The Ultimate Potato Cookbook

Author: Megha Patil

Published by: Penguin

Price: Rs 195

Yes, you guessed it - mouth-watering recipes with potato. You wouldn't have imagined that the ubiquitous potato could have so many avatars! Over 100 recipes from India and around the world - in everything from chutneys, soups, salads and snacks to entrees, stews, curries, rice dishes, pancakes, desserts and street food! Special ones to look out for are the unusual adaptations for the Indian palate.

The Spice Is Right: Easy Indian Cooking For Today

Author: Monica Bhide

Published by: Callawind Publications Inc

Price: Rs 985

An absolute down-to-earth Indian cookbook for the hard-pressed-for-time, health conscious cook! The highlight of the book is that it's organised into menus. So, let's say you pick a topic - 'Seafood Special' or 'An Intimate Dinner For Two' (and there are many such brilliant options!), you wouldn't have to ponder on drawing up the menu! It's all right there - a spread for a complete meal. Read, cook and set the table!

And, wait... another good part - each menu concludes with a section on what to do with the leftovers. The idea stems from the author's personal dislike for wasting food. So, you're bound to love this idea, if you hate wasting, too!

Dakshin - Vegetarian Cuisine From South India

Author: Chandra Padmanabhan

Published by: HarperCollins

Price: Rs 295

Need an introduction to this? The title couldn't have been clearer! But if you are anything of a South Indian food fanatic, pick up this book. It made us happy that traditional and age-old dishes like 'Vatral Kozhambu' and 'Vazhithandu Poriyal' aren't after all, forgotten!

And the best part is that, though traditional and authentic, the recipes have been simplified and shortened to suit modern needs - so, no grinding stones and pestle, required!

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Potluck Specials

This cookbook has special value - it has been brought out by a group of ladies belonging to the 'Ladies of Trichy Moonrock Round Table 108'. The book is not restricted to any particular cuisine - in fact, each recipe is from a personal collection, tried and tested at home. There is one aspect of this cookbook that touched our souls - the sale proceeds were given to the Round Table's long-term project, 'Freedom Through Education', with a vision to educate one million children by the year 2005.

To find out more about the book and the availability, e-mail your queries to potluckspecials@ yahoo.co.uk

Nuskha-e-Shahjahani - Pulaos From the Royal Kitchen Of Shah Jahan

Translated by: Salma Husain

Published by: Rupa & co

Price: Rs 395

The Moghul emperor Shah Jahan's kitchen was known to be an exhibition ground for endless creative energy and finesse. The recipes in this book are translated from the original Persian manuscript 'Nuskha-e-Shahjahani' and are right out of the royal kitchen of the emperor!

Be prepared, for you are bound to unearth some near-forgotten delicacies like Pasta Pulao and Samosa Pulao! The methods are peppered with helpful cooking tips, too.

Truly, for someone who loves a royal feast!

Karen Anand's International Cooking

Author: Karen Anand

Published by: Popular Prakashan

Price: Rs 395

Karen Anand needs no introduction among foodies! This book is divided into international regions and countries, loosely based on the author's travels. Every section has a brief introduction, giving a rundown on the region's popular foods. Each recipe has been sourced from well-known chefs, hotels and restaurants. So, pick this book if you want to cook some English, Mexican, Italian, Spanish, Lebanese, Thai and Japanese food! A must-mention here, is the last section, which is a compilation of 'signature' dishes of great cooks from around the world.

'The Utlimate Dal Cookbook'

Author: Mona Verma

Published by: Penguin

Price: 195

Another from the 'ultimate' series. This time, it's dals - an essential part of every Indian meal, whether it's 'dal tadka' from North India or spicy south Indian sambhar. The chaats and mithai made from dal are worth a try. And so are the sprouts.

The book has recipes that will help you serve up dals of every sort: everyday ones to accompany your usual rice and roti diet as well as unusual one-dish meals!