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The Bad Cook's Guide to Indian Cooking by Aakanksha Sethi: Book review

"Cooking is not about being perfect; it's about being real. This book is for all the bad cooks out there who just want to make good food."

How a self-proclaimed bad cook makes Indian cuisine accessible to all.

If you have ever felt intimidated by Indian cooking, Aakanksha Sethi’s The Bad Cook’s Guide to Indian Cooking is your lifesaver. With 46 beautifully illustrated recipes, it transforms complex dishes like biryani into approachable meals. Packed with humour and practical flow-charts, this book proves that you don’t need to be a chef to cook like one.

"The Bad Cook's Guide to Indian Cooking" by Aakanksha Sethi is an accessible introduction to Indian homestyle cooking. The book is a collection of well-illustrated recipes (illustrated by th author herself) , each presented with detailed flow-charts and illustrations to guide even the most inexperienced cooks through the process. Sethi, has compiled these recipes over a decade, ensuring they are foolproof and easy to follow.


The recipes range from elementary dishes like elementary paneer and microwave ghiya to more complex preparations such as straightforward chicken and homely chicken biryani. This cookbook has the ability to make Indian cooking approachable for everyone, regardless of their culinary skills. 

The flow-charts break down each recipe into manageable steps, making the process less intimidating and more enjoyable. The book emphasizes on authentic Indian homestyle cooking. Sethi offers readers a taste of traditional flavors and techniques that have been passed down through generations. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or someone looking to expand your culinary repertoire, "The Bad Cook's Guide to Indian Cooking" is a resource that will help you create delicious Indian dishes with ease. 


From phulka to biryani, "The Bad Cook's Guide to Indian Cooking" has got you covered! 🍛🍲 This brilliantly designed cookbook with its flow-charts and illustrations will make you look like a pro in the kitchen, even if you think you can't cook! What's your go-to dish when you want to impress someone? Share your thoughts and forward to a friend who needs this book! 
What I especially loved was the way the author started off with the basics and moved on to the basic, my favourite Sooji ka Halwa 💛. 

Publisher - Juggernaut 
Cover design- Vijaynandan Yadav
Genre - Cookery
Price - Rs 499



What makes Indian cooking books special?

Indian cookbooks are culinary treasures that serve as bridges to the country's rich cultural heritage. Did you know Indian cuisine is a £3 billion industry in the UK alone? Authentic cookbooks like Sethi’s ensure the preservation of homely recipes, blending age-old traditions with the realities of modern kitchens.

Books like Indian-ish by Priya Krishna and Madhur Jaffrey’s iconic works have been pivotal in demystifying Indian food worldwide. Now, Sethi brings her twist with her beginner-friendly and practical approach.

What’s unique about this cookbook?

Sethi's work isn’t just a cookbook; it is a confidence-builder. Every recipe includes visual guides, reducing kitchen stress. From microwave ghiya to phulkas, this is about “cooking real food for real people.”

Famous Quote

"Cooking is not about being perfect; it's about being real."

What do experts say?

Leading publication The Times of India calls it, “A cookbook that makes failing impossible. Authentic yet simple, it captures the heart of Indian kitchens.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use this book if I’ve never cooked before?

Yes! The flow-charts and step-by-step illustrations make it perfect for beginners.

Q: Are the ingredients accessible outside India?

Absolutely. Most ingredients are available in international grocery stores or online.

Q: Does this book cater to vegetarian readers?

Yes! It includes a variety of vegetarian dishes like paneer and ghiya, alongside non-vegetarian options.

How can you join the conversation?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your current reads or opinions about this book in the comments below. 

Tushar Mangl writes on books, investments, mental health, food, and a greener society. Speaker and author of Hey Honey Bunch and I Will Do It. 🌿

For more inspiring insights, subscribe to the Tushar Mangl YouTube Channel!

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