Review by Booklist Review
Brought up in the stifling summer heat of Calcutta, Khan recalls the childhood joy and relief of boarding the Darjeeling Express. The railroad carried her up into the Himalayas' cooling breezes. So when she opened her London restaurant, the first name that came to mind was that of this glorious train. Since then, Darjeeling Express has become Londoners' Soho go-to for great cooking from her team of female chefs. Khan's cuisine reflects that of the Mughal Empire, which used a subtler range of spices than common in later Indian cooking. Khan shares her own formula for spicing foods, and she explains how to make superior garam masala. She also instructs in the judicious preparation of chili peppers to please both the timid palate and the fire-eater. Another shared secret involves properly frying onions. Alongside brilliant color photographs, Khan uses clear directions and measurements; and, thanks to online resources, feasting like a royal Mughal can happen anywhere.--Mark Knoblauch Copyright 2019 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Khan, owner of London's acclaimed Darjeeling Express restaurant and a subject of a forthcoming episode of Netflix's Chef's Table documentary series, shares a delightful collection of personal recipes sure to entice lovers of Indian food. Khan divides her alluring recipes into feasts for two, family feasts, eating with friends, and celebratory feasts. Readers will discover a range of vibrant dishes suitable for busy weeknights or special occasions. Chingri bhaaja (shrimp sautAced with butter and chilis) and saag paneer (spinach with Indian cheese)-both for two people-reflect the savory diversity of the cuisine. A luscious cheese korma (in family-sized portions) and a hearty spiced red lentil dish called khichree (perfect for entertaining) will tempt those unfamiliar with the complex flavors of Indian cooking. For those intimidated by the spiciness of the cuisine-like the author's son-Khan provides flavorful recipes for dum gosht (roast beef cooked with mild Indian spices) and boors chenni ki kheer (rice pudding with brown sugar). Cooks looking to make authentic Indian meals at home will not be disappointed. Khan cooks from the heart, and her appetizing dishes and expert guidance are not to be missed. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
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