You can never have too many cookbooks but you also only need one or two to become a pro in the kitchen with an arsenal of recipes up your sleeves. Over the past few years, I’ve amassed quite a few cookbooks as I’ve developed a sort of fascination with learning different cooking tricks and tips. I find cookbooks extremely helpful on that front. Every cookbook author has his/her own unique ways in the kitchen and it’s fun to pick up unconventional ways of doing things.
I recently got my hands on a copy of ‘The Great Indian Thali’ by Nandita Iyer who is a doctor, nutritional expert, wellbeing advocate, and columnist. In the past 15 years, she has written three books on health, nutrition, and food. She is also the founder of the popular blog ‘Saffron Trail’ that has many healthy, vegetarian recipes. I had wanted to buy this book when I was in Delhi, India, some time ago but I had already bought way too many books so I had simply put it back on the shelf. Despite being enthralled by the pictures in the book, I thought the thali was something Nepalis didn’t need help with and I wouldn’t be missing out. But now I know how wrong I was.
Though the book, at the beginning, teaches you to make steamed rice, dal, khichdi, green chutney and the likes (recipes you’d roll your eyes at), it also has recipes of many other dishes that you’ve only enjoyed at restaurants or when traveling and never thought of making yourself. You’ll learn to make a variety of dosas, pickles, sweets, and snacks. The recipes are also categorized according to the season so you know which dish is most suited for which weather. I’d never come across a cookbook that has done this before. It shows how Iyer views food: as something that can work as medicine when taken in the right form and time.
One thing I like about cookbooks is their ability to double as decor or a coffee table book. The Great Indian Thali is no different. This beautifully illustrated and bound hardcover book is a visual delight. With colorful pages separating each section and full page photographs of food, the book is a fun one to just flip through when you are in need of some kitchen inspiration. There are great, heartwarming recipes of snacks, soups, and desserts that you can quickly whip up in minutes. The ingredients are clearly listed out and the instructions are easy to follow. There are many handy tips as well that will make you a pro in the kitchen. All in all, The Great Indian Thali, which feels like a culinary tour of India, is a must have if you are looking to eat healthy and want to learn how to make some delicious vegetarian food at home.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123509645-the-great-indian-thali
The Great Indian Thali
Nandita Iyer
Illustrations: Abhilasha Dewan, Anita Verma
Published: 2022
Publisher: Roli Books
Pages: 191, Hardcover
