Friday, March 4, 2016

The Indian Family Kitchen, A Cookbook, Roasted Vegetable Biryani


I came late to the notion of Indian food, very late in fact. But as they say better late than never. I had experienced a couple of buffets before but was not impressed. Last year my husband and I saw a very positive review on a local Indian restaurant in town and decided to give it a try. I had the spinach paneer with soft and buttery fry bread, then finished the meal with a pudding that was lightly sweetened, topped with chopped pistachios and fresh edible flowers. I was hooked.

That meal inspired me to order and then write about this amazing cookbook, The Indian Family Kitchen. The book is written by Anjali Pathak the granddaughter of the family that has brought the Patak’s sauces and chutney’s to markets around the world. There are pages of family pictures and a little history in between the chapters that depict the love of family and food. These tidbits help shape the tone and direction of this book.

The recipes are not quite traditional but showcase her spices and technique of simple Indian fare in unexpected ways. Scattered throughout the pages of the recipes are her “my secret” tips which gives you ways in which to make the most of your ingredients. The book cover and design is stunning and will draw food lovers of all ages. Almost every recipe has an beautiful and inspiring photograph.

From this book I prepared the “Roasted vegetable biryani” which was incredible, with lots of flavor and color. If you eat with your eyes this dish is for you. In this recipe the veggies are roasted. Then the rice is soaked 30 minutes which softens the grains. Some of the spices she used were garam masala, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon sticks, saffron, ginger and frozen peas. The veggies, rice and spices were combined and baked for 15 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like heaven. If you are a cookbook lover this is a must have. Enjoy!


"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.”
Cheri Savory Spoon
Cheri Savory Spoon

Mysavoryspoon was first started in 2010 as a way to journal recipes that I had collected from cookbooks, magazines, family and friends. Most everything was savory, using legumes and whole grains. Along the way I discovered a love for baking. Now a couple times a month you might see some type of sweet pie or treat.

49 comments:

  1. I love the combo of flavour in this rice dish. Absolutely delicious, Cheri.

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  2. Wow, Cheri. This looks fabulous. I love the idea of eating with your eyes first. Well done! D

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    1. Thanks Dena, I think we all probably enjoy our food this way.

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  3. I love Indian food as my kitchen always smells amazing from the array of spices when I'm cooking a dish 😀

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    1. Hi Tandy, Indian food has quickly become one of my favorites, love the spices.

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  4. As you know, I love Indian food, and you are so lucky to have so many wonderful restaurants in your area! I am ordering this book today on your recommendation! Thanks, Cheri!

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    1. Hi David, yes, it's nice having choices, since my daughter moved to Tucson we have been finding some great treasures down there as well. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I do.

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  5. That is something I would definitely like to read :-)!!!

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  6. Dear Cheri, not only does this cookbook sound utterly wonderful but the dish you prepared looks fabulous! Let´s see how this month´s Biryani from Hugh turns out - lovely review, wonderful recipe!
    Have a fabulous weekend!
    Andrea

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    1. Hi Andrea, isn't that something, loved this veggie biryani, it will be interesting to see what Hugh does. Take care!

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  7. It's funny how the Indian food "bug" will suddenly bite you! I was never a big fan and then suddenly I started loving it. Now it's what I always want to order for take out.

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    1. Hi Chris, I know it was just like that for me, now I love, love the spices.

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  8. The hubby is a not of a fan of Indian flavors, but this would make a nice lunch for me :)

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    1. Hi Liz, I just got on board a year of so ago and absolutely love all the flavors and spices. Take care!

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  9. Love it when history and family and fantastic recipes appear in one cookbook...Your rice does look to superbly healthy and deeeeeelicious!

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  10. Hi Cheri,
    I'm living in a multi-racial / culture country so indulging delicious Indian food is reachable and hassle free.This Roasted Vegetable Biryani looks very flavourful and yummy!

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  11. We love Indian food but don't eat it often enough. So much flavor and color. Thanks for the nice recommendation for the cookbook. So many recipes so little time!

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    1. Hi Tricia, I agree, I have files saved on my computer, pinterest and magazines in boxes of recipes I would love to try, never enough time.

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  12. What a beautiful cookbook! I'd love to try that recipe.

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  14. This sounds like my kind of book. We are very much in to our Indian cooking.

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  15. I love Vegetable Biryani, it's literally one of my fave Indian dishes. I need to grab me a copy of that cookbook; it sounds like something I'd really enjoy!

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    1. it's a great book Mike, love the recipes and the style in which they are written.

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  16. I am a fan of biryani - this one sounds delicious.

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    1. It really was delicious, thank you for stopping by.

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  17. Love biryanis! And this one sounds and looks absolutely delicious.

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  18. Sounds like a really nice book! Thanks for the review ♥

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  19. If there's one food that I became obsessed with this year it's Indian food. I am not familiar with cooking Indian food at all so I was looking for a cookbook - thanks for sharing this!

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  20. I saw that book and was thinking about getting it, so I'm glad I saw this lovely recipe and description, now i definitely need to go check it out!

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  21. Cheri this book sounds really amazing !!

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  22. Biryani is always on my top list

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  23. I love the cover of the cookbook. It sounds like it has some great recipes.

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  24. The first time I made biryani I was amazed by the fabulous aromas too, Cheri! I felt like I had elevated my cooking status to 'international', lol. I couldn't believe how delicious this meal was and I keep meaning to make it with shrimp and chicken as well. Perhaps I'll try to concoct a Spring version with lamb. I think you've just given me my next recipe idea! I think you and I have the same kind of taste buds. I love everything you cook :)

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