Art of South Indian Cooking: A Hippocrene Original Cookbook

As a Registered Dietitian I find this book filled with reliable recipes that help readers achieve a heart healthy diet.Professional knowledge allows me to say this, even though printed nutritional analysis is lacking.The authors have said they are considering adding nutritional analysis if a new edition comes forth. Grains, legumes and vegetables, prepared with wonderful combinations of spices, are the foundations of most recipes. Little fat is used and where called for, trim cuts of meat are used. What appears tricky, or rather unaccustomed, becomes second nature, after two or three different recipes are tried. It is true that people who shunned particular foods since childhood are delighted with enhanced versions of foods like brussel sprouts, lima beans and cauliflower. Ms Vairavan has said, in her personal presentations, that the rice recipes are settling to an upset stomach. I can vouch for that personally, as I used the yogourt rice to help me heal from a recent bout with the flu. People who are concerned about the "spiciness" of recipes have never complained of upset digestion after eating foods made from these recipes. I recommend this book based on professional and personal knowledge.Susan S. Dunn, RD CD

Ever since I was a small child, I hated brussels sprouts with a passion! When I first got this book, something possesed me to try the bussels sprout kulambu. I loved it! Next, I tried the broccoli with coconut (two foods I hate). It was also wonderful. Then, I tried the eggplant masala curry. It was out of this world! Ever since I got this book, I've been eating, and enjoying, a wide assortment of foods I used to hate!!!

This book is a great source of easy to follow Indian recipes, many of which you won't see in other cookbooks or restaurants. Whether your a seasoned Indian food connoiseur, or just like to try new things, you'll find plenty to love in this collection!

The thing I love about this book is that it's EASY! Unlike most Indian cookbooks the recipes are simple and quick, especially for a novice cook like myself. Since I don't like to spend too much time in the kitchen this book is a godsend. I highly recommend it.

The Book is an excellent source particularly for Vegetarians interested in cooking authentic South Indian Food. There is also a section on Non-Vegetarian cooking which includes among other recipes a favorite of mine -- Roasted Garlic and Pepper Chicken (PP 185). The Recipes are simple and easy to follow and the food itself is tastefully delicious. My suggestion to both the Authors and Hippocrene Books would be to include plenty of pictures of the "culinary delights" in the next edition.