My guest this week is Auyon Mukharji. Auyon and his Mom Jyoti have s great new book; “Heartland Masala. – An Indian Cookbook from an American Kitchen.”
Heartland Masala pairs 99 recipes from Indian cooking instructor Jyoti Mukharji with cultural and historical essays by her son Auyon Mukharji. An effervescent celebration of Indian cuisine and the American immigrant experience, this beautiful cookbook is playful, informative, and utterly original.
Real Simple, Food Editor’s Top Cookbook Pick
Slate, Top 10 Best Recipes of the Year
The Boston Globe, Best Cookbooks for Holiday Giving
Kansas City Magazine, Top Gifts to Give and Receive
Filled with rich storytelling, stunning visuals, and a blend of modern and traditional dishes, this book is both a heartfelt portrait of one Midwestern family and a practical guide to cooking incredible Indian meals at home. Get a copy NOW!
Here’s what makes Heartland Masala special:
• Delicious, Accessible Recipes — 99 carefully tested dishes bring Indian flavors into your kitchen, with ingredients and methods tailored for American home cooks.
• Cultural Essays & Family Stories — Fresh, insightful, and often humorous essays explore the immigrant cooking philosophy, the Mukharjis’ mother-son dynamic, and the many quirks of Indian culinary history.
• Illustrations & Stunning Photography — A 32-page full-color photo insert plus original art make this a gorgeous centerpiece for your kitchen or coffee table.
• Step-by-Step Guidance — Jyoti and Auyon include illustrations that demystify complex techniques, along with spice shopping tips to build confidence and skill.
Publishing a cookbook is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for the hopelessly disorganized. Musician and first-time author Auyon Mukharji partnered with his mother, Jyoti Mukharji, to write Heartland Masala: An Indian Cookbook from an American Kitchen, and learned early in the process that a carefully articulated plan would be critical to the success of their book, which relied heavily on art to tell its story.
Mukharji was initially recruited by his mother, a long-time teacher of Indian cooking, to assist in recipe testing for a cookbook that her students encouraged her to write. As the book that would become Heartland Masala evolved, so did his role—expanding into co-author and creative director. He began diligently researching cookbook publishing, and set to work learning as much as he could about collaborating with a creative team.1
A feast for culturally curious readers and adventurous cooks alike, Heartland Masala is unlike any Indian cookbook you’ve seen before. Follow Auyon and Heartland Masala on Substack
Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2023 Carl Graff Mosel Riesling Spatlese
I have fond memories of drinking Riesling with Indian food while living in the UK. The bright floral aromatics and subtle sweetness if a great match to the aromas and flavors of Indian cuisine. Carl Graff Mosel Riesling Spätlese is a classic German Riesling offering a rich aroma and harmonious balance. With moderate acidity and juicy fruit character, it delivers an elegant, smooth palate that highlights the Mosel’s signature freshness and finesse. ABV8.5%
Learn more about his crisp Riesling, perfect with Indian cuisine!
Order some at Jacob Liquor Exchange on N. Rock Road