From Bengal to Punjab: The Cuisines of India

Rating:
Summary: Great introduction to Indian cuisine
Review: Echoing another reviewer, this is by no means a comprehensive examination of Indian cuisine. The cuisines of southern India tend to be neglected in favor of more familiar Mughal recipes. Smita Chandra addresses regional cooking more equitably in her "Cuisines of India." Also, the recipes contained in "From Bengal to Punjab" are not grand recipes that would be served as a centerpiece at a banquet; they are simple, basic recipes which are easy to make but not dazzling.

If you keep that in mind, you will find this a most satisfying cookbook, which will introduce you to the basic components and techniques of Indian cooking. I have used this cookbook for over 10 years, and have always been happy with the results.

The cookbook is inexpensive, well laid out, and the recipes are very easy to follow. There are virtually no ingredients in these recipes that you cannot find in most good urban market these days, which reflects the rising popularity of ethnic cuisines. If you are interested in learning the basics of Indian cuisine, then this is a very good cookbook to use for that purpose.

Rating:
Summary: Great introduction to Indian cuisine
Review: Echoing another reviewer, this is by no means a comprehensive examination of Indian cuisine. The cuisines of southern India tend to be neglected in favor of more familiar Mughal recipes. Smita Chandra addresses regional cooking more equitably in her "Cuisines of India." Also, the recipes contained in "From Bengal to Punjab" are not grand recipes that would be served as a centerpiece at a banquet; they are simple, basic recipes which are easy to make but not dazzling.

If you keep that in mind, you will find this a most satisfying cookbook, which will introduce you to the basic components and techniques of Indian cooking. I have used this cookbook for over 10 years, and have always been happy with the results.

The cookbook is inexpensive, well laid out, and the recipes are very easy to follow. There are virtually no ingredients in these recipes that you cannot find in most good urban market these days, which reflects the rising popularity of ethnic cuisines. If you are interested in learning the basics of Indian cuisine, then this is a very good cookbook to use for that purpose.

Rating:
Summary: Practical, easy, delicious, 'just-like-mom's food' recipes!
Review: From Bengal to Punjab is an excellent Indian cookbook. There are almost 200 recipes, each with clear instructions, many with comments on regional characteristics and suggestions for use as part of a meal. Best of all, these are dishes full of honest flavors, rather than the watered down or too simplified spicing that other Indian cookbooks often feature. The preparations are straightforward, and not at all fussy. The chapters on dals and vegetables are the best I have found (the Chickpeas with Tomatoes and Chana Dal with dried fenugreek leaves are addictive.) There are fewer meat recipes, but these include a wonderful, rich Rogan Josh and an Attu Kari (lamb in a Madras style) that greatly improves on a similar recipe I have in another book. The chapter on seafood has some delicious shrimp recipes and a fish recipe, in which fish fillets are marinated in a fresh coriander masala, that is simply the best I have ever tasted. A real bonus is a whole chapter of some 20 barbecue or tandoori recipes. If you enjoy cooking Indian food, you will want this book.

Rating:
Summary: Exotic, flavorful dishes, easy to prepare
Review: The Fenugreek Chicken(Murg Methi)is my absolute favorite. This dish is so flavorful and the spice combinations are very soothing for digestion. I accompanied this with the cucumber Raita and the Potatoes & Cauliflower sides, it was outstanding!


Rating:
Summary: Fabulous!
Review: This book is a great book to start with if you're interested in Indian cusine.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Indian Cuisine
Review: This book is absolutely excellent. You will need some specialty spices, but each recipe is easy to follow and produces fabulous results. I've had this cookbook for about a year and have not found a single recipe that I didn't like. Don't expect this food to be the watered-down generic version - these recipes are spicy, flavorful and exciting.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Indian Cuisine
Review: This book is absolutely excellent. You will need some specialty spices, but each recipe is easy to follow and produces fabulous results. I've had this cookbook for about a year and have not found a single recipe that I didn't like. Don't expect this food to be the watered-down generic version - these recipes are spicy, flavorful and exciting.

Rating:
Summary: A good book for the beginner only
Review: This book is well written and organized (as one would expect from this author) and I'm not sorry I bought it, but it is not a star of my collection. The beginner will find it an excellent overview and introduction to east Indian cuisine, but it provides very little that is new for the serious collector of Indian cookbooks.

Rating:
Summary: Delicious Indian cuisine at home!
Review: Three years ago, I purchased this book wishing to recreate dishes that I had at local Indian restaurants and to save money. I got more than I bargained for! Since then I bought several other Indian cookbooks, but I cook from this book most often. I no longer need to go to restaurants to taste Indian cuisine because I can cook better! Everything I cooked so far were delicious; I have impressed my Indian friends! Legume and vegetable sections are especially good for people who wants to have more vegetables in their diet and enjoy them too. I think many recipes are from northern India. Ms. Chandra gives menu suggestions and how to vary a dish with her charming writing style. Thank you Mrs. Chandra!