Sunil Jalihal's BLOG

How IDEAS, COMMUNITIES and empowered ACTION create a better world!

Jan 24, 2012

Romancing the Chilli

Have been off Blogging for a while, was working on having this published..... Its now published, by Rupa Publications and available in leading bookstores in India and online at http://www.flipkart.com/ . Do buy a copy and let me know your comments. Happy Reading!!

Romancing the Chilli is a book about the enduring heritage of the chilli in India and across the world. Visually and intellectually stimulating, this book traces the history of the chilli in the Indian subcontinent and around the world, along with its morphological, genetic and farm-to-plate journeys.



The effect of the chilli on Indian and world cuisine, popular culture, the human body, its science, biology and applications are described in detail. Accounts of Chilli Bombs, Pepper Sprays, chilli colour extracts in cosmetics, influence on brands and movies such as Woman On Top & Mirch Masala will fascinate readers on the chilli’s far reaching influence on lives globally.
More than forty varieties of chilies from India, Mexico, China, Africa and their applications have been photo-documented. The Habanero, Jalapenos, Santaka, Peri Peri, Byadgi, Guntur and the world’s hottest – Bhoot Jolokia and many more are covered in this book.
The book includes more than forty-five traditional dry and wet chutney recipes from different parts of the country and a few from Mexico, Africa, China and Thailand. Each chutney is illustrated with snippets of history, gourmet tips and traditional health benefits of each.
Chutneys from across India, from traditional vegetables, fruits and oil seeds - flax seeds, niger seeds, pumpkin, gongura, dal, garlic, brinjal, kokum and many other chutneys will spice up the palate of readers!
Each chutney has been photographed in its historical and traditional context. The book has been thoroughly researched by locating traditional recipes, talking to grandmothers, gourmet chefs, chilli PhDs, chilli traders and farmers from various parts of India.

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