Modern Spice Cookbook Review

Inspired Indian Flavors for the Contemporary Kitchen

Apr 8, 2009 Lynn Smythe

Summary of Monica Bhide's new 265 page, hardcover cookbook on spices and Indian cooking. Foreword by Mark Bittman.

The cookbook Modern Spice (Simon & Schuster, 2009) by Monica Bhide, takes traditional Indian dishes, and updates them for the modern American cook. Bhide assures her readers that classic Indian cooking doesn't have to be intimidating: "While traditional Indian cooking required slaving in the kitchen for hours, modern Indian cooking makes a virtue of quick-cook techniques."

Sample Recipe from Modern Spice

This recipe serves 4 and takes approximately 40 minutes to prepare. Bhide recommends serving this dish with steamed rice. A vegetable side dish, such as steamed broccoli, or oven roasted asparagus, would also make a delightful accompaniment to this recipe. Bhide also recommends using chicken thighs, but chicken breast can be substituted if desired. A less spicy version of this recipe can be created by altering the amount of chili pepper according to personal preference.

Red Chile, Garlic & Basil Chicken Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 5 medium shallots - sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves - sliced
  • 3 dried red chili peppers - roughly pounded
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken - cubed
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 8 basil leaves
  • 1/2 of a 13.5 ounce can of unsweetened coconut milk

Red Chile, Garlic & Basil Chicken Directions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the shallots and garlic and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the garlic begins to change color.
  3. Add the chiles, turmeric and salt and saute for 1 minute.
  4. Add the chicken pieces and saute for about 10 minutes.
  5. Add the water and coconut milk, cover the skillet and cook for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is done.
  6. Add the basil leaves and mix well.
  7. Remove from the heat and serve immediately.

About the Author

Monica Bhide is a Washington D.C. based food writer. Monica was born in India and moved to the United States in 1991. Visit Monica's A Life of Spice blog, to find out more information on her upcoming publications, cooking classes and more. Bhide is also the author of The Everything Indian Cookbook and The Spice is Right.

About the Book

  • Author: Monica Bhide
  • Title: Modern Spice; Inspired Indian Flavors for the Contemporary Kitchen
  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  • Date: 2009
  • ISBN: 978-1-4165-6659-5

Additional Book Reviews

Additional reviews of books, which feature herbs and spices, can be found in the following articles.

  1. Flavor Bible; Comprehensive Resource Guide of Compatible Taste Ingredients by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenberg.
  2. Field Guide to Herbs & Spices; How to Identify, Select, and Use Every Seasoning at the Market by Aliza Green.
  3. 101 Recipes From the Herb Lady by Catherine Crowley.

The copyright of the article Modern Spice Cookbook Review in Herbs & Spices is owned by Lynn Smythe. Permission to republish Modern Spice Cookbook Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Modern Spice Cookbook, Simon & Schuster Modern Spice Cookbook
   
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