Hot off the burner

It is seldom that one comes across a cookery book that weaves narratives of history and memory between recipes as beautifully as this book does.

Title: The Suriani Kitchen
Author: Lathika George
Publisher: Westland Ltd.
Price: Rs 450

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It is seldom that one comes across a cookery book that weaves narratives of history and memory between recipes as beautifully as this book does. Lathika George takes the reader on an engaging journey of the cuisine of the Syrian Christian community of Kerala, one of the oldest surviving Christian groups in the world.

The book includes 150 recipes of dishes such as Sweet and Sour Ginger Curry, Crab Fry, Duck roast (a festive occasion favourite), Plantain and Coconut Saute, (a dish that the author’s grandmother would make) and Tender Coconut Pudding.

The author writes of childhood days spent in her grandmother’s house, ritual baths, best toddy shops in Kerala, payasams, pickles, and more.

A detailed glossary, black-and-white photographs and sketches supplement this masterly work.