Curried Favors: Family Recipes from South India (Revised)

Maya MacMillan presents a revised edition of Curried Favors, offering home cooks an accessible entry into the tropical cuisine of South India. The text challenges common stereotypes that Indian dishes are inherently heavy or difficult to prepare by emphasizing light flavors and simple methods using ingredients found in average kitchens. The book features over one hundred recipes that highlight the region's reliance on coconut, seafood, and exotic fruits alongside fresh hot chilies. MacMillan organizes the content to guide readers through traditional southern fare, including dishes like Rava Masala Dosa, Sambar, and fish Aviyal. She also includes North Indian family favorites such as Lamb Korma and Tandoori Chicken. The volume contains sixty color illustrations that provide visual cues for preparation, along with extensive notes on ingredients and practical menu ideas. A source list helps readers locate specific items. This work suits those interested in regional specialties and lesser-known culinary traditions outside of standard restaurant fare. It may not appeal to readers seeking complex, heavy curries or those unwilling to learn new techniques. The author’s talent for explaining unfamiliar methods makes the material approachable for beginners while remaining valuable as a primer on Indian cooking.