I was attracted to this book called “Secrets from my INDIAN family kitchen by Anjali Pathak” in the NEW section of wonderful Sydney bookstore Kinokuniya because of the very creative mix of Indian spices and recipes with Western touches and classics. It could be tacky and boring but it is actually clever and delicious.
Anjali Pathak is the new generation of the family who built a spice empire in the United Kingdom. The very famous Pathak brand is nearly a household name there. I actually knew the brand when I lived in Paris. There were amazing small Indian shops which sold the famous jars of curry paste and packets of wonderful spices. I used to make impossible-to-fail curries thank to them.
This is the profound knowledge of spices, of food and the mix of both the Indian and the British cultures which make this book et great cookbook.
There are some simple recipes with a special touch a bouquet of well chosen spices.
The photos are beautiful and make every single dish so tempting! For example, this potato bake is simple but so delicious… Try it!
Anjali has been raised in the world of spices and accompanied her family to buying trips all over India. She has learnt the perfect pairings the subtle marriage of spices.
I love the “souvenir album” and the family history which enriches this cookbook and makes it a more a slice of life.
This is one of the recipes I love and tried (see photo at the bottom). Simple yet a complex mix of flavours. It is truly a delicious idea for an entrée or if you find really mini one-bite aubergines (eggplants) serve these as nibbles with a dollop of good creamy yoghurt and a drizzle of honey.
Yum! There is no other word….
These mini tartes tatin are such a great idea. Of course Anjali added her special spicy touch and it turns a classic dish into a wonderful dessert.
Fan of Indian street food (see her Instagram), Anjali proposes these Papri Chaat which are colourful and flavoursome bites.
Huge fan of ice cream and anything sweet, creamy and frozen, I cannot resist this pomegranate frozen yoghurt recipe.
What I loved in this book is the fact that there are not simple recipes, not a simple list of ingredients, here you are, do it and that’s it. She gives you a little story, tells you about the way she does it, simplifies, makes you feel at ease, shows you how to do it with most of the ingredients missing. I love that!
This is a proper dahl recipe with the flavoured oil resting on the top. Delicious and easy to make in a thermo-machine :)
There is also a nice little drink section. I love the “my secret” little macaron on each page. It gives you clever hints, swaps, ideas to make the best out of this book.
You will also find a series of wonderful meat recipes. I haven’t tried them all :) But they are high on my list, especially this sizzling beef steak with cumin paprika wedges and also slow cooked tamarind glazed pork, drunken chicken, chilli beef with black pepper, tricky chicken biryani, smokin’ ribs, finger licking lamb chops and finally 3 sorts of chicken drummers.
This is the aubergine (eggplant) recipe, tried by and adopted :)
As you can tell, I loved this book and high recommend it. You will find the marvels I am talking about and many many more recipes and ideas…
Useful info:
Anjali Pathak’s Instagram
Amazon page for this book “Secrets from my INDIAN family kitchen by Anjali Pathak”
NOTE : This review is not sponsored. It expresses my opinion and experience with this book only. The photos are linked to a shop where you can find the book. This is an affiliated link. If you buy the book through it, you will be supporting TheFloShow.com and I thank you for it :)
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