Book Review: ‘Flavours of India’ by Neela Kaushik and Shibani Sethi

Book Title: Flavours of India: Heirloom Recipes from India’s Kitchens
Edited by: Neela Kaushik and Shibani Sethi
Publisher: Aleph Book Company
Number of Pages: 200
ISBN: 978-9365233384
Date Published: May 13, 2025
Price: INR 549

Book Review

“Flavours of India: Heirloom Recipes from India’s Kitchens” is a vibrant and heartfelt culinary anthology that celebrates the dazzling diversity of Indian home cooking. Edited by Neela Kaushik and Shibani Sethi, this collection brings together heirloom recipes from kitchens across the country, each accompanied by intimate personal stories. The book is thoughtfully organized into sections-Beverages, Vegetarian Snacks, Dry Vegetables, Curries, Chicken, Mutton, Seafood, Pickles and Chutneys, and Sweets-making it both a practical reference and a delightful journey through India’s culinary landscape. The editors’ careful curation ensures that each recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it is a window into family traditions, regional cultures, and the memories that food evokes.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its narrative approach. Each recipe is prefaced by a short memoir from the contributor, recalling the sights, smells, and emotions tied to the dish. For instance, Neela Kaushik’s recollection of Panagam-a spiced jaggery drink offered during prayers-transports readers to her childhood evenings in Tamil Nadu, filled with ritual and familial warmth. Similarly, Ambika Rikhye’s Bael ka Sherbet and Munmun Mukherjee’s Borhani are not just recipes but stories of mothers, friends, and festive gatherings. These vignettes infuse the book with nostalgia and authenticity, making it as enjoyable to read as it is to cook from.

The recipes themselves are accessible and clearly written, with detailed ingredient lists and step-by-step methods. The contributors represent a wide range of regions and communities, ensuring that both familiar classics and lesser-known gems are included. From the tangy Aam Panna of Uttar Pradesh to the comforting Rajasthani Bajra Raab, the book showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Indian home cooks. The inclusion of tips, serving suggestions, and notes on ingredient substitutions further enhances the usability of the book for modern readers, whether they are seasoned cooks or novices.

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To sum up, “Flavours of India” is more than a cookbook-it is a celebration of heritage, memory, and the enduring power of food to connect generations. Its blend of evocative storytelling and practical guidance makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen or coffee table. Whether you are seeking to recreate the tastes of your childhood or to explore new regional specialties, this anthology offers both inspiration and instruction. It is a testament to the richness of Indian culinary traditions and the love that sustains them.

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