“Anti-inflammatoryâ€Â, “metabolism-boosting†and “antioxidant-rich†aren’t the phrases you’d expect to find in a cookbook. But we are talking turmeric, chilli and coriander respectively, so I guess it’s fine.
What’s also fine are the clearly set out recipes and appetising full-colour photographs in Kalpna Woolf’s Spice Yourself Slim. Drawing on her Hindu background and her years of experience developing food programmes at the BBC, this culinary journey visits more than Indian cuisine – it encompasses traditionally Chinese, Mexican and Middle Eastern variants too. Every recipe sets out not only to stimulate the tastebuds, but also harness the power of numerous super spices for well-being and, blessedly, proven weight loss.
From breakfast to dinner via snacks, sweets treats and smoothies, there’s plenty to fill the week’s meal plan, plus entertaining in style. Start the days with porridge, kedgeree or omelette, lunch on hearty soups or imaginative salads, then dine on mouth-watering family dinners of satay, hot pots, grilled or baked fish, seafood, meat, chicken and vegetables.
Many recipes feature a variety of spice rubs for fish, meat and even vegetables (recipes included) so Easy and Lite [sic] Saucy Tandoori Chicken, Mediterranean Stuffed Aubergines, Szechuan Flash-Fried Beef, Tangiers Festive Fish & Citrus Courgettini are already favourites. “Tantalising†sweets – and that they are – are a revelation. Considering this is a cookbook to help you slim, chocolate and crumbles are evident.
It’s also gratifying to see the ingredients measured out in metric, imperial and even cups, so no guesswork required on quantities.
Whether you successfully lose weight using this cookbook I cannot say as yet. But I’ll have a jolly delicious time trying.