“Mittal (Pure & Simple: Homemade Indian Vegetarian Cuisine) successfully follows up her first cookbook with this title. Most recipes feature a flavor profile from her home state of Uttar Pradesh, but Mittal gives a nod to other regional cuisines by including Punjabi, Gujarati, and South Indian dishes as well. She takes a healthy approach by utilizing whole and fresh ingredients including vegetables, such as broccoli, that are not widely used in Indian cooking. Main dishes are built around koftas (dumplings), paneer (fresh curd cheese), dal (lentils), potatoes, or hearty produce such as cauliflower and jackfruit. While many of the dishes are more complex than what most cooks would want to attempt on a weeknight, some will be simple to prepare, and inspiration abounds. The book includes a helpful glossary and visual guide for spices, vegetables, and legumes. VERDICT The minimalist aesthetic and photographs will appeal to a wide audience, and readers familiar with Indian cuisine will appreciate the diversity of dishes represented. Mittal’s helpful visual instructions, chapter devoted to cooking techniques, and tips will have home cooks making paneer and spice blends with confidence.” — Library Journal, starred review

“Vegetarian cooking attains some of its greatest triumphs in India. The country’s sophisticated and intelligent use of a huge array of spices brings a dynamic to humble garden produce like no other culinary approach. Mittal’s vibrantly photographed cookbook proves attractive to just about any palate looking to pursue vegetarian or even vegan regimens. An illustrated guide to spices, herbs, and vegetables, in both English and Indian languages, does much to dispel confusion… Photograph series within each recipe show dishes at successive stages of preparation, giving the first-timer benchmarks to assure ultimate success.” — Booklist