My Two Souths

Starred review from November 15, 2016

Southern India meets the American South in this crave-inducing cookbook from Atlanta-based aesthetician-turned-chef Gomez. Writing with veteran author Foose (Screen Doors and Sweet Tea), Gomez highlights surprising commonalities among these cuisines. She marries cornmeal hoecakes with uttapam (a rice pancake), infuses lassi (yogurt-based drink) with buttermilk and peaches, and tops fingers of Texas toast with grated carrots and a zingy mint chutney. Her inspired flavor pairings are evident in more than 125 recipes (e.g., mint masala roasted chicken with fennel and potatoes, banana leaf grilled catfish with watermelon rind chow chow, pink peppercorn and ginger poached pears), which include breakfasts, lunches, dinners, party foods, and more. VERDICT Guaranteed to spice up your dinner routine, Gomez's debut enlivens Indian and Southern foods.

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