The Essential Marathi Cookbook, a modern, easy-to-use introduction to several Marathi sub-cuisines, travels across the regions and religions of Maharashtra to bring out the most authentic and appetizing recipes from the state. Journalist and chef Kaumudi Marath? presents a varied and nuanced selection ranging from the delectable entr?es long associated with Maharashtra, to appetizing and unusual side dishes, and a plethora of desserts, as well as, lesser-known but equally tantalizing family and regional specialties which have never before appeared in an English-language cookbook. The comprehensive introduction describes Marathi cooking basics, ingredients and techniques and also explains the special spices used in Marathi kitchens along with the methods for their best use in seasonings. Packed with personal anecdotes and food memories from the author and other contributors to the book, The Essential Marathi Cookbook is the definitive guide to Marathi food and customs. Recipes include: Pithla-Bhat (zesty gram flour sauce with hot rice), Shiryachi Poli (sweet semolina-stuffed bread), Ambyacha Loncha (green mango-mustard pickle), Spicy Kolhapuri mutton, Suranachi Koshimbir (elephant?s foot yam salad), Kelphulachi Bhaji (banana blossom stir-fry), Pach Dalinchi Amti (five lentil stew), Mugache Kadhan (Konkan lentil-coconut pudding), Bol Marie (East Indian coconut pie), Pathare-Prabhu baked karanjis (coconut crescents), Kharvas (first-milk custard), Khudi (saut?ed East Indian-style chicken), Ukad Shengule (sorghum pasta), Kaumudi?s grandmother?s Lettuce Salad