London-based Indian restaurant owner Camellia Punjabi has published her new book 'Vegetables: The Indian Way'. It features 120 recipes, information on the nutritional and Ayurvedic properties of Indian vegetables, promoting both health and taste.
Book on Vegetables: Camellia Punjabi, an Indian-origin restaurateur and author based in London, has offered a new perspective on Indian vegetables through her new book, 'Vegetables: The Indian Way'. This book includes 120 recipes along with detailed information on vegetables and lentils from all regions of India. The book also elaborates on traditional methods of cooking spices and vegetables and their health benefits.
Ayurvedic and Nutritional Impact
In the book, Camellia not only provides recipe instructions but also highlights the Ayurvedic effects and nutritional properties of vegetables. She stated, "I felt it was time to look at vegetables from a different perspective, rather than just having them as side dishes at the end of a restaurant menu."
Opportunity Arises During COVID Lockdown
Camellia explained that the idea for this new book had been in her mind for a long time, but the opportunity to write it arose during the lockdown. She classified vegetables according to how they grow—underground, on the ground, on a bush, underwater, or on a tree. This way, readers can understand vegetables along with their origins and health benefits.
In-depth Research and Family Support
Camellia received support from her sister Namita and brother-in-law Ranjit Mathrani in the creation of the book. According to them, during the lockdown, her family inspired her to put pen to paper. The book's tagline, 'A Complete Collection of Recipes from Simple to Special,' reflects that each dish has been explored in depth. For instance, the connection between bitter gourd and blood sugar control, or the perfect pairing of lentils and rice that makes a meal nutritious.
Consultation with Herbal and Ayurvedic Experts
Camellia gathered information from India's National Institute of Nutrition and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute located at the Pusa campus in Delhi. Additionally, she consulted with herbal experts and Ayurvedic practitioners. She remarked, "Asking them questions was not easy, but it made my research journey even more interesting."
Experience with Taj Hotels Group
Throughout her long career, Camellia has also worked with the Taj Hotels Group and has always promoted vegetable dishes. In her new book, she has attempted to demonstrate that vegetables are not just for taste or sustainability, but are also essential for the body's energy, digestive function, and longevity.
