Fresh India

by Meera Sodha
Fresh India cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Cookbooks / Food Writing
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Hardback • £27.00
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Technical
  • ID: 6159
  • Added: 2025-11-03
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9780241278796
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2016-07-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Meera Sodha, a Guardian columnist and bestselling author, presents a fresh and exciting perspective on Indian food in 'Fresh India'. This cookbook is all about vegetables, offering a variety of recipes that are quick to make and packed with flavor. It includes familiar Indian classics like dals and curries, as well as lesser-known dishes that utilize seasonal British ingredients. The book is organized to help you find recipes based on your needs, such as first-timer recipes, 30-minute midweek meals, or freezer and store-cupboard cooking. Whether you're a vegetarian or a meat-eater, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds. /n/n 'Fresh India' is not just a cookbook; it's a celebration of vegetable-based cuisine that is both accessible and inspiring. With dishes like mushroom and walnut samosas, oven-baked onion bhajis, and sticky mango paneer skewers, this book will become a staple in your kitchen. The recipes are designed to be enjoyed by everyone, making it a perfect addition to any cookbook collection. The book has received praise from notable publications like the Guardian and the Sunday Times, highlighting its rich and resourceful approach to vegetarian cooking.

Reviews
Reddit - CookbookLovers · 2022-12-12
disappointing 1.00

The food was consistently very bland, even with added spices and salt. This opinion is in the minority.

The reviewer found the recipes in Fresh India to be consistently bland, even when they tried to enhance the flavors with additional spices and salt. This seems to be a minority opinion, as others have had different experiences. It's interesting to note how personal taste can vary so much, even with the same recipes. The reviewer's experience might be influenced by their specific taste preferences or perhaps the way they interpreted the instructions.

Quick quotes

    The food was consistently very bland, even with pumping up the spices and salt.

    Clearly my opinion is the minority here, though!

    Another reviewer commented that 'The recipes seemed tailored to the UK palate and some are at times odd combinations of ingredients.'

A Story of a Girl · A Story of a Girl · 2019-03-24
fantastic 5.00

Fresh India is probably the best Indian cookbook the reviewer has ever used. They love Meera's anecdotes with each recipe.

The reviewer from A Story of a Girl absolutely adores Fresh India, calling it the best Indian cookbook they've ever used. They particularly enjoy Meera Sodha's personal anecdotes that accompany each recipe, which add a layer of warmth and connection to the cooking process. The reviewer finds the recipes not only delicious but also easy to follow, making it a go-to resource for Indian cuisine. The personal touch in the book makes it stand out, creating a more engaging and enjoyable cooking experience.

Quick quotes

    I absolutely adore it!

    Fresh India is probably the best Indian cookbook I've ever used.

    I love reading Meera's anecdotes with each recipe.

Saffron Strands · 2017-12-06
great 4.00

The book is appreciated for its subtle use of spices and the appreciation it brings to Indian cuisine. It's noted for its long list of spices and yogurt for saucing.

This cookbook is a celebration of the subtle art of Indian spicing. It comes with a long list of spices and yogurt for saucing, which adds depth and richness to the dishes. The reviewer appreciates how the book highlights the nuances of Indian cuisine, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen. It's a book that encourages an appreciation for the subtle yet profound flavors of India.

Quick quotes

    It comes with a long list of spices and yogurt for saucing and made me appreciate how subtle Indian spicing can be.

    But it's the incredible ...

    This is a book all about vegetables, but whether you call it a vegetarian cookbook is up to you.

The Guardian · 2017-10-15
excellent 4.50

Meera Sodha's take on Indian food is voted Best New Cookbook by OFM readers. The book offers a dazzling array of classic Indian recipes.

The Guardian review highlights Fresh India as a standout cookbook, praised by OFM readers. Meera Sodha's approach to Indian cuisine is described as dazzling, offering a fresh and delightful take on classic recipes. The book is celebrated for its ability to bring the richness of Indian food into home kitchens. The reviewer appreciates the variety and authenticity of the recipes, making it a valuable addition to any cookbook collection.

Quick quotes

    Meera Sodha's dazzling take on the food of her heritage is voted Best New Cookbook by OFM readers.

    Plus three of her classic Indian recipes.

    This book reveals how easy, and delightful, it is to cook vegetarian Indian cuisine at home.

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