Anjum’s New Indian Cookbook: Discover the Art of Light, Flavorful, and Easy Indian Cooking

Embark on an extraordinary culinary journey with Anjum Anand, the celebrated host of the popular Cooking Channel series, “Indian Food Made Easy.” Her highly anticipated release, Anjum’s New Indian Cookbook (Wiley Paperback; $24.95; October 25, 2010), stands as a definitive guide for anyone eager to explore the rich, diverse, and surprisingly approachable world of Indian cuisine. This meticulously crafted cookbook features over one hundred of Anand’s most cherished recipes, including many fan favorites from her television show, alongside an array of exquisite regional Indian dishes that promise to revolutionize your perception of home-cooked Indian meals.

Anjum Anand has captivated audiences with her philosophy of creating light, modern Indian food that’s not only bursting with authentic flavors but also remarkably quick and easy to prepare. This cookbook embodies that very ethos, presenting a collection of dishes designed for the contemporary kitchen. Forget the outdated notion that Indian cooking is complex and time-consuming; Anand’s recipes are a testament to her belief that incredible taste can be achieved with simplicity and speed, making gourmet Indian food accessible to even the busiest home chefs.

Unveiling the True Essence of Indian Flavors

For many in the Western world, Indian food is often generalized by a singular, overarching flavor profile – the ubiquitous “curry.” However, Anjum Anand’s culinary creations are a revelation, offering a nuanced and authentic glimpse into what proper Indian food truly entails. Her dishes defy expectations, often presenting a lighter, more vibrant character than commonly perceived. Anand places immense importance on the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, which translate into dishes that are not only aromatic and visually stunning but also bursting with natural, unadulterated flavors. From the first bite, you’ll experience a symphony of tastes where freshness, aroma, and color play pivotal roles in creating a truly memorable dining experience.

The beauty of Indian cuisine lies in its profound regional diversity, a principle that Anjum highlights throughout her cookbook. Depending on its origin, a dish can range from intensely spicy to subtly mild, from delicately sweet to pleasingly tart. Anand expertly guides readers through these regional nuances, allowing them to appreciate the vast spectrum of Indian culinary traditions. Her cookbook serves as an educational tool, broadening horizons beyond the stereotypical and introducing home cooks to the authentic, multifaceted tapestry of Indian cooking styles.

The Spice Route: Mastering the Soul of Indian Cuisine

While the flavors and preparation methods vary greatly across India’s regions, there is one universal element that acts as the very heart and soul of all Indian food: spices. Spices are not merely additives; they are the bedrock upon which the entire cuisine is built, offering complex layers of flavor, aroma, and even medicinal properties. Anjum Anand, a true maestro of spices, hones in on this fundamental aspect throughout Anjum’s New Indian Cookbook.

She demystifies the art of spice usage, guiding readers on how to select, prepare, and combine various spices to achieve perfectly balanced and aromatic dishes. From understanding the difference between whole and ground spices to mastering the art of tempering (tarka) or dry-roasting, Anand empowers home cooks to confidently navigate the spice rack. Her clear, concise instructions ensure that even those new to Indian cooking can harness the transformative power of spices, elevating simple ingredients into extraordinary meals. This emphasis on understanding and utilizing spices correctly is what truly sets Anand’s approach apart, making authentic Indian flavors achievable for everyone.

A Culinary Expedition Through Diverse Chapters

Anjum’s New Indian Cookbook is thoughtfully organized into chapters that reflect the true diversity of the subcontinent’s culinary offerings. With over 100 recipes, the book takes you on a structured culinary expedition, ensuring that there’s a perfect dish for every occasion, every palate, and every time of day. The chapters are meticulously designed to cover the full breadth of Indian cuisine, making it easy for cooks to find exactly what they’re looking for:

Light Meals and Snacks: Perfect for appetizers, light lunches, or delightful evening bites, this section offers refreshing and flavorful options that are easy to prepare.
Fish and Seafood: Explore the coastal influences of India with exquisite recipes that highlight the delicate flavors of the ocean, seasoned with aromatic spices.
Chicken: A staple in many households, the chicken chapter presents a versatile range of dishes, from rich curries to succulent tandoori-style preparations.
Meat: For those who enjoy heartier meals, this section delves into robust lamb, beef, and goat dishes, showcasing the depth of regional meat preparations.
Vegetables: A celebration of India’s vibrant vegetarian tradition, offering an abundance of creative and delicious ways to enjoy fresh produce.
Beans and Lentils: Discover the nutritional powerhouse of dals and legumes, foundational elements of Indian cooking, transformed into comforting and flavorful dishes.
Rice and Bread: The perfect accompaniments to any Indian meal, this chapter teaches you how to master aromatic rice dishes and a variety of traditional breads.
Raitas and Chutneys: Essential condiments that add balance, freshness, and an extra layer of flavor to your main courses.
Desserts and Drinks: Conclude your meal with traditional Indian sweets and refreshing beverages that offer a perfect counterpoint to spicy dishes.

Beyond the recipes, Anjum provides invaluable “handy tips” for making the best use of core Indian ingredients. She brilliantly explores the subtle yet significant differences between India’s many regional cuisines, empowering home cooks to not only prepare delicious food but also to understand the cultural stories behind each dish. Her explanations demystify complex traditions, making them approachable and inspiring.

A Taste of What Awaits: Featured Recipes

To give you a glimpse into the culinary treasures within, here are just a few of the outstanding recipes that promise to tantalize your taste buds:

Bengali Squash with Chickpeas: A truly fantastic autumnal main course that also serves as an excellent, hearty side dish for meat or chicken. This recipe beautifully balances the sweetness of squash with the earthy texture of chickpeas, all infused with traditional Bengali spices, creating a comforting and wholesome dish.
Chicken with Sour Cream and Red Pepper: Creamy, tangy, and with just the right touch of spice, this dish is a testament to Anand’s modern approach. The red pepper adds not only a vibrant color but also an additional layer of sweet and smoky flavor that perfectly complements the rich chicken and sour cream sauce. It’s a delightful departure from conventional Indian chicken dishes, offering a sophisticated yet easy-to-make option.
Dried Pomegranate Chicken: An unusual and surprisingly simple dish that is nevertheless packed with an explosion of unique flavors. The dried pomegranate lends a wonderful tartness and fruity note that beautifully cuts through the richness of the chicken, creating a truly memorable and distinctive meal. This recipe showcases Anand’s ability to introduce exotic ingredients in an accessible way.
Goan Prawn Cake: A cherished old Goan recipe that, sadly, many have already forgotten. Locals fear it might soon become obsolete, making its inclusion in Anjum’s book a vital act of culinary preservation. These savory prawn cakes are a true delight, offering a taste of Goa’s vibrant coastal cuisine with a perfect blend of seafood, spices, and fresh herbs. It’s an opportunity to rediscover a fading culinary gem.
Velvety Mango Mousse: The absolute perfect ending to a spicy Indian meal, especially on a warm summer night. This light, airy mousse captures the tropical sweetness of ripe mangoes in a smooth, creamy texture that provides a refreshing and cooling contrast to the richness of the main course. It’s an elegant dessert that proves Indian cuisine also excels in sweet creations.

Why Anjum’s New Indian Cookbook Belongs in Your Kitchen

For home cooks seeking simple, modern, and incredibly flavorful Indian food that the entire family will adore, Anjum’s New Indian Cookbook is the quintessential guide. Anand’s approach demystifies Indian cooking, transforming it from an intimidating culinary challenge into an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Her recipes are meticulously tested and presented with clear, easy-to-follow instructions, ensuring success for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re a novice taking your first steps into Indian cuisine or an experienced chef looking to refine your techniques and expand your repertoire, this book offers unparalleled value.

This cookbook isn’t just a collection of recipes; it’s an invitation to explore a rich cultural heritage through its food. Anjum Anand inspires confidence, encouraging readers to experiment with new flavors and ingredients, ultimately bringing the vibrant tastes of India right into their homes. It’s an essential resource for anyone looking to eat healthily without compromising on flavor, offering delicious options that are both satisfying and easy to integrate into a busy lifestyle. Discover the joy of cooking authentic Indian meals that are fresh, balanced, and utterly delicious with Anjum Anand as your trusted guide.

Buy Anjum’s New Indian Cookbook from amazon.com and begin your flavorful adventure today!