India has long been known as one of the great spice centres of the world. Exotic spices have been used for centuries to liven up the daily staples such as rice or breads with tasty sauce dishes known as curries. Pungent spices and beautifully scented flavourings contribute magical tastes and endless diversity to Indian curries, and this makes preparing and eating curries such an exciting experience. The Curry Lover's Cookbook brings together an inspirational collection of recipes chosen by Indian masterchef, Mridula Baljekar, and shows just how easy it is to make delicious and authentic curries at home. The book opens with a look into the background of curries to discover how eating habits and the use of ingredients have been shaped over the centuries. For novice curry chefs, the basics of curry-making are fully explained, and there is a useful directory-style guide to the essential ingredients of curries, such as fresh herbs, curry pastes and powders, together with practical information on using spices and cooking perfect rice. Featuring more than 115 recipes, the book offers dishes from the far-flung corners of the Indian subcontinent. From the northern regions of Kashmir and the Punjab come the popular Mughlai and tandoori dishes, and a variety of leavened and unleavened breads. Recipes from the east include fish and shellfish dishes from Bengal, and the sweet and savoury Anglo-Indian snacks sold on the streets of Calcutta. From the west, there are vegetarian dishes from the state of Gujarat, using fresh vegetables, pulses and dairy produce, as well as recipes from the rich and cosmopolitan cuisine of Bombay. Recipes from the coastal state of Goa pay homage to the Portuguese traders who colonized the area for hundreds of years, while coconut milk and chillies form the basis of the hot and fiery dishes from the south. There are over 480 colour photographs throughout: with easy-to-use step-by-step instructions for each recipe, and exquisite colour pictures of every dish, making your own sensational hot and spicy Indian curries has never been so easy and so satisfying.