The Soul of Spice (Keith Sarasin)

The publishers presentation

Perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs, this cookbook features a collection of authentic recipes that are as diverse as India itself. Savor creamy butter chicken, master the art of biryani, and discover the irresistible crunch of samosas—all beautifully presented with step-by-step instructions and expert cooking tips. Whether you’re preparing a comforting home meal or planning a feast for friends, each recipe promises bold and unforgettable flavors..

Inside you’ll find:

• 150+ recipes for classic dishes from every region of India
• A history of Indian food
• A detailed breakdown of fundamental ingredients
• Vibrant photography capturing the spirit of India

Rediscover the magic of spices, learn the secrets behind iconic dishes, and bring the soul of Indian cooking to life. Whether you’re a foodie, a traveler, or simply curious about this dynamic cuisine, your next flavorful adventure begins here.

For over a decade, chef Keith Sarasin has studied food from the Indian subcontinent. From working with chefs, food researchers, and archeologists across the subcontinent, chef Keith’s passion for the history, culture, and cuisine of the subcontinent drives his take on his dishes.

“When an American Chef willingly sets foot in an Indian kitchen, insists on training under an Indian woman and takes on the interminable challenge of introducing Indian food to the west —they’re either irrational or awfully brave.”

—Bruite Magazine India

My thoughts on the book

This book is more than a cooking book. It is a real love story of an American chef for Indian cuisine and his journey to learn it from the best. The first pages of the book are taking us along this journey and I was impressed by the dedication and passion of Keith Sarasin to really understand Indian cuisine not just through ingredients and recipes but how it sings the culture of India, the place it has in people’s lives and how it fits in the whole culture.

The recipes are excellent, and the book has a very useful glossary. I really liked the masala recipes as it is definitely better to make them at home than to buy ready made packets of unconvincing old powder mixes. There is a nice range of recipes that can suit all tastes.. I liked the idea that the dishes are called by their Indian names and the short description provided at the top of the recipe is helpful. I would have appreciated a photo for each dish, especially as the photos included are really nice.

I enjoyed this book. It is definitely a fantastic book for lovers of Indian cuisine, especially for those who have already cooked it before, are familiar with the techniques and have a good spice box already. Beginners will find in this book genuine Indian dishes and flavors, well explained techniques and recipes and an opportunity to create their spice box if they have access to a good range of ingredients. It gives all cooks the opportunity to go a bit deeper into the Indian culinary culture.