An Invitation to Indian Cooking

by Madhur Jaffrey
An Invitation to Indian Cooking cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Cookbooks / Food Writing
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Paperback • £15.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1040
  • Added: 2025-09-24
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9780593535684
  • Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
  • Published: 1973-01-01
  • Formats: 22
  • Reviews: 4

An Invitation to Indian Cooking is a comprehensive guide designed specifically for American home cooks, showcasing the diversity, excitement, and affordability of Indian cuisine. The book features over 200 authentic recipes that are easy to prepare at home, making it accessible for anyone looking to explore the rich flavors of India. Written with clarity and enthusiasm, this book demystifies Indian cooking and provides practical tips and techniques to help you create delicious dishes with ease. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, you'll find inspiration and guidance to bring the tastes of India into your kitchen.

Reviews
Vintage Kitchen · 2023-11-18
enlightening 4.50

The book is highly recommended for its personal storytelling and cultural insights. It's praised for making Indian cooking accessible and enjoyable.

The reviewer at Vintage Kitchen loves how Madhur Jaffrey's personal journey from Delhi to America is woven into the book, making it more than just a cookbook. They appreciate the detailed instructions and the way Jaffrey makes Indian cooking approachable. The book is seen as a treasure trove of cultural insights and delicious recipes, perfect for anyone looking to explore Indian cuisine.

Quick quotes

    I would definitely recommend this book for your cookbook shelf.

    Jaffrey's story of coming to America from Delhi, via London, and finding her place in the culinary world is inspiring.

    The recipes are clear and the cultural context is enriching.

Cook and Drink · 2023-11-16
accessible 4.75

The recipes are clear and easy to follow, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced cooks. The reviewer loved the suggestions for serving dishes with traditional Indian breads.

This review emphasizes the clarity and simplicity of the recipes, making it accessible for all levels of cooks. The reviewer particularly enjoyed the suggestions for serving dishes with traditional Indian breads, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the cooking experience. They found the instructions to be thorough and easy to follow, ensuring successful results every time.

Quick quotes

    We loved it.

    Mrs. Jaffrey suggest serving the mushrooms with chapatis or pooris.

    Recipes are included in her book, obviously!

Eater · 2023-05-31
unique 4.00

The book introduces unique dishes that are not typically found in Indian restaurants. The reviewer appreciates the authenticity and the challenge of more complex recipes.

Eater's review points out that Madhur Jaffrey's book offers a fresh perspective on Indian cuisine, featuring dishes that are not commonly found in restaurants. The reviewer enjoys the authenticity and the opportunity to try something new. They note that some recipes require more time and effort, but the results are worth it. The book is seen as a valuable addition to any cookbook collection.

Quick quotes

    It's not typical Indian restaurant fare, and I had never tasted it before except as a stuffing in samosas.

    It was not a quick, 15-minute meal.

    The recipes are unique and offer a true taste of home cooking.

The Guardian · 2019-02-24
reliable 4.50

The recipes are meticulously tested and work well, even for beginners. The book is praised for its thorough research and clear instructions.

The Guardian's review highlights Madhur Jaffrey's meticulous approach to recipe development. They note that her extensive research and testing ensure that the recipes are reliable and user-friendly. The reviewer appreciates how Jaffrey breaks down complex dishes into manageable steps, making Indian cooking accessible to everyone. The book is seen as a classic that stands the test of time.

Quick quotes

    And Madhur's recipes really work.

    She does meticulous research, and then she does meticulous testing.

    She doesn't assume knowledge, particularly when it comes to ingredients.

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