10 Best Indian Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

An Invitation to Indian Cooking: 50th Anniversary Edition: A Cookbook is a comprehensive guide to Indian cuisine, making it an excellent choice for those who want to explore authentic Indian dishes. The book's focus on Indian cuisine is strong, offering a variety of traditional recipes that can cater to both beginners and experienced cooks. The skill level required varies, with some recipes being quite straightforward, while others may require more advanced cooking techniques and time. This allows for growth and learning as you become more familiar with Indian cooking methods.

One of the strengths of this cookbook is the accessibility of ingredients. Most of the recipes use ingredients that can be found in well-stocked grocery stores or specialty Indian markets, which makes it easier for readers to recreate the dishes at home. However, some rare spices and specific regional ingredients might be harder to find depending on your location. The cookbook is accommodating to various dietary preferences, offering recipes that are vegetarian, vegan, and meat-based, making it versatile for different diets.

Recipe variety is another highlight, as the book covers a wide range of dishes from different regions of India, including appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Additionally, the cookbook provides cultural and historical context, enriching the cooking experience by connecting the recipes to their origins and traditions. One potential drawback is that the book is quite heavy and large, which might make it cumbersome to handle in the kitchen. Nonetheless, its hardcover format ensures durability. The language is clear and easy to follow, making it accessible to a broad audience. In summary, An Invitation to Indian Cooking: 50th Anniversary Edition is a valuable resource for anyone interested in delving into Indian cuisine, offering a blend of traditional recipes, cultural insight, and dietary flexibility.

The '660 Curries' cookbook is a comprehensive guide dedicated to Indian cuisine, specifically focusing on a multitude of curry recipes. With 809 pages, it offers an extensive variety of recipes ranging from simple everyday curries to more elaborate dishes, catering to various skill levels, from beginners to seasoned cooks. The book's extensive recipe variety is a significant strength, making it suitable for those looking to explore a wide range of Indian flavors and cooking techniques.

Another advantage is the detailed instructions provided, which can help beginners get accustomed to Indian cooking methods. However, the sheer volume of recipes might be overwhelming for some users, and finding specific recipes can be challenging without a well-organized index. In terms of ingredients, while many common spices and items are readily accessible, some specific regional ingredients might be harder to find for readers living outside of India, which could limit the practicality of certain recipes.

The book also touches upon various dietary preferences by including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, but it may not cater extensively to very specialized diets like vegan or gluten-free. Additionally, the cookbook provides cultural and historical context, enriching the reader’s understanding of Indian culinary traditions, which is a valuable educational aspect. Weighing around 3.39 pounds, its large size and weight might make it less convenient for daily use in the kitchen, and more suitable as a reference book. '660 Curries' is excellent for those passionate about delving deep into Indian cuisine and learning about diverse curry recipes, though it may present some practical challenges in terms of ingredient accessibility and ease of use.

Vegetarian India: A Journey Through the Best of Indian Home Cooking is a cookbook that delves deep into the rich culinary traditions of Indian vegetarian cuisine. The book's primary strength lies in its dedicated focus on vegetarian dishes, making it an excellent choice for those who follow a vegetarian diet or are looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their routine.

The recipes are diverse, offering a wide range of dishes from different regions of India, which adds to the variety and keeps the cooking experience exciting and educational. The author takes care to present the cultural and historical context behind the recipes, enriching the reader's understanding of Indian culinary heritage. However, some recipes may require ingredients that are not easily accessible outside of India, which could be a drawback for those living in areas with limited ethnic grocery stores.

The skill level required to execute the recipes ranges from beginner to intermediate, making it suitable for home cooks with varying levels of experience. The 448-page hardcover is well-illustrated, adding visual appeal and guiding readers through the cooking process. Despite its weight and size, the book is a valuable addition to any kitchen library for those passionate about Indian cuisine and vegetarian cooking.