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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Indian-ish summary
Priya Krishna
Brief summary
Indian-ish by Priya Krishna is a delightful cookbook that offers a fresh take on traditional Indian cuisine. With easy-to-follow recipes and personal anecdotes, it celebrates the author's hybrid food culture and will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.
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Table of Contents
Indian-ish
Summary of key ideas
Exploring Hybrid Cuisine
In Indian-ish, Priya Krishna invites us into her family kitchen, where her mother, Ritu, blends traditional Indian cooking with American ingredients and techniques. This hybrid cuisine, which Krishna affectionately dubs 'Indian-ish', is the heart of the book. It's a cuisine that reflects Ritu's journey from India to the United States, and her desire to create meals that are both familiar and new.
Krishna begins by introducing us to her family and their culinary journey. She shares stories of her mother's cooking, which is a unique blend of traditional Indian dishes, like samosas and dal, with American staples such as spaghetti and grilled cheese. Krishna also explains how her mother's cooking was shaped by her experiences as an immigrant, her career as a software programmer, and her love for food shows and cookbooks.
Recipes and Stories
Each chapter in Indian-ish is centered around a particular ingredient or dish, such as yogurt, eggs, or rice. Krishna provides a selection of her mother's recipes for each, along with personal anecdotes and insights. For instance, she shares the story behind Ritu's 'Saag Feta', a dish that combines traditional Indian spinach curry with crumbled feta cheese. Ritu created this dish to make spinach more palatable for her children, and it quickly became a family favorite.
Throughout the book, Krishna emphasizes how her mother's approach to cooking is rooted in practicality and resourcefulness. Ritu often improvises with ingredients, substitutes items based on what's available, and repurposes leftovers into new dishes. This flexible approach to cooking, according to Krishna, is a defining feature of Indian-ish cuisine.
Exploring the Pantry
In addition to sharing recipes, Krishna also introduces us to the key ingredients in her family's pantry. She explains the unique role each ingredient plays in Indian-ish cooking, and offers tips on how to incorporate them into our own kitchens. For example, she describes how Ritu uses yogurt as a marinade, a side dish, and even as a refreshing drink.
Moreover, Krishna provides a guide to the Indian spices and condiments used in her family's kitchen. She explains the flavor profiles of each, and suggests ways to use them in everyday cooking. This section is a valuable resource for those new to Indian cuisine, and provides a glimpse into the vibrant world of Indian spices.
Celebrating Family and Food
At its core, Indian-ish is a celebration of family, food, and the immigrant experience. Krishna's affectionate portrayal of her mother's cooking reflects the deep bond they share. It's a cuisine that is both a tribute to Ritu's Indian heritage and an expression of her American life.
In conclusion, Indian-ish is a delightful journey into the world of Indian-American cooking. Through her mother's recipes and stories, Krishna offers us a window into a unique culinary tradition that honors the past while embracing the present. It's a celebration of the food that brings us together, regardless of our cultural background or geographical location.
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What is Indian-ish about?
Indian-ish by Priya Krishna is a delightful cookbook that offers a fresh take on traditional Indian cuisine. Filled with personal anecdotes and easy-to-follow recipes, this book introduces readers to the author's inventive and accessible approach to cooking. From crispy rice with herbed yogurt to chickpea flour green beans, these dishes are sure to add a burst of flavor to your kitchen.
Indian-ish Review
Indian-ish (2019) by Priya Krishna is a delightful culinary journey that celebrates the vibrant flavors and traditions of Indian home cooking. Here's why this book stands out:
- Featuring familiar Indian recipes with a modern twist, the book offers a fresh take on classic dishes, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.
- The author's charming storytelling and personal anecdotes add a unique touch, bringing the recipes to life and making them relatable.
- With its emphasis on embracing simplicity and creativity in the kitchen, this book ensures that cooking Indian food becomes accessible, enjoyable, and far from boring.
Who should read Indian-ish?
Anyone interested in exploring the fusion of Indian and American flavors
Cooking enthusiasts looking for creative and approachable recipes
Readers who enjoy personal stories and cultural insights intertwined with food
Categories with Indian-ish
Book summaries like Indian-ish
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Indian-ish FAQs
What is the main message of Indian-ish?
The main message of Indian-ish is about celebrating and reimagining traditional Indian cooking with a modern twist.
How long does it take to read Indian-ish?
Reading Indian-ish takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Indian-ish a good book? Is it worth reading?
Indian-ish is worth reading for its fresh take on Indian cuisine, blending tradition with innovation.
Who is the author of Indian-ish?
Priya Krishna is the author of Indian-ish.
What to read after Indian-ish?
If you're wondering what to read next after Indian-ish, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
- Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
- Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
- Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
- Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
- The Twenty-four Hour Mind by Rosalind D. Cartwright