Hiremath shares valuable guidance on how to cook classic Indian specialties at home. She explains not only what to do but also why, combining clear, detailed explanations of specific techniques with important background knowledge that you can apply to every dish you prepare.

More than 250 recipes feature signature classics as well as eye-opening originals created by the author. Choices range from the irresistible opulence of Moghul Lamb Biryani and the elegant, soothing sweetness of Warm Mango Soup to the sweet-spicy surprise of Tandoori Turkey with Pomegranate Juice and the delectable crispiness of Quick Semolina Crepes and other South Indian dosa pancakes.

Peppered throughout the book are intriguing historical details and memories from Hiremath’s own childhood: Tales of the Moghul elite’s imperial kitchens mingle with enchanting stories of the mouthwatering street snacks (chaat) the author eagerly anticipated during childhood vacations in Mumbai.

Well organized and clearly written, The Dance of Spices is destined to become the new classic on Indian cooking. It will give you the skills and the confidence you need to make authentic Indian dishes at home-­with spectacular results.

Dance of Spices @ Amazon.com—click here to buy now!

Laxmi Hiremath
Hardcover, 454 pages
John Wiley & Sons
January 2005, April 2007 (2nd edition)

Praise for The Dance of Spices

“The most comprehensive and ambitious book of its kind in years.”— Boston Globe December 14, 2005

“Our favorite book brings us new flavors from new places.”— Chicago Tribune, November 20, 2005

“Those who’ve already tried cooking Indian or have an adventurous streak, this engaging, meticulously researched cookbook deserves to be spattered with hot oil and cumin and land a spot on the kitchen shelf. Like any good teacher, Hiremath spices up her work with entertaining tangents and anecdotes. The proof is in the pudding, or in this case the gulab jamun, for a cookbook, and Hiremath’s recipes are as reliable as her charm. Of course you’ve eaten chicken tikka masala before, but you’ve probably never tried tandoori turkey or mango soup or boatman’s crab curry. Now you can.”—San Francisco Magazine, Spice It Up, June, 2005

“The Dance of Spices is filled with excellent, authentic curries, as well as dishes rarely explored in American home kitchens such as street-fare chaats. With this book, Laxmi Hiremath proves herself a skilled, intuitive teacher of real Indian cooking.”—Paula Wolfert, author of the award-winning The Slow Mediterranean Kitchen

“Laxmi’s book is a clearly explained, friendly invitation to cook Indian food with confidence and pleasure.” —Jeffrey Alford and Naomi Duguid, authors of Mangoes & Curry Leaves

“The Dance of Spices is a hands-on cooking class. [It] provides one with the information to trulyunderstand and prepare a delicious Indian curry. I love that Laxmi includes information on history and social customs, as well as personal anecdotes to supplement the recipes.”—Roxanne Klein, chef and coauthor of Raw