Savoring the Spice Coast of India: Fresh Flavors from Kerala

by Maya Kaimal

The author of Curried Favors takes readers on a tantalizing tour of the cuisine of Southern India. Kaimal's passion for her native food shines through in more than 100 exciting recipes, each adapted for the Western kitchen and using easily identifiable ingredients. Two-color throughout. 8 pages of color photos.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060192577
• ISBN13: 9780060192570
• Release Date: August 2000
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.7" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

excellent book

I am a grad student in New York, who spent the first 15 years of my life in Kerala. This book takes me closer to what I grew up eating, than any other Kerala cookbook I know of. Even as a grad student, I find myself cooking at home every single night using recipes from this book. I'd recommend this book very highly to anyone wanting to experiment with Kerala cuisine. It's definitely the REAL thing.

India in under an hour

This is absolutely the best cookbook I have bought in years. Not only are the recipes easy to follow, once you stock your pantry with a few key ingredients (unsweetened coconut, curry leaves, coriander, and chilis) most of the other items will be in there already. Every single thing I have made has turned out great -- chickpeas with onion, fish in fragrant coconut milk, tomato onion fry -- and with very little preparation or shopping time. Two of us preparted a three course meal straight out of the book in a little over an hour. Beyond the content of the recipes, the book itself is well written and contains georgeous photos of South India. If you are looking for a tasty yet simple approach to the cusine of India, this is your book.

Southern India Delights

After I saw this authoress on a daytime show, I had to have this exquisite cookbook. Over 110 recipes of ultimate flavors and colors--a kaleidoscope of adventures from Maya Kaimal's homeland. I think that is what makes this easy to follow page turner special, her up close and personal touches from her relatives own kitchens. She also compares her Hindu background of cooking with Christianity and Muslim dishes from the same region.The photographs of India and the completed dishes are mouth watering. I have never been one to curry favor for curried flavors! Yet, these snacks and meals are of a lighter fare. I made Spinach Theron first--with coconut, cumin, and tumeric. And found even my non-veggie teens loved it. I highly recommend this spicy book. Just shopping for the ingredients is an adventure...

best South Indian cookbook I've found

This is one of those cookbooks where every one of the recipes I've tried so far have turned out well and tasted delicious. This is one of my big considerations when judging the quality of a cookbook. I've probably tried a dozen recipes so far (such as Shrimp in Tamarind Sauce, Thoor Dal with Onions and Tomatoes, Tomato and Cucmber Pachadi, Fried Bananas . . . ) All have tasted great. Nice pictures, good introduction to planning menus, ingredients, and cooking. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in South Indian cuisine (which, by the way is different from the more popular north Indian cuisine found in most Indian restaurants - much lighter I think).

Keralite's "Delites"

Having spent many vacations in Kerala visiting family and friends, I found Maya Kaimal's recipes to be informative and authentic. I wish there were more enticing pictures of the food, as in Kaimal's first book. But overall, the descriptions, pictures, and recipes give a clear understanding of Kerala cuisine and its diverse culture. I tried a number of recipes such as lamb korma and various vindaloos, and all were delicious. This is an excellent book for those who want to cook like their Keralite mothers and grandmothers(like myself) as well as for those interested in learning about flavorful and diverse South Indian foods. Kaimal succeeded again! I would recommend her first book as well. Get them for yourself or as gifts!