Rating: 
Summary: It's more than just a cookbook!
Review: For those of us who grew up eating a traditional American diet, Monica has succeeded in demystifying Indian cooking. The recipes are easy, the menus take the guesswork out of how to put together an entire Indian meal, and the book is fun to read (can't say that about many other cookbooks)! The book is also chock full of information on herbs and spices and provides a handy reference for locating them by mail order or through the internet. This is one of a very few cookbooks that I keep on my kitchen counter for regular use. The book is a great gift for friends who enjoy Indian food but who haven't dared to cook it for themselves. Lots of good recipes, but don't miss the chicken with butter and cream sauce.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Resource - Great Format - Good Food !!
Review: I am very impressed. What a wonderful way to convey not only the recipies but little stories(which I got many a chuckle from)and helpful tips.
Monica lists web sites for not only Indian cooking and where to buy the ingredients but other helpful aspects such as cooking potatoes or recipies for eggs.
I can honestly say I have never seen a cook book put together in such a user friendly manner.
I loved the fact that she included recipies for the leftovers. I also liked the introduction explaining about Indian cooking and how she came up with the substitutions for certain ingredients.
This is a great resource to add to my collection of cookbooks. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves cooking.
Rating:
Summary: Fresh, fast, flavorful recipes
Review: I checked this out of the library, and after one read went out and bought a copy. I have enjoyed this cookbook immensely. I like Indian food but have found that many Indian cookbooks are sticklers for authenticity to the point of hours of work, or all the recipes begin to taste the same. These recipes are full of flavor, and many can be prepared with ingredients available at the local supermarket. Many of the recipes are quick - Ms. Bhide has even added recipes for using leftovers. These are a boon when I come home at the end of the day and want to throw something together. The recipes in this book are organized into menus, so a novice can try one or two from a section, and perhaps add more later on. I have mixed and matched from different menus as well with success. Some recommended recipes; Chicken with Fenugreek, Whisky Fish, Turnip Treats, and Coriander Layered Potatoes.
Rating:
Summary: Fresh, fast, flavorful recipes
Review: I checked this out of the library, and after one read went out and bought a copy. I have enjoyed this cookbook immensely. I like Indian food but have found that many Indian cookbooks are sticklers for authenticity to the point of hours of work, or all the recipes begin to taste the same. These recipes are full of flavor, and many can be prepared with ingredients available at the local supermarket. Many of the recipes are quick - Ms. Bhide has even added recipes for using leftovers. These are a boon when I come home at the end of the day and want to throw something together. The recipes in this book are organized into menus, so a novice can try one or two from a section, and perhaps add more later on. I have mixed and matched from different menus as well with success. Some recommended recipes; Chicken with Fenugreek, Whisky Fish, Turnip Treats, and Coriander Layered Potatoes.
Rating:
Summary: Bhide's 'SPICE' is absolutely 'RIGHT'!
Review: I had always thought Indian cooking was far too exotic for a single male to tackle but I love Indian food. Monica Bhide came to my rescue. These recipes are so easy to follow that I'll I needed was a good grocery store (which I have) and some courage to try on a few new tastes. My favorites are Stir-Fried Chile Lamb and Chicken Tikka. Both I've made for family and friends to a raving reception. I'm looking forward to her next book (I hear is due out in April, 2004). Also, I like Bhide's use of on-line resources giving us some background and explanation of these mysterious spices and where I can get them if I can't find them in the store. Thanks, Monica!
Rating:
Summary: Bhide's 'SPICE' is absolutely 'RIGHT'!
Review: I had always thought Indian cooking was far too exotic for a single male to tackle but I love Indian food. Monica Bhide came to my rescue. These recipes are so easy to follow that I'll I needed was a good grocery store (which I have) and some courage to try on a few new tastes. My favorites are Stir-Fried Chile Lamb and Chicken Tikka. Both I've made for family and friends to a raving reception. I'm looking forward to her next book (I hear is due out in April, 2004). Also, I like Bhide's use of on-line resources giving us some background and explanation of these mysterious spices and where I can get them if I can't find them in the store. Thanks, Monica!
Rating:
Summary: Low fat cooking !!
Review: I have read this book and feel that it is an excellently written book. It caught my attention because all the Indian recipes can be made out of fat free or low fat ingredients. Well, I never thought that they would taste the same, but guess what ..... it tastes better and also you can eat it without feeling guilty !! I also have had chance to taste Monica's cooking. All I can say is, she knows the art of cooking. Her book is really great and has all the great recipes in one place. Monica, you have done an excellent job and I wish that you publish more and more great recipe books like this one. Good Luck !!
Rating:
Summary: Monica hit paydirt...
Review: I took Monica's book along with me to cook out of on a camping trip--sick of the typical Coleman fare I suppose--and found great value in the simple recipes. Nothing I cooked was complicated and tasted great. This is a book that's easily accessible to the beginner cook and is family friendly. My daughter loves the "Funky Pink Spice Rice"... Great book, I recommend it. Spencer McMillin, Chef/Writer.....
Rating:
Summary: Flavorful Indian Cuisine
Review: In "The Spice Is Right," you will find traditional Indian dishes, as well as Western dishes with an Indian influence. There are healthier versions provided, as well as sample menus and tips. This book is excellent to the beginner cook in Indian cuisine. I found that the recipes were easy-to-understand and the ingredients were easy-to-find. Ms. Bhide also provided a list of sources in case you live in an area where you cannot find the ingredients. She also provides a substitution guide. For example, if you cannot find amchoor (mango powder), then you can use lemon juice instead! There is also a section on the description of common herbs and spices used in Indian cuisine, as well as what types of food are found in each part of India and who influenced them. I found this very interesting. Delicious recipes you will find in this cookbook are: Peppered Cauliflower Florets, Dry Chile Chicken, Fiery Pork, Coriander Layered Potatoes, Saffron Fruit Custard and Watermelon Juice. With over 150 recipes to choose from, the list of resources to find your ingredients, sample menus, healthy alternatives and much more, who could refuse to learn more about Indian cooking with Monica Bhide's cookbook!
Rating:
Summary: Flavorful Indian Cuisine
Review: In "The Spice Is Right," you will find traditional Indian dishes, as well as Western dishes with an Indian influence. There are healthier versions provided, as well as sample menus and tips. This book is excellent to the beginner cook in Indian cuisine. I found that the recipes were easy-to-understand and the ingredients were easy-to-find. Ms. Bhide also provided a list of sources in case you live in an area where you cannot find the ingredients. She also provides a substitution guide. For example, if you cannot find amchoor (mango powder), then you can use lemon juice instead! There is also a section on the description of common herbs and spices used in Indian cuisine, as well as what types of food are found in each part of India and who influenced them. I found this very interesting. Delicious recipes you will find in this cookbook are: Peppered Cauliflower Florets, Dry Chile Chicken, Fiery Pork, Coriander Layered Potatoes, Saffron Fruit Custard and Watermelon Juice. With over 150 recipes to choose from, the list of resources to find your ingredients, sample menus, healthy alternatives and much more, who could refuse to learn more about Indian cooking with Monica Bhide's cookbook!
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