Indian cooking. It might be helpful for people like me as well who know the basics of Indian cooking and want to try the unique recipes that I mentioned above.

PS: I have received this review copy from the author in exchange for a review and this is my honest opinion of the book.

About the Author:

PAVANI NANDULA is the cook, creator, and photographer behind Cook’s Hideout, a top Indian food blog that she founded in 2006. Her recipes have been featured in BuzzFeed, Brit + Co, and Country Living. She lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and two kids. Find her online at CooksHideout.com and follow her on Instagram @cooks_hideout.

Until next time,

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