The Ayurvedic Cookbook is one of my favourite cook books of all time. Partly because I love Indian food and it has delicious Indian recipes, and also because of its great introductory chapters that explain individualised healing with food.
Amadea Morningstar, M.A., a Western Trained Nutritionist, and Urmila Desai, a superb Indian cook, are both well-versed in a variety of healing traditions. Their wisdom and experience shine through in this all time classic The Ayurvedic Cookbook. It includes an in-depth discussion of Ayurvedic nutrition, tri-doshic perspectives and ways to make dietary changes that last.
She also gives great information on different food groups such as dairy and how it is digested, carbohydrates and their Ayurvedic benefits, and full foods list showing the doshic affect of each food. There are over 250 taste-tested recipes specifically designed to balance each constitution, with an emphasis on simplicity, ease and sound nutrition.
“This is not just another recipe book, but a unique health manual that if applied with proper understanding can lead to a whole new dimension, in the enhancement of health.” – Yogi Amrit Desai
“One of the most useful parts of this book is the outline of menus; different Ayurvedic constitutions are considered as well as a specific menu that is safe for all constitutions” – Dr David Frawley, Author of Ayurvedic Healing: A Comprehensive Guide
If people have a passion for holistic cooking then I often recommend The Ayurvedic Cookbook as the first book to start with. Partly because of its balance between Ayurvedic nutritional theory and self-examination, alongside inspiring recipes and meal plans which make the learning more experiential and practical.
For those more interested in cooking western foods, her secondary book Ayurvedic Cooking for Westerners is an ideal companion to this with more focus on western recipes and understanding their relationship to Ayurvedic principles.
Wishing you health & prosperity,
Kimmana