 Ayurvedic cookbooks could be the best investment you ever make (provided, of course, that you use them). I don't cook, but I am blessed with a wife, Dena, who is a wonderful cook. She has reviewed some of these books. Although I don't cook, I do eat, and I know the results are tasty and satisfying. Additionally, I have attended a number of lectures and courses taught by such notables as Dr. Alarik Arenander and Dr. Nancy Lonsdorf. Based on their teachings, other readings, and even recent studies by Western scientists, it has become clear to me that following the Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle provides the best recipe for remaining young and healthy. In fact, studies indicate that the use of ghee, black pepper, and turmeric may be the single best defense from Alzheimer's disease and premature loss of brain function. The name Ayurveda comes from two Sanskrit words, ayus, or "life," and ved, meaning "knowledge" or "science." Ayurveda is translated as "the science of life," or more precisely, "the knowledge of life span." Maharishi Ayurveda creates health by enlivening the body's own inner intelligence. Instead of focusing primarily on disease, Maharishi Ayurveda puts the emphasis on health. It can even be said that the programs of Maharishi Ayurveda do not treat disease; rather, they promote health from within. This is an extremely important distinction: Maharishi Ayurveda states that perfect health is a natural, normal state of life, and anything less than perfect health is abnormal. —From Heavens Banquet, by Miriam Kasin Hospodar The importance of Ayurveda cannot be overemphasized. In the West, it has often been said "You are what you eat." Ayurveda takes a broader viewpoint, you are a holistic entity, very complex, beginning with your DNA and energy patterns, and including all the experiences you encounter, from the five senses and your own mind. However, to a large extent, a great deal of one's functioning does depend upon the food, spices, and water one ingests. So, follow the recipes in the books below, eat well, and enjoy a long and healthy life! 
$22.00PaperbackHeaven's Banquet: Vegetarian Cooking for Lifelong Health the Ayurveda WayMiriam Kasin HospodarThis is the BEST vegetarian cookbook I have ever used (and I have purchased many through the years)! Ms. Hospodar explains not only the hows and whys of vegetarian and Ayurvedic cooking, but also gives in-depth understanding of each vegetable and ingredient. She intersperses the recipes with interesting stories and quotes from all cultures and you can just tell how much she LOVES food and cooking. I marvel at her ability to impart this knowledge in such an easy to follow manner. This cookbook makes you want to cook and to serve family and friends delicious, healthy, and beautiful meals. You can actually just sit and read this cookbook as an encyclopedia of cooking. (This and The Joy of Cooking together make a terrific gift for a new cook!) Review by Dena Oppenheim. 
$17.95PaperbackThe Ayurvedic CookbookAmadea Morningstar & Urmila DesaiBesides the 250 taste-tested recipes designed for each constitution, this book has an in-depth discussion on Ayurvedic nutrition, tri-dosha, and special individual foods. The recipes look deceptively medicinal, but are surprisingly very interesting with gourmet-like results. One of my favorite cookbooks-it contains many remedies for common health problems, and the dessert section has many varied desserts that are scrumptious yet healthy. Morningstar’s book is a general helpful handbook to become familiar with Ayurveda and what it can do for you through cooking and knowledge of food. One of my favorite recipes is Hot Sicilian Salad. It is a marinated warm cooked vegetable salad with an interesting mixture of tastes with an Italian flair, but totally Ayurvedic for your doshic constitution. I also love the Tofu Pesto (using fresh basil and olive oil as well as other interesting ingredients)… great over pasta and in sandwiches. Another plus for this cookbook is its appendix that contains much information on individual foods and their medicinal values. Review by Sharon Kainauskas. 
$19.95PaperbackAyurvedic Cooking for Westerners: Familiar Western Food Prepared with Ayurvedic PrinciplesAmadea MorningstarLess medicinal and more Americanized than her Ayurvedic Cookbook,the recipes in this book are so delicious that you will find it hard to believe they are actually good for you. Scrumptious dishes like Butter Pecan Pasta and Almond-Nectarine Tapioca are 2 favorites that are delicious yet help create a soothing and calming influence on ones’ system. Review by Sharon Kainauskas. 
$15.00PaperbackAyurvedic Cooking for Self-HealingUsha and Vasant LadAn authentic guide of the Ayurvedic approach to food and tasty vegetarian cooking. The recipes are formulated using herbs and spices to help balance the constitution of each person. The effects of the foods on individual constitution are included with every recipe, with the medicinal properties of many of the foods. This is a cookbook and much more. |
