All the recipes are based on readily available ingredients and have been for Western kitchens. An introduction to each recipe describes the unique flavour and appearance of the dish and gives helpful serving suggestions and a sample menu of traditionally compatible dishes. The "A-Z of General Information" describes and explains new and traditional equipment and techniques and gives the uses and variations of each fruit, vegetable, grain and milk product. Advice on setting up and stocking your kitchen, what to have on hand, what to buy fresh, how to store what you have and sources for ingredients and equipment is also given. The recipes are enlivened by the author's anecdotes and personal reminiscences of her years in India including stories of gathering recipes from royal families and temple cooks which had been jealously guarded for centuries. There are also 330 helpful and instructional illustrations.