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The book arrived today. It is a beautiful book and I am quite excited already about learning more about Ayurveda and cooking some of the recipes!
Thank you,
Tim Biddulph, UK
Email on May 2, 2009
   
Thank you very much for the mail. And it feels so much better that the authors themselves take the trouble to attend to customers mails. If you were a listed company my husband would have put some money in!
And let me also tell you that I liked  "Cooking at Home with Pedatha". So much so that I am ordering the second book without even seeing it. Trusting that the labour of love that goes into these books will turn everything from Pritya into something that I would want to own. Expecting to see Sukham Ayu soon.
Warm regards
Kalpana Abhijith
Email on April 30, 2009
   
Dear Pratibha & Jigyasa,
…Thank you so much for signing the copy and I really appreciate your kind gesture. I went through first few recipes in Sukham Ayu and I must congratulate on your detailed research on Ayurveda and bringing the best recipes for us to enjoy! I am planning on trying few recipes this weekend:)
Once again, thank you so much!
Sia, Food blogger, India  
   
I recommended Pedatha's cookbook to my local library when it was published. I was grinning wide when I saw few copies on the shelf. I have recommended your new book “Sukham Ayu” too. But, due to recession there have been budget-cuts to local resources. I hope they shelve few copies, regardless.
Few weeks back, I was leafing through this book at a book store. Standing there, I wished there was such a book from India. Who else could showcase Ayurveda, than the sons and daughters of our Motherland. Lucky enough, I came to know about your new book, and was ecstatic. I can't wait to lay my hands on it :)
Suganya
Suganya, Food blogger, India  
Email on April 14, 2009
   
…It’s for similar reasons that I like Cooking At Home with Pedatha. This is the only book I’ve noticed that tells us exactly how to temper a dish – what goes in first, the mustard seed or the urad dal, and it’s fail-proof…
When My Soup Came Alive, Food blog, India
   
Dear Jigyasa and Pratibha,
…to tell you what a wonderful job you have done vis a vis Sukham Ayu. Your cookbooks (this one in particular) have a warm human touch. This one seems to speak soothingly to the reader not just romanticising all that is Indian and healthy, but very successfully and effortlessly gifts our indigenous knowledge to posterity. Something we are at the dangerous brink of losing.
I can sense the positive energy that went into it from both of you…truly a fruit of loving commitment. I love the layouts too. Your layout artist/stylist has done a great job.
I love your honesty when you say in ‘Another tryst with tradition’ - “we feel truly blessed that we have sat by the shores...even if just to be touched by its rippling waves.”
I feel just that after spending 25 years trying to unravel the mysteries of food and its influences and effects on the body. The more I learn the less I know!
This is a book I would gift someone on their wedding day when one is young and frivolous but pliable too. It would be a gift to their generations to come,
Thank you for such a delightful treat! And I'm privileged to know both of you…I remember Pratibha's penchant for perfection and Jigyasa's warmth and affection and ability to reach out to the people and I'm sure these and many of your other individual strenghs had made the book what it is,
Love, and we look forward to another award!
Nimmi Ittycheria John
Diet Consultant, Chennai
   
I find this is a very handy book as it deals with vegetarian recipes congenial to one and all...it contains details on sattvik food with appropriate presentation for each one to build up a healthy body with a sound mind…a useful book on good food for all to choose from.
Yogacharya  B.K.S.Iyengar
   
Dear Jigyasa,
Have now gone through the entire book with abounding interest albeit the recipes which I ran through somewhat cursorily not being really inclined to cooking myself . If I have to give you a one line comment I would say "Sukham Ayu is an artful culmination of a gastronomical science which is what Ayurveda is also about". The get up is so very very good and attractive, the print is par excellence, the pictures so clear and typical of what they show. On the content, am sure it is all authentic and well researched. I am not qualified to say anything more because for me it will be knowledge gained .
Brig V.H.M Prasad (retd.), Hyderabad, India
Email on March 14, 2009
   
Hi Jigyasa & Pratibha.
Just a quick word to let you know your book is so well presented and written! Its classy and superb. Congratulations!
Sreeram Iyer, February 2008
   
Dear Jigyasa,
Just perused the book “Sukham Ayu” & had  to tell you how blown away I am. Your passion and commitment  are evident in all the  details, big & small. Congratulations, God bless & thanks for sharing this knowledge!
Sabina, February 2008
   
I received your book 'Sukham Ayu' last evening.  It is written very beautifully and I am really happy with all the information on body constitution and associated diet. Looking forward to cooking some wonderful dishes out of this book.  The book has been designed very well and the pictures are lovely, especially the earthen ware!  I totally loved it!
Harini Prakash, Food blogger, India  
Email on March 10, 2009
   
This effort by the authors in bringing out a cookbook containing the principles of Ayurveda…through simple and elegant language is commendable…with this book, people will be happily inspired to…discipline themselves for simple living and simple eating.
Padmashri Tarla Dalal
India's best loved Cookery Author
Email on November 22, 2009       
   
I got this wonderful book "Cooking at Home with Pedatha" as part of Bri's Fundraiser and was positively excited & couldn't wait to try out the recipes...Thank you Pratibha & Jigyasa. My daughter refers to it as 'my paati book' & pretends to read it :) It's a beautifully written book and the warmth & passion for cooking that Pedatha exuded is evident in every page. After reading that Pachadis held a special place in Pedatha's kitchen, I wanted to pick one as my first recipe and soon the big, round eggplant that was meant to become an Eggplant Parmigiana turned into a spicy, stunning Vankaya Pachadi.
Laavanya, Food Blogger, USA
Email on August 13, 2008
   
I simply loved the way the recipes have been given. The best part is it has even described how the chillies have to be used. The most engrossing recipe book I have ever seen and used.
Swaram, Blogger, India
Email on June 23, 2008
   
My dear Mr. Parigi,
"Hearty Congratulations!" We are delighted and rejoice at the news that your mother, Mrs. Subhadra Krishna Rau Parigi's book "Cooking at home with Pedatha" has won the award for "Best Vegetarian Cookbook in the world" at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2006 held in Beijing, China on April 7, 2007.
The acclaim and recognition she has won, is surely well-deserved, and we share your pride and joy at this great distinction. Yes, it is a proud moment for your family and we are happy for you. We feel certain this cookbook will be a must for almost every Indian both in India and abroad, as well as "vegetarians" all over the globe.
..."India" as a nation, must be proud of this unique accomplishment.
With Best Wishes,
Amitabh Bachchan
India 's Superstar, Mumbai, India – letter dated June 19, 2007
(CLICK TO SEE THE LETTER)
   
…I am a proud owner of your wonderful book (Cooking at Home with Pedatha). I bought it the day it arrived at my regular bookstore in Vizag. How can I miss it? I had read so many reviews online and print media that I just had to grab my copy.
Since I am lover of pachadis and podis, one thing I loved about the beautiful and lively Pedatha's book is, it carried a wide range of authentic pachadis and podis. Beautiful food photography, recipes are well presented, precise and in simple terminology. I loved the tips Pedatha gives alongside each recipe.:)
Thank you for bringing to the world our delectable Andhra cuisine and who best than a seasoned and experienced Pedatha to share the traditional family recipes. Appreciate your efforts in writing and publishing the book which has been bringing you accolades the world over. Congratulations!
My best wishes and God bless!
Sailaja, Food blogger, India  
Email on November 29, 2007
   
It’s for similar reasons that I like Cooking At Home with Pedatha. This is the only book I’ve noticed that tells us exactly how to temper a dish – what goes in first, the mustard seed or the urad dal, and it’s fail-proof…
When My Soup Came Alive, Food blog, India
   
We are from West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh , India and staying in Vietnam for last 10 years. I read about this book and ordered through web. I feel my mother and wife are best cooks but after reading and cooking several items from book, we find the tastes are very enjoyable. The measurements and method of preparation are given 100% accurate and very easy to understand…I am visiting India this month-end and I ordered 4 books today to my sister's address in Hyderabad, to give a gift to my sisters and brothers. My wife and myself have really enjoyed the food and appreciate the efforts taken for bringing this book. I highly recommend this book for my friends.
Ch J R K Mallikharjuna Rao
IT Manager, Nghe An Tate & Lyle Sugar Co Ltd., VIETNAM
Email on August 13, 2007
   
You have produced a seminal work which will inspire future cooks. The photographs are most beautiful, and the presentation likewise. The recipes are, of course, superb and highly motivational!
We had business guests from England staying here when the book arrived and as they love vegetarian cooking we made our first slightly nervous incursions into Pedatha's world. It was of course, a great success and the 'gospel' will very shortly be carried to their friends in the UK.
Once more, thank - you, and if you produce at any time another volume, please let me know!!
Neil Cumming
Former Principal, Hallé Orchestra, Manchester, England for 29 years & Director,
Anglo - Sri Lankan engineering co., Kandy, Srilanka
Email on April 13, 2007
   
I am a great fan of your book 'Cooking at home with Pedatha'. My mother tongue is Telugu. I am a native of Guntur.
Yesterday I made "Theeyeti Pulusu" from your book. It turned out very well. Thanks a lot for publishing this kind of book where people will come to know about the cuisine of South India. In our family we consider our Ammamma (maternal grand mother) as the world's best cook. Few sentences in this book are similar to the sentences that we use in our family - like when we all meet our major topic is Ammamma's cooking!
Great job and great effort.
Congratulations Jigyasa and Pratibha, for winning the award. You deserve this.
I Love You and Admire you Pedatha (Subhadra Garu).
Deepthi Konduri, Andhra Pradesh, India
Email on August 1, 2007  
   
Your book is such a treasure for those novice cooks who wants learn more about authentic Andhra cuisine. More than me, my husband, who claims to be an half-andhraite because of his love of Andhra cuisine, is happy as I am trying recipes from your book, one by one. It feels like having an experienced elder member of the family by your side when you are trying out these new recipes.
Suganya, Food Blogger, USA
E-mail on June 5, 2007
   
This book is one of the best I've seen on the subject.
Gita and Badri Ram, New Delhi, India
Email on June 3, 2007
   
loved this book! I am not too familiar with cooking Andhra food, but the clear instructions, lovely pictures,and nuggets of love and wisdom scattered throughout has made this book one of my favorite go-to cookbooks. I took one of the pappu recipes to a group cooking class in Berkeley, CA and it was a hit!
Smruti Shah, CA, USA
Email on May 26, 2007
   
I have heard a lot about this book in the cooking blogs. I ordered a copy and it dawned onto me that all this cooking was done by mom, aunts and grandmother...but somewhere down the lane, the busy schedules of our lives and getting married into another household changes the style of cooking and lessens ones enthusiasm to cook your own way. Whenever I open the book "Cooking at home with Pedatha", it reminds me of my Ammakkaya who used to give me advice on how to cook to please my husband. I feel that she is sitting right in the kitchen and tell me how to go about a recipe. Thank you for giving us such a wonderful book!
Deepika Saripalli, Food Blogger, USA
Email on March 27, 2007
   
Dear Pratibhaji,
Heartiest Congratulations to you on achieving the Gourmand World Award 2006 for the book called "Cooking At Home with Pedatha". As a debutant  co-author you have made an unparalleled instance among women fraternity. It was a great pleasure to read about your tremendous success in the Economic Times dated 21st December 2006…
I would like to make a small request to you. It would be really useful for vegetarians who go for long foreign travels, particularly for Jains who do not eat roots, if  you can bring out a book containing practical tips to enable them to cook something easily in their hotel room & comfortably remain vegetarians.
I wish you success in all future endeavors. And wishing you all the best for the forthcoming global competition, which will be held in Beijing in April 2007. 
P. S. Surana
Surana and Surana International Attorneys, Chennai, India, Feb 23, 2007
   
I had heard a lot about this book through one of my favourite food blogs Mahanandi. Got my copy yesterday and I have already tried 3 recipes today. The beauty of the recipes lies in their simplicity. Most of the ingredients are easily available in every Indian kitchen. Photos are beautiful. I congratulate you for your lovely book. Looking forward to many more books covering other regions of India in the near future.
Jasmine, Food Blogger, USA
E-mail on Feb 2, 2007
   
As a cooking enthusiast on the look out for recipes, I was delighted to receive this book as a gift when I traveled to India in Nov 2006. While the aesthetics of the book and the presentation were immensely appealing to me, the simplicity and ease of the recipes were even more alluring. My first attempt at making "Menthi Koora" was a huge success and brought back long-lost memories of flavors from growing up in Andhra. Thank you for compiling these recipes that constitute comfort food for many of us.
Veena Mahesh, USA
E-mail on Jan 9, 2007
   
My husband was in India for a week and brought back Cooking with Peddatha. What a great job you've done on the book! It's beautifully designed and the glorious pictures really bring the cuisine to life. But the most memorable photos are of Pedatha herself. They capture her persona beautifully. The visual glossary at the end is a great idea. I congratulate you all on a wonderful book.
Suneeta Vaswani
Illustrious author of "Easy Indian Cooking"
Email on Oct 26, 2006, USA
   
SIMPLY FANTASTIC
This book is well organized, concise and not overwhelming - in the past I have stayed away from preparing many traditional South Indian dishes because of their complexity, but they have been organized so well here that I now feel like preparing them!!!
This book has recipes that should be regarded as FAMILY HEIRLOOMS and most of these recipes are several centuries old.
Pedatha actually worked 1st hand with people AT LEAST FOUR GENERATIONS older than the current, using age old methods, plus she has worked in modern kitchens using new technology and I think she is truly the missing link
Subhadra Moorthy
Posted on Amazon on July 19, 2006
   
SIMPLY SUPERB
If, like me, you crave the warmth and love that can only come from "mom's cooking", then try this book. It invites you to savor the mouth watering flavors of South Indian cooking - with ease and enjoyment. Brilliantly written and deliciously photographed, prepare your kitchen for an aromatic journey back home.
Gautam Vangala
Posted on Amazon on July 13, 2006
   
Jigyasa and Pratibha have accomplished bringing together a history of memorable, warm, loving and comforting recipes. Each recipe a jewel beautifully explained and illustrated. The cover, photos and recipes emotional as they are to me are of 'My Pedatha', many a meal have I eaten on her lap as a baby and have been hand fed by her as an adult. I am a product of this food. Although, Pedatha's secrets are now officially out...brilliance such as this really should be shared...So, I welcome the world to try these recipes and ENJOY as much as I have my entire life.
Sarasvathi Giri
Posted on Amazon on July 11, 2006
   
WONDERFUL ANDHRA DINNER & A GREAT COOK BOOK
Pratibha and Jigyasa did something I had long wanted to do. Capture Grandma's expertise in a book. Let me explain. Both my maternal and paternal grandmothers are exceptional cooks and they can churn out recipes like only they can. And they have treasure trove of memories. I always wanted to capture their thoughts but never could…So, when I heard about these two friends who did just that, I had all admiration for them...read more
Kiruba Shankar, Blogger, India
   
A very well researched and aesthetically presented book.The recipes are easy and self-explanatory. A must buy for all food lovers.
Tarla Dalal
India's best loved Cookery Author
Email on June 22, 2006, Mumbai, India
   
“Cooking At Home With Pedatha”...My favorite cookbook by far. It has all the recipes of south indian food that we eat everyday - from rasams and sambars, to podis and pachadis, just the way we cook at home, without overdoing the spices or using complicated techniques. It's just the book to have no matter how long you have been cooking. Like me, Pedatha is also not very fond of sweets, but the book has some good recipes of payasams that I have both tried and enjoyed.
Prabha Mohan, Blogger, USA
   
A FINE MEAL
Cooking is an art...and Pedatha clearly defines this in her book. Speaking for many of whom who live overseas, and miss that "home cooked indian meal"...Pedatha's finest recipes surely will add that special touch to your meal...either at a party, at home with the family..or just dining alone!
Just remember that there is a lot more to vegetarian food than just salad :) and Pedatha will show you the way to get creative with your vegetarian cooking.
Harish Palagummi
Posted on Amazon on June 13, 2006
   
GREAT!
The explanations in this book are wonderful, and the results are amazing! Very clear, well-defined instructions to get the best in Indian vegetarian cooking! The book is divided into sections based on the different types of foods, along with explanations of the various spices used, and sprinkled along the way with the tips from Pedatha, the master chef herself.
Sanjay K. Aiyagari
Posted on Amazon on June 12, 2006
   
Jigyasa and Pratibha darlings,
May 26th, 2006 (Book launch at Delhi) was a memorable day for me as I have never in my life received such graciousness and warmth. It was an honour and joy being with you both and to meet the one and only Pedatha – she is just wonderful! She gave me a bouquet of flowers!! I was overwhelmed!! I took a carnation from the bouquet and pressed it…in that wonderful book of yours.
When are you coming to Delhi – please contact me so that we can have lunch together at my restaurant Basil & Thyme where I cook.
Love always
Bhicoo Manekshaw
Cordon Bleu (London) & India’s pioneer cookbook author
Letter written on June 8, 2006
with a note: Forgive the handwriting…but I will not use a computer.
   
“Cooking at home with Pedatha” takes me back to my childhood. Once again I relive exciting moments of anticipation of good tasty home food. The book is well laid out with accurate ease to follow recipes. The illustrations, the colour scheme and the art work are indeed commendable. All in all a good representation of the timeless heritage of India.
Padmini Mani
Managing Trustee My School Satya Surabhi, Kodaikanal
   
Dear Jigyasa and Pratibha,
…I hope you are as happy as I am about last Wednesday's meeting in the Madras Club. It was far beyond my wildest expectations. Choosing a book for others is such a subjective exercise and is never easy. I was especially apprehensive about this one. The book is wonderful and the waiting list in the MC library is l – o – n – g !!!! In fact, at our next meeting I am going to suggest we buy another copy. But I was not sure how a "discussion" would work. How delightfully it turned out......... I have had many calls from members expressing their appreciation. Involving the audience was brilliant and the rapport you share with each other was heart-warming…
…Dare we hope for another book one day? Pratibha, don't you have a "Pedatha" somewhere in your family? You made my final meeting of the year a memorable one for which I thank you dearly.
Radha Gopalakrishnan
Chairperson, Book Activity, IWA, Chennai
Letter on May 9, 2006
   
The food from this book is spicy, tasty and unique. My mother has been receiving compliments from all of us since she has been making the "Pedatha" food. I love the Carrot chutney. My dad loves the raw mango rice.
Kuberr & Uma Chordia
Email on April 2, 2006, Chennai
   
I enjoyed making the Broad beans vegetable (peddha chikkudikaya koora). My family loves the Sweet Rasam (Theeyati rasam). I Find the dishes easy to make because of clear instructions. But I must confess that my Sambar Podi did not turn out as well the first time, because I did not do it as patiently as required. However, patience pays and my Podis are now a great success. Thank You Pedatha.
Tara Jain
Email on March 13, 2006, Chennai
   
This is not just a mere cook book but an age-old traditional recipies wrapped up in an exquisite design by Jigyasa and Pratibha. Sincere appreciation to very dear Pedatha for her loving and caring guidance in daily cooking to the reader to enhance the quality of food. I have just presented this cookbook to a would be Hyderabad bride.
Kamala Wilhelm
Email on March 3, 2006, Chennai
   
An excellent book with good photography. And mouth watering food.
Sandhya Jain
Email on Feb 20, 2006, Chennai
   
My wife & I were at The Park, Chennai for the Andhra Festivel.I bought the book. Last week I tried the following 1.Kondhi Podi, 2.Vangi Bath, 3.Dadhyodanam, 4.Menthi Koora, 5.Pindimiriyam, 6.Tamata Pappu, 7.Gongoora Pachadi. It took me about 5 hours of cooking time. The recipes are well described except for few omissions. I had trouble finding the ingredients for the Vangi Bath powder. I finally found them in Dhabba Chetty Kadai in Mylapore. Some steps in the above recipes are a bit vague.The quantities used like 'handful, Sprig, etc. A better description or a photo would be useful.The Visual Glossary section should include all ingredients however trivial they may be. For example, Mustard seeds, is it Black Mustard or is it 'Rai'. My family gave me an overall rating of 6 out of 10 for Taste.
I enjoyed making the items and the book was a great help.
T G Rajagopalan
Email on Feb 16, 2006, Chennai
   
Phenomenal Content; Superb presentation; Heartwarming
Vani Vangala
Email on Feb 6, 2006, Hyderabad
   
Congratulations on a well-produced book! I have just-tried allam pachadi and it was great!
I could not find Pesaratu and the famed Andhra Avakka etc. Is there scope for vol II?
B Nagalakshmi
Email on Feb 6, 2006, Chennai
   
"Cooking at home with Pedatha" is on par with the cuisine it speaks of. Outstanding Content; excellent presentation and general Look & Feel. The pachchadis, podis & kooras are my personal favourites. Hats off to the authors - from ideation, compilation, to the touching epilogue, this book is a tribute par excellence.
Brig V.H.M Prasad (retd.)
Email on Feb 4, 2006, Hyderabad
   
Such mouth-watering Pedatha's food brings tears in the eye whether it is nostalgia or the spice. It is not just a cookery book, it is a gift for every woman. Congratulations to Jigyasa and Pratibha for this invaluable book.
Sreelatha Nair
Grace and Glamour, Chennai
Email on Jan 27, 2006
   
Good work! great photography...of course very sweet pedatha
Shivani Arora, Blogger, India
Email on Jan 6, 2006, Chennai
   
An invaluable "must-buy" which caters to the experienced and the beginner; to the gourmet and the novice. It preserves for posterity the lovable eighty-four year young "Pedatha's" wisdom, practical guidelines and superb traditional recipes. Jigyasa Giri and Pratibha Jain have produced an unbeatable combination of meticulous detail and comprehensiveness, infused with love and gusto. Every bit of it is tried, tested and tasted. A "must-enjoy" treat!
Rashmi Uday Singh
Author and acclaimed food critic, Mumbai
   
What a remarkable book of traditional recipes! Simple, practical, easy to execute, with a variety and range which will make the purists remember the taste of their grandmother’s food. The section on chutneys is exceptional, and my favourite, because it is rare to get such a range of flavours and textures in such a deceptively simple manner. This book is all about sharing the common wealth of a clan and creating a very powerful tribe of believers. A must for all foodies.
Prahlad Kakar
Man of many hats, Mumbai
   
"Cooking at home with Pedatha" is a book that gives the wonderful whiff of everyday cooking in a traditional Telugu household. It is indeed a brave effort by Jigyasa Giri and Pratibha Jain because I know it is not easy to keep things simple which they have done effortlessly. And it is this very subtlety that makes the book special. It brilliantly combines the flavours and textures of local ingredients to stimulate the senses and satiate the palate.
Sanjeev Kapoor
Chef extraordinaire, Mumbai
   
Rarely has traditional cooking been as demystified and presented in such a clear-cut and unpretentious manner. Cooking at home with Pedatha is an intriguing amalgam of commonsense, practicality and wisdom. It is much more than a book of vegetarian recipes from a traditional Andhra kitchen. It is also a repository of one woman's secrets. It is Pedatha's special little touches…the addition of a dash here or the suggestion of an alternative there…that lend this book its endearing character. If this is tradition, then this is tradition with an irresistable twist.
Associate Editor, The Hindu, Chennai
 
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