Description
“Food is everything we are. It’s an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma. It’s inseparable from those from the get-go.” – Chef Anthony Bourdain.
The Mystic Kitchens of Nepal is more than just a cookbook; this book is a fusion of cooking and tourism, designed to enchant adventurous travelers seeking authentic experiences and home cooks eager to explore new flavors and traditions.
After countless experiments over the past five years and more than 15 years of meticulous research, this book brings to life the intricate tapestry of Nepali culinary heritage. In today’s world, where ingredients and recipes are easily accessible online, we often lose the connection to the hands that originally crafted these dishes—the innovators, chefs, home cooks, and elders who refined these recipes over generations. The Mystic Kitchens of Nepal reconnects us to those roots, offering food that speaks to the soul.
Over 140 recipes showcase various everyday and exotic dishes from across Nepal. Engaging stories and travel narratives transport readers to Nepal’s breathtaking landscapes while providing deep insights into the country’s customs and history. The book traces the roots of Nepali culinary traditions from ancient times to the present day.
The book’s cover art features a rustic kitchen high in the Himalayas, in the Khumbu region. Stunning photography captures the beauty of Nepal’s culinary and geographical landscapes and beautiful illustrations provide a visually immersive experience. This book has detailed recipe instructions, engaging stories, and practical tips for cooking.
The Mystic Kitchens of Nepal is a tribute to the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Nepal’s culinary heritage into a harmonious and mystical cuisine.
“Our cuisine reflects how people from India, China, Burma, and Tibet once came together to create a harmonious blend, forming a truly mystic cuisine.” – Chef Bikram Vaidya.
Table of Contents
Introduction
- Culinary Journey: Travel stories and insights into Nepal’s diverse food culture.
- Regional Specialties: Highlights of Himalayan, Central, Terai, and Kathmandu Valley cuisines.
- Nepali Culinary Traditions: Untold stories and the cultural significance of food across Nepal’s regions.
Basic Kitchen Knowledge
- Creating meals with a focus on kitchen organization.
- The mysteries of flavor and the importance of cooking techniques.
- Kitchen rules and regulations.
- Essential pantry items for Nepali cooking.
Food as Medicine
- Ayurvedic recipes with a focus on seasonal eating, complete with nutritional value and calorie information for each dish.
Equipment and Utensils
- Detailed descriptions of traditional and contemporary appliances and tools used in Nepali cooking.
Cooking Techniques
- Traditional methods with modern adaptations and recipe variations.
- Equivalents and conversion tables.
- Icons indicating difficulty level, serving size, preparation time, and cooking time for each recipe.
Guide to Herbs and Spices
- In-depth descriptions of spices and herbs, their places of origin, uses, and health benefits.
Recipes and Stories
- Categories include: Snacks and Appetizers, Salads, Rice and Grains, Legumes, Stocks and Soups, Vegetables, Meat, Poultry, Fish and Crustaceans, Chutneys, Pickles, and Sauces, Breads and Noodles, Sweets and Desserts, Beverages, and Spirits.
Glossary and Bibliography
Acknowledgments and Endorsements
Index
