The Modern Ayurvedic Cookbook: Healthful, Healing Recipes for Life

While Ayurvedic cookbooks generally tend to focus on Indian food, I like this book because it also includes a nice selection of other Asian recipes (e.g. Japanese-style Wakame seaweed salad was easy and excellent) as well as some non-Asian recipes, though several of them are offered "Indian-style". There was also a good variety of Indian dal recipes, as well as many other Indian favorites (e.g. samosas, chapatis, etc). The author is clear in indicating that many individual recipes were adapted to her tastes/needs and/or adopted from casual sources. The majority of recipes in this book are not found in most of my other cookbooks. There are some recipes for very familiar dishes (french toast, quiche, spaghetti, basic rice, etc), but these are the minority. I am glad that "fake meat" only appears in very few recipes. Some of the dal recipes tend to be a bit bland for my taste. For these dishes I typically do one or more of 3 things: 1) serve stronger flavored dishes in the same meal, 2) serve chutney on the side, or 3) adjust the seasoning. The book has fair coverage of the most common components of a Western vegetarian diet (variety of beans, grains, tofu, nuts, fruits, vegetables). While there are egg and dairy recipes, the book has enough vegan and simple substitution recipes (e.g. cooking oil to replace ghee) that it may be of interest for vegans as well. The recipes are easy to follow, and acknowledge practical substitutions such as frozen or canned food if fresh is not at hand. The ingredients are for the most part readily available in my city, where we have a small Indian grocer and a large grocery store specializing in vegetarian and bulk foods. While I have many cookbooks, I find I tend to cook from this book somewhat more often because the recipes are simple and appealing with the added benefit of the Ayurvedic perspective. I was a bit surprised to see garlic in the Ayurvedic cookbook, but I just leave it out. The information on Ayurveda and health was introductory in nature, and the main focus was on recipes. Recipes occupy over 250 pages out of a total of 334 pages. Most recipes are presented one per page, which helps make it easy to refer to while cooking. The book would have been better if it included a list of recipes, with the page numbers, at the beginning of each chapter. I got this book from the library, kept renewing it, and finally decided I needed my own copy. A used copy was very affordable and mine arrived in very good shape.

This is, in my estimation, a good Ayurvedic cookbook. It has many authentic and adapted recipes. Ms Sondhi presents in a comfortable and familiar style. There are times that she steps outside Ayurvedic guidelines. But when she does, she first makes sure that the reader knows what the guidelins are - THEN she steps out. Very candid and has produced an enjoyable book. The first section gives a nice overview of Ayurvedic facts. It is not in depth. She does not presume to teach the reader who is new to Ayurveda. Instead she gives guidelines, fills the Appendix with many directions to follow, AND focuses on great recipes. I feel that there are very few good Ayurvedic cookbooks that are available to the Western market. Most have visions of being the Complete Guide to Ayurveda. Most don't succeed. I think Ms Sondhi did succeed in her endeavor - this is a good one.

I came across this cookbook at the library, flipped through it, and instantly knew I needed to own this book!! I've only tried a couple of recipes, but can't wait to try more! (Definately try the Carrot Halva on p. 241, spiced with cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon - and I also love the Spicy Almond Milk (p.273) with a unique blend of anise, pepper, and ginger - delicious!) Other recipes of interest include whole-wheat chapatis, paneer samosas (paneer is an Indian cottage cheese), and blackberry oat bars...! Amrita Sondhi explains how foods and spices can balance your dosha/constitution and includes a few menu plans, cleanses, and several yoga postures. If you like cooking authentic Indian dishes with wonderful spices, you'll truly enjoy this book (and so will your tastebuds!)

"The Modern Ayurvedic Cookbook: Healthful, Healing Recipes for Life" by Amrita Sondhi is a compendium of 250 culinary recipes showcasing Indian cuisine. These delicious dishes are provided with clear and 'kitchen cook friendly' instructions for turning out meals that are as nutritious as they are palate pleasing. Of special note are the included appendices: 'Seasons of the Year', "Menu Plans', Cleanses', 'Yoga Poses for the Doshas', 'Alternative Ayurvedic Therapies', and 'Food Guidlines for Basic Constitutional Types'. From Fresh Fruit Salad with Yogurt & Flax Seeds; to Vegetable Samosas; to Tea Party Channa Bateta, to Cinnamon & Sweet Warm Almond Milk, "The Modern Ayurvedic Cookbook" will make a welcome and impressive addition to personal and community cookbook collections - and prove to be of very special interest for dedicated students of Indian cooking, holistic health, yoga, and Ayurvidics.