Fresh India

by Meera Sodha
Fresh India cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Cookbooks / Food Writing
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Hardback • £27.00
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Technical
  • ID: 6159
  • Added: 2025-11-03
  • Updated: 2025-11-05
  • ISBN: 9780241278796
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2016-07-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Meera Sodha, a Guardian columnist and bestselling author, presents a fresh and exciting perspective on Indian food that is entirely vegetarian. This cookbook is filled with both classic and lesser-known recipes that highlight the rich flavors of vegetables and spices. From mushroom and walnut samosas to sticky mango paneer skewers, each dish is designed to be quick to make and packed with flavor, appealing to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The book also includes practical sections for first-time cooks, 30-minute meals, and freezer-friendly recipes, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen. /n/n Fresh India is not just a cookbook; it's a celebration of vegetarian cuisine that showcases the diversity and richness of Indian flavors. Sodha's recipes are inspired by her family's culinary traditions and her own experiences, offering a unique blend of authenticity and innovation. Whether you're looking for everyday meals or impressive dishes to share with friends, this book provides a wealth of inspiration and delicious recipes that are sure to become staples in your cooking repertoire.

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.

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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