Excellent Introduction to Ayurvedic Nutrition 2009-06-23

Reviewer: Sabrina W. Feldman

I love this book because it is a perfect introduction and summery of Ayurvedic Nutrition. The cookbook aspect of it is excellent, as well, but I always recommend it to or buy it for friends who are curious about improving their health, just to introduce them to this great system that makes so much sense.

I first went to an Ayurvedic practioner 20 years ago who introduced me to how great it was. Although I have many detailed books on the subject of Ayurvedic Nutrition, the simplicity of this one makes it the one I go back to again and again.

The Ayurvedic Cookbook 2008-11-07

Reviewer: Tami Brady

I have to admit that I was a little intimidated when I first picked up The Ayurvedic Cookbook. I am new to Ayurveda. I have been reading everything I can get my hands on about the system and have started to change the way I eat according to these principles. However, to this point, I have been looking at specific foods and tastes to help my own health rather than trying to create a whole meal for my family.

Even with my limited experiments, I have already noticed changes in the way I feel. I was eager to do more but afraid that it might be more complex than I could handle. I was also a little worried that the food would be bland and boring.

Now, I'm so glad that I picked up The Ayurvedic Cookbook. The recipes are delicious. I haven't had to say "eat it because it's healthy" once. My favorite part is that each recipe includes information at the beginning that details how the recipe fits into the Ayurvedic system.

Moreover, the book includes a little blurb of information about the main ingredient of each section. This gives me a better idea about what this ingredient does in the system and when it works best. It also tells me how that particular item reacts with vata, pitta, and kapha types.

This is a wonderful healthy cookbook 2007-01-07

Reviewer: ESP Vegan

This cookbook really explains why foods affect people differently and shows how, with delicious recipes, to balance yourself with many healthy Indian style dishes. So far I have tried the 15 min veg curry, Plain indian rice, Veg Barley soup, sesame sweeties and curried parsnips and carrots. Every recipe has been delicious - my son 11 is a big curry fan now. Americans definitely don't know how to use spices!! This book will show you how. I highly recommend it.

The deeper side of cooking 2005-10-17

Reviewer: Beata P.

This book is the very first which transformed me from one who dislikes cooking into one that is eager to cook and learn more and more!!! I just simply cannot believe this is happening to me. I have never liked cooking. And it makes for the most thrilling reading too!!

Because of various health problems I was always advised to try different diets but never liked what I cooked. It was always the most boring task. This book has changed my attitude in the most profound ways, where I begin to perceive food not only as a source of nourishment but also a way to understand my own body's energetical needs and how to heal it. It is the most interesting fact to learn the connection between the food and my emotions. Through these quick, simple and most delicious recipes I am learning how to create foods which calm me when I need calming, ground me when I need grounding and cool or warm me depending on the season and the balance in my energy pattern. But it's not only that, I can even effect a positive emotional and digestive change in my husband through dishes that are meant for his type!

This book is slowly turning me from "cook hater" into "cook lover" and I cannot wait to try all of those recipes. The pumpkin or sweet potato halva recipe had us on our knees. It is sublime. The Indian tastes are simply like swimming in a deep ocean while the American cooking is more like swimming in a small and shallow pond. Why not jump in on the deeper side of life?

Great recipes! 2005-10-06

Reviewer: C. McMunn

This is a fantastic cookbook for experienced cooks wanting to explore both Indian cooking as well as Ayurvedic cooking. I've learned a lot about the appropriate use and balance of traditional Indian spices.

However, if you are relatively new to cooking, you may find the recipes to be a bit difficult. They are pared down for those who are more intuitive with cooking, but you will not have a step-by-step guide on how to do each task, like you might find in grocery store recipe magazines or Betty Crocker cookbooks. I have also run across occasional omissions of ingredients in the directions, and some of the grain recipes call for too much water (way too much).

On the whole, this book has a great net benefit. In fact, it's the only book I've been using for the last 3 weeks. Indian grocers sell incredibly affordable pantry items, and the food is simply wonderful. Please give this book a try!