I received this really awesome vegetarian/Indian cookbook, Yamuna’s Table by Yamuna Devi, from my neighbor, a former member of Hare Krishna movement. She told me that the Krishnas are vegetarians, but don’t cook with onions or garlic. No garlic or onions! The reason for no garlic or onions is the belief that they increase passion and to some degree ignorance. As a substitute for these flavorful vegetables, Krishnas use asofoetida, which has a flavor of sauteed onion and garlic when cooked. You would think this would be bland food, although it is absolutely not! Check out this book and some creative recipes bursting with flavor.
I looked up Yamuna’s Table on Amazon and found used copies for $1.86 a copy. Get them while they last, it is a wonderful, vast cookbook with very creative and doable recipes!
For a party this past weekend, we made flaky citrus biscuits with a bit of a tart flavor to accompany the Avocado Chutney. Friends at the party kept asking me for the recipe.
Here it is!
Cookbook: Yamuna’s Table
Avocado Pate and Pistachio Chutney