Indian food can be daunting for the novice cook because of the vast array of spices, cooking methods, and flavor varieties. We are fortunate to have an abundance of cooking books that explain the various kinds of spices, ingredients, and cooking methods to achieve the best dish. It is not possible to encompass the entire list of Indian cookbooks published around the country and the world, but this compilation is just a modest beginning. The cookbooks in this selection range are for first-timers as well as the experienced, so there is something for everyone.
1. An Invitation to Indian Cooking by Madhur Jaffrey
Madhur Jaffrey is known as the "queen of Indian cooking." You can learn a lot about Indian cuisine by purchasing this cookbook. It is largely credited with introducing the world to the country's vast cuisine. There are lots of delicious dals, pickles, and relishes, as well as a variety of formal recipes for parties, in this book.
2. How to cook Indian by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor
Who doesn’t know Chef Sanjeev Kapoor? The celebrity chef from "Khana Khazana" lured millions of viewers to see Indian recipes and try them at home. This book is a compilation of all his best recipes and includes flavors from across the country. It is for all seasons and covers all sorts of dishes, ranging from street food like the samosa to curries and tandoori chicken.
3. 50 Great Curries of India by Camellia Panjabi
If you love curries, then you should have a copy of this cookbook in your bookcase. It’s the perfect introduction for curry novices and contains recipes suitable for a variety of cooking abilities and palates. 50 Great Curries of India was one of the best-selling Indian cookbooks of the century. Camellia Panjabi lives in England and runs the famous MW Eat restaurant chain. In the book, she shares her favorite regional curry recipes with helpful cooking tips. The book has amazing food photography and plenty of recipes inspired by her years spent in India; some of them are Bombay prawn curry, Madras-style lamb, and more.
4. 660 Curries by Raghavan Iyer
Indian cuisine has a vast range of diversity, which has been influenced by culture, weather, and people groups. 660 Curries document the magnitude of this diversity. The author has managed to cover Indian cuisine comprehensively across the breadth of the country. The book opens up with a chapter on spices and spice blends, which explains how to store and use them properly, as well as providing essential recipes for creating flavor and streamlining the cooking process.
5. Made in India, Cooked in Britain: Recipes from an Indian Family Kitchen by Meera Sodha
This is a cookbook based on Meera Sodha’s passion for educating people about what true, home-cooked Indian food is. Meera’s mother is a culinary genius, so she decided to compile all her family’s best recipes into a book, which has been a huge success in the world of Indian cookbooks. Through Meera’s cookbook, you can learn to make classic Indian food like chicken curry, chili paneer, etc.
6. The Andhra Cookbook by Komala Sista Rao
If you haven’t the faintest clue what Andhra cuisine is all about, then Komala Sista Rao’s The Andhra Cookbook should be on your book shelf. Rao connects Andhra domestic cuisine to a variety of well-chosen vegetarian home applications. The cookbook includes a section on Andhra food’s commonly used herbs as well as a list of set Andhra-style meals that you may make at home.
7. The Complete Gujarati Cookbook by Tarla Dalal
If you want to become a pro at Gujarati cuisine, you only need to pick up a copy of Tarla Dalal’s book. The book begins with simple dal, kadhi, and vegetable dishes before revealing more complex thalis and puran polis. It also includes dhokla, khandvi, farsan, and other favorites, as well as snacks like dhal and khandvi.
8. My Bombay Kitchen by Niloufer Ichaporia King
In "My Bombay Kitchen," Niloufer Ichaporia King chronicles the Parsi cuisine and culture that are rapidly disappearing. When her mother turned 90, she started writing this book to showcase Parsi cuisine. Some recipes from it include Mora Dar (everyday dal), Falooda, and Wafer par Ida (eggs on potato wafer). If you’re someone who likes the flavors of the Middle East, then you’re going to enjoy the recipes in this cookbook.
9. Ruchira by Kamlabai Ogale
Ruchira, a classic Marathi cookbook, has stood the test of time and is still a staple in most Maharashtrian homes. It was written by Kamalabai Ogale in 1970 and is dedicated to her mother-in-law. It contains straightforward instructions for traditional Maharashtrian fare like thalipeeth, misal, usal, and fasting delicacies. It also contains recipes for festivals like Karanji, Chakali, Shankarpali, etc.
10. Indian Instant Pot Cookbook: Traditional Indian Dishes Made Easy and Fast by Urvashi Pitre
The Indian Instant Pot Cookbook by Urvashi Pitre is all about cooking many Indian recipes like dal, curry, and korma in the Instant Pot. The recipes are easy-to-follow, especially for the home cook. She focuses on recreating familiar flavors in less time rather than spending hours in the kitchen using traditional cooking methods.
