The Dance of Spices: Classic Indian Cooking for Today's Home Kitchen
Do you relish intensely spiced curries and deliciously cool raitas, velvety chicken korma and exotic Kashmiri lamb? If you love Indian food, you may wonder whether recreating the complex textures and delicate interplay of spices found in your favorite dishes is truly within your reach. Have no fear. In The Dance of Spices, seasoned chef and acclaimed food writer Laxmi Hiremath guides you every step of the way to bring the subtle, richly layered flavors of India's extraordinary culinary tapestry to your own kitchen.Raised in southwest India, Hiremath perfected her own culinary art after moving to the United States, and so her recipes display a unique awareness of how Americans cook and eat. From microwaveable rice preparations to tangy-sweet chutneys used as memorable marinades for barbecued fish or chicken, Hiremath shares valuable guidance on how to cook exotic Indian specialties at home. She explains not only what to do but also why, combining clear, detailed explanations of specific techniques with important background knowledge that you can apply to every dish you prepare.More than 200 recipes feature signature classics as well as eye-opening originals created by the author. Choices range from the irresistible opulence of Moghul Lamb Biryani and the elegant, soothing sweetness of Warm Mango Soup to the sweet-spicy surprise of Tandoori Turkey with Pomegranate Juice and the delectable crispiness of Quick Semolina Crepes and other South Indian dosa pancakes.You'll find chapters on starters and sides, such as breads, rice pilafs, soups, and chutneys; meat and poultry, seafood, vegetable, tandoori, and other main dishes; desserts and drinks; and much more. Along the way, Hiremath demystifies the enticing palette of spices and herbs used in Indian cookery—their origins, flavors, and textures, and how they are best bought, stored, and used.Peppered throughout the book are intriguing historical details and memories from Hiremath's own childhood: Tales of the Moghul elite's imperial kitchens mingle with enchanting stories of the mouthwatering street snacks (chaat) the author eagerly anticipated during childhood vacations in Mumbai.Well organized and clearly written, The Dance of Spices is destined to become the new classic on Indian cooking. It will give you the skills and the confidence you need to make authentic Indian dishes at home—with spectacular results.