India Express: Simple and Delicious Recipes for Every Day

“I hope these recipes, from lazy brunches to easy weeknight curries and weekend feasts, will become a part of your go-to everyday repertoire,” writes bestseller Iyer (The Roasting Tin) in this enticing collection of quick Indian meals. She adapts a number of traditional dishes for weeknight ease: the crisp-topped marinated sea bass with green chili, lime, and coriander is typically prepared as a fish-fry, but Iyer’s version goes straight into the oven. Other classic fare includes aloo dum (Bengali potato curry with spiced tomatoes) and methu vada (fried lentil doughnuts). Also on offer are equally exciting recipes “loosely based” on the flavors of Iyer’s childhood, notably the puy lentil and broccolini stir fry and one-tin spiced roasted paneer with tomatoes and peppers. Mouthwatering desserts similarly range from the classic chakrai pongal (South Indian rice pudding with jaggery and cashew nuts) to Iyer’s own mango, stem ginger, and lime ice cream. The recipes are easy to follow and Iyer’s loving family anecdotes add color. The one flaw is that sourcing some of these ingredients will be challenging (“Fresh curry leaves can be a hit and miss to get a hold of,” the author admits). Still, for home cooks looking to recreate Indian flavors, this provides plenty of inspiration. (Aug.)