Masala is a seminal Indian cookbook for a modern generation that reflects the way we live, cook, entertain and eat today.
Food writer Mallika Basu grew up enjoying exotic flavours from across India in an unconventional, bustling home in Kolkata and then spent years recreating them in a London kitchen. Now she shares those recipes, techniques and shortcuts so you too can cook with real Indian flavours without compromising on taste or texture.
Embrace weekday dinners with mustard coconut and chilli-slathered baked fish, wok-friendly Goan chilli beef fry or silken kofta curry made with packs of ready-rolled meatballs. For leisurely weekends, tuck into a feast of Vindaloo pulled pork; give your Sunday roast a sumptuous twist with spicy marinades or enjoy a whole roasted cauliflower encrusted with nut butter. Brunch as Indians do with dosas and whole moong crepes; entertain with crowd pleasing do-it-yourself Calcutta kati rolls, easy-to-assemble platters of baby aubergines drenched in peanut, sesame and coconut, and much, much more.
Mallika 's recipes respect the past and embrace the future in an easy and informal way that will broaden your understanding of Indian cooking, and inspire you to return to these recipes time and time again.
About the Author
Born and brought up in Kolkata, India, Mallika Basu is a home cook and author who is passionate about fabulous and authentic Indian food. She is a spokesperson for the Great British Food Campaign and writes regularly for the Evening Standard. She lives with her family in London.
Industry Reviews
I've been inspired by Mallika's cooking for years. Her style of simple yet delicious Indian recipes will take you on a journey through this extravagant cuisine. I adore the focus on flavour and her presentation is impeccable. This is certainly going to become one of my favourites and is sat proudly next to her first book on my kitchen shelf! -- Dr Rupy Aujla, author of The Doctor's Kitchen
Dispelling curry myths like the infamous tikka masala, Mallika Basu's debut book makes real Indian flavours accessible for the busy homecook of today * Independent *
Fragrant, fresh and spicy... from the new talent transforming Indian cooking * BBC Good Food *
Masala is a deep-dive into her own culture... with enough shortcuts to make authenticity approachable for the modern British audience. Eat well, feel good. Do try this at home * Evening Standard *
Given that there are scores of Indian cookbooks what sets this one apart? Practicality, for one... another is its sense of humour. Dishes score full marks on flavour and are achievable by any fairly competent home cook * Delicious *
Mallika makes things more accessible with clever shortcuts and hacks, and modern takes on dishes handed down over the years... perfect for the way we cook today * Independent *
Mallika takes the food from her home country and shows us how it can be achieved by modern (often time-poor) home cooks. It's done by way of simple hacks and clever shortcuts, as opposed to compromising on authenticity or flavour. Practical and inspiring * Crumbs *
