Savoring India: Recipes and Reflections on Indian Cooking

Rating:
Summary: Exquisite
Review: This book is almost too beautiful for words and as one other reviewer mentioned it is a great introduction to the culture of Indian food. Try hot, freshly made chapatis with a generous helping of lemon pickle, simple and delicious. Of course, there is more to these culinary traditions than can be fit in one book. That is why you should buy Julie Sahni's other books as well! As for the reviewer with the maple syrup complaint. First off, Vindaloo is not a traditional North Indian dish, it's pure Southwestern Indian. A dish from the Portuguese Catholics of Goa. Second, maple syrup makes an excellent substitute for the raw Indian sugar traditionally used. So it creates authentic flavor with a not so authentic ingredient.

Rating:
Summary: A fascinating culinary tour
Review: This book takes those who have never been to India on a fascinating culinary tour and is bound to make the rest of the readers (who have been there) nostalgic. It starts with a brief history of India. Rest of the book is divided by meal courses. As the author explores each course, she gives simple but delectable recipes, each classified by state. Unlike Julie Sahni's other bestsellers ("Classic Indian Cooking" and "Classic Indian Vegetarian and Grain Cooking"), this book has large vivid color photos that are sure to impress. Another feature that distinguishes this book from most others are the recipes of snacks and fast food sold by street vendors in India. The interesting tidbits on Indian history, culture, customs, traditions, festivals and ingredients are sprinkled across the book to make the reading even more enjoyable. Recipedelights.com highly recommends this book to foodies, cooks, and armchair travelers.