Great Vegetarian Dishes: Over 240 Recipes from Around the World

I'm taking steps to ease my way into vegetarianism, and this book has been a godsend. For me, the best features of this book are the short explanation of the authors's philosophy of vegetarian cooking (keep in mind that Hare Krishna considers cooking as an act of worship), and a two page list of suggested menus for different occasions, which is really helpful for those who spends more than 20 minutes deciding what to cook for a proper three course meal. Also impressive is the glossary section, which give an explanation of the herbs and spices you might encounter in the book. To top it off, the book is actually a good read! Clearly this book is a labour of love. General note: if you want to take cooking a little bit more seriously, take my advice - don't buy those 30 pages recipe booklets sitting near the supermarket counters. Spend some money and get a proper recipe book - along with good kitchen tools.

I got this book a few months ago and have been happily using it since. Kurma's recipes are extremely easy to follow and deliver great results every time. The book has recipes from all over the world - Italy, India, Thailand, China, Australia, Morocco, Greece, Turkey, America. It is also divided into easy-to-access categories like rice dishes, pasta, entrees, vegetable dishes, snacks, pickles/ jams/ chutneys, desserts, etc. etc. And a small, but useful, thing: the book lays out flat on the table, so that you can keep it on your kitchen counter and read from it as you cook along! The other thing the author shows you is how to 'spiritualize' the food you make and eat. It works. I can affirm that! I feel much more healthy and happy since I started making the recipes in Kurma's books and following the steps listed in the book to spiritualize the food that we eat. Even if you are not a vegetarian, you will love to make (and eat) the recipes in this book. Buy it! Update on July 21, 2006 My wife and I use this book all the time. As I have mentioned above, the recipes are easy to use and come out tasting delicious. Kurma's other books are also very, very good. Check out his Quick Vegetarian Cards in particular, for quick and easy to make recipes.

This is the BEST vegetarian cookbook that I have used to date - all the recipies work. I have been a vegetarian for over 18 years and tried many different styles. Kurma bases most of his recipies on the traditional Indian cuisine as well as adapting them to the western palate. The author also takes cooking to a spiritual level and shows the reader how to sanctify his cooking. Highly recommended!!!

I have found this book extemely useful. I have tried several of those recipes and got good results.I really appreciate the substitutes being a vegetarian myself. The book contains a variety of dishes that can entertain a diverse group of guests.Thanks to Kurma Dasa!