Cookbooks!
I have a dangerous relationship with them. Whenever I see a new one hit the stands, I have to get my hands as soon as I can, and then you cannot move me till I have skimmed through all the recipes making a mental note of the ones which seem totally makeable. The warmth and comfort of looking at the food pics is priceless and when the food is paired with personal stories, it just brings the book to life.
If you were to ask me about my favorite cookbooks, I could fill out pages. Some for the recipes, others for the food photography, and some for the stories bringing the book to life.
Here are the five cookbooks I am currently enjoying and am excited to bring the recipes to life. Some recipes are so easy that for the most part it was more of assembling together rather than cooking and that is one of the reasons I chose these specific ones.
One interesting thing I noticed is that I have been an avid follower of these authors’ blogs/youtube channels for a while now and have been trying their recipes even before these cookbooks came out.
In no specific order here are the 5 cookbooks I am currently enjoying making recipes from:
1. VIRSA: A CULINARY JOURNEY FROM AGRA TO KARACHI- Shehar Bano Rizvi
I have been reading Shehrbano’s blog for a while now and had tried a few recipes already so when she posted that she is coming out with a cookbook, I could not wait to get my hands on it. Being a Pakistani myself I could not wait to try the yumminess.
Unfortunately, by the time I ordered from the US, the cookbook sold out and was being restocked. I had earlier mentioned it to my sister-in-law and this time on my visit to Pakistan she surprised me with a gorgeous hardbound Virsa cookbook
The book is actually the author’s saga where she shares her family history, memories, and of course the amazing recipes.
Most of the ingredients are easily available from your local International/Asian market and if you are unable to find them in stores, head over to Amazon. Once you have the basic spices, you can whip up almost any recipe in the book.
Must try:
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Various Chutneys
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Dahi Baray
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Turai ki Bhujia (I made it with Zucchini)
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Roasted Chicken
2. MAANGCHI’S BIG BOOK OF KOREAN COOKING–Maangchi
I have a confession to make. I am hooked on….scratch that….I am addicted to K-Dramas. Till a few months ago I did not know they existed even and now I have binge-watched almost all of them thanks to Netflix. I think I was living under a rock. Before you ask me what has that got to do with this book, let me tell you why.
Almost every episode has some kind of food and it looks delish. A friend of mine who resides in Korea recommended trying a few recipes from Maanghi who is a famous Korean Youtuber/author. I tried a few of her recipes and the umami flavor won me over. I decided to get her book and try other recipes and I cannot explain in words how flavorful they are.
Must try:
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Sauces
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Korean Pancakes
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Spicy Cucumber
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Garlic Green Beans
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Fried Chicken
3. ARABIYYA: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora-Reem Assil
Arabiyya means “Arab Woman”.
I came across the author before I found this cookbook. I was moved by Reem’s own story. The journey through her Palestinian and Syrian roots and the celebration of alluring aromas and flavors of Arab food. As the recipes grow, one feels as if they are learning more and more about the Arab culture alongside.
The book has a lot of meat recipes and unfortunately, I don’t eat a lot of lamb or beef that much so I did not try that section but there are so many delish chicken and veggie options that one does not feel left out at all.
Must try:
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Spiced Sweet & Salty Nut Mix
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Spice Mixes
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Toum
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Tabbouli
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Al Pastor Style Red Spice Chicken
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Chicken Wraps
4. Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go! – Michelle Tam & Henry Fong
To set the record straight, I am not following a Paleo diet but I just love these cookbooks.
I have made their recipes even before they came out with their first cookbook. Cracklin Chicken was the recipe that won me over and I have lost count as to how many times I have made it and every time, without a doubt, it comes out PERFECT!
Each recipe is not only presented in a step-by-step manner but there are pictures alongside which makes cooking fun and easy. The best part is that recipes are labeled to accommodate certain sensitivities like nut-free, egg-free, nightshade-free, etc., as well as different eating styles like Keto friendly, Vegan/Vegetarian, Whole 30, and so on.
Must try:
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Spice Mixes
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Dips
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Hot & Sticky Chicken
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Raspberry Financiers
5. THE FOREST FEAST MEDITERRANEAN-Erin Gleeson
This is by far the most artistic cookbook I have ever seen. Every page is filled with stunning photos and artistic drawings.I loved the artistic part so much that I first googled all the illustrations by Erin Gleeson and each one was more stunning than the previous one.
This is an excellent book for your coffee table filled with gorgeous travel photography.
Now on to the cookbook. Let me just say that this is the easiest cookbook anyone, and I mean any novice can follow.
It is more of an assembling than a cooking cookbook which gives you the courage to try all the recipes. Also, the recipes don’t call for a ton of oil, and or cheese are fairly light which is always good.
Since I am not vegetarian, I did add chicken and eggs to some recipes which elevated the taste to a whole new level.
Can I also add that the detailed travel planning and the stunning travel photography by the author will make you want to visit the places at your earliest.
Must try:
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Sauces
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Burst Tomato and Torn Mozarella
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Herbs de Provence Winter Vegetable
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Patatas Bravas
Try some recipes from these books and let me know which were your favorite ones.
