The Encyclopedia of Spices and Herbs: An Essential Guide to the Flavors of the World

“From advieh to zedoary, Lakshmi stirs your sense of wanderlust...Along the way, she acts as both a tour guide and a fellow traveler on a journey through an abundant world of herbs and spices. It’s a trip as educational as it is exciting.” -- Thomas Keller“’This book takes you on an entirely new journey, which begins at advieh and ends at zedoary. Ranging far beyond the usual repertoire of familiar names, this is the perfect book for the curious cook.” -- Ruth Reichl“A beautiful book by Padma Lakshmi featuring an extensive catalogue and helpful recommendations on how best to use these ingredients to create full-flavored dishes. A great resource for any chef or home cook.” -- Eric Ripert --This text refers to the hardcover edition. From the Emmy-nominated host and executive producer of Top Chef, an A-to-Z compendium of spices, herbs, salts, peppers, and blends—everything you need to know about the flavors of the world The author of award-winning cookbooks and a New York Times bestselling memoir, Padma Lakshmi brings together the world’s spices and herbs in this vibrant, comprehensive alphabetical guide inspired by her life traveling across the globe. Illustrated with rich color photographs, this definitive culinary reference book includes complete descriptions, histories, and cooking suggestions for ingredients from basic herbs to the most exotic seeds and chiles. And no other market epitomizes Padma’s love for spices and global cuisine than where she spent her childhood—lingering in the aisles of the iconic gourmet food store Kalustyan’s in New York City. Perfect for the holiday season and essential to any well-stocked kitchen, The Encyclopedia of Spices and Herbs is an invaluable resource as well as a stunning and adventurous tour of some of the most wondrous and majestic flavors on earth. --This text refers to the hardcover edition. Padma Lakshmi is the Emmy-nominated host of the highly rated and critically acclaimed, Emmy-winning Bravo series Top Chef , and the author of three cookbooks and food titles: the award-winning Easy Exotic ; Tangy, Tart, Hot & Sweet ; and the Enclyclopedia of Spices and Herbs . In addition to her culinary achievements, Lakshmi has contributed to such magazines as Vogue, Gourmet, and Harper's Bazaar (UK and US), and penned a syndicated column on fashion and food for the New York Times. Her television-hosting credits include Planet Food and Padma's Passport, as well as other programs in the United States and abroad. A global style icon and the first internationally successful Indian supermodel, Lakshmi also helms companies of her own such as the Padma Collection and Easy Exotic. Lakshmi is a cofounder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America. Since 2009, the organization has advocated for early diagnosis, promoted research, and raised awareness in the medical community and the greater public about this devastating chronic disease which affects over 190 million women worldwide. She lives in New York City with her daughter. --This text refers to the hardcover edition. Read more