Book excerpt: A beautiful fiftieth-anniversary edition of the essential Indian cookbook—"the final word on the subject" (The New York Times)—featuring a new introduction by the author and a new foreword by Yotam Ottolenghi An instant classic upon publication, this book teaches home cooks perfect renditions of dishes such as Mulligatawny Soup, Whole Wheat Samosas, and Chicken Biryani, alongside Green Beans with Mustard, Khitcherie Unda (scrambled eggs, Indian style), and Nargisi Kofta (large meatballs stuffed with hard-boiled eggs). The “queen of Indian cooking" (Saveur), Madhur Jaffrey helped introduce generations of American home cooks to the foods of the subcontinent. In An Invitation to Indian Cooking—widely considered one of the best cookbooks of all time and enshrined in the James Beard Foundation’s Cookbook Hall of Fame—Jaffrey gives readers a sweeping survey of the rich culinary traditions of her home. Living in London and homesick, she was prompted to re-create the dishes of her Delhi childhood. Jaffrey taught herself the art of Indian cuisine and, in this groundbreaking book, she shares those lessons with us all. Featuring more than 160 recipes, the book covers everything from appetizers, soups, vegetables, and meats to fish, chutneys, breads, desserts, and more. From recipes for formal occasions to the making of everyday staples such as dals, pickles, and relishes, Jaffrey’s “invitation” has proved irresistible for generations of American home cooks. Beautifully redesigned—and with a new foreword by the author and a new introduction by superfan, Yotam Ottolenghi—and featuring Jaffrey's own illustrations, this anniversary edition celebrates An Invitation to Indian Cooking’s half a century as the go-to text on Indian cooking.