An Indian Cookbook for Kids (Cooking Around the World) by Rosemary Hankin

Imagine the vibrant colors of turmeric, the intoxicating aroma of cumin and coriander, and the sizzle of spices hitting hot oil—An Indian Cookbook for Kids (Cooking Around the World) by Rosemary Hankin brings these sensory delights straight into your kitchen. This isn’t just a cookbook; it’s an invitation for young chefs (and their families) to explore the rich culinary traditions of India in an accessible, engaging way.

As someone who grew up with a deep appreciation for food as culture, I was thrilled to dive into this book. Does it succeed in making Indian cooking approachable for kids? Does it honor the authenticity of the cuisine while simplifying techniques? Let’s break it down in this comprehensive review.

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Rosemary Hankin’s An Indian Cookbook for Kids is part of the Cooking Around the World series, designed to introduce young readers to global cuisines. The book features:

• Simple, Kid-Friendly Recipes – Dishes like Aloo Paratha (spiced potato flatbread), Chana Masala (chickpea curry), and Mango Lassi (a sweet yogurt drink) are broken down into easy steps.
• Cultural Insights – Each recipe is accompanied by fun facts about Indian food traditions, regional variations, and ingredient origins.
• Visual Appeal – Bright, colorful photographs make the dishes look irresistible, encouraging kids to try them.
• Safety & Supervision Tips – The book emphasizes kitchen safety, making it ideal for parents and educators to guide young cooks.

Unlike many children’s cookbooks that stick to overly simplified (and often Westernized) meals, this one doesn’t shy away from authentic flavors while keeping the instructions manageable.

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Hankin’s writing is clear, encouraging, and instructional without being condescending. She avoids overwhelming young readers with jargon but still introduces essential cooking terms (tadka, kneading, simmering). The tone is warm and inviting, almost like a patient grandparent guiding a child through their first cooking experience.

The step-by-step format is particularly effective:

• Ingredients are listed with familiar measurements (cups, teaspoons).
• Prep notes highlight when adult supervision is needed (e.g., handling hot pans).
• Variations suggest tweaks for dietary preferences (e.g., vegan substitutions).

One minor critique? Some recipes assume prior familiarity with Indian ingredients (like asafoetida or paneer), which might require a quick Google search for families new to the cuisine. A small glossary would have been helpful.

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Beyond recipes, the book subtly teaches cultural appreciation. It doesn’t just say, “Here’s how to make curry”; it explains:

• Why certain spices are staples in Indian households.
• How meals are traditionally served (e.g., thali platters with small portions of varied dishes).
• The significance of food in Indian festivals (e.g., diwali sweets).

This elevates the book from a mere instruction manual to a mini culinary passport, fostering curiosity about India’s diverse food heritage.

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Most children’s cookbooks focus on baking (cookies, cupcakes) or ultra-simple meals (sandwiches, salads). Hankin’s book stands out by:

• Prioritizing savory, globally inspired dishes – Unlike The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs (America’s Test Kitchen), which leans heavily on Western classics, this one expands horizons.
• Balancing authenticity and accessibility – Some Indian cookbooks for kids (The Indian Cooking Course for Kids) are either too complex or too diluted. Hankin strikes a great middle ground.

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Cooking from this book felt like a bonding activity. My 10-year-old niece, who usually sticks to pasta, was fascinated by the process of making Chapati (Indian flatbread). She giggled at the way the dough puffed up on the skillet and proudly served her (slightly misshapen) creations to the family.

The pride in her eyes after making Masala Chai (spiced tea) was priceless. It wasn’t just about the food—it was about accomplishment, cultural discovery, and shared joy.

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✅ Authentic yet approachable – No “dumbing down” of flavors.
✅ Encourages independence – Kids can handle many steps themselves.
✅ Educational & fun – More than just recipes; it’s a cultural primer.

❌ Some ingredient accessibility issues – Families in smaller towns may struggle to find fresh curry leaves or ghee.
❌ Could use more visuals for techniques – A few more step-by-step photos would help.

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• Kids aged 8+ (with adult help for younger ones).
• Parents/educators looking to teach multicultural cooking.
• Families wanting to explore Indian cuisine without intimidation.

Not ideal for:

• Those seeking quick, 5-minute recipes (Indian cooking often requires patience!).
• Families with zero spice tolerance (though many recipes can be adjusted).

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"Cooking is like magic—you start with simple ingredients and end up with something delicious and full of stories."

This line perfectly captures the book’s spirit: food as adventure, tradition, and creativity.

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An Indian Cookbook for Kids is a vibrant, well-crafted introduction to Indian cooking that respects both its audience and the cuisine’s richness. While a glossary or sourcing tips would have been helpful, the book’s strengths far outweigh its flaws.

If you’re looking to spark a love for global flavors in a child, this book is an excellent starting point.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

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• What’s your favorite Indian dish? Could you see a kid making it from this book?
• How do you think cooking can help kids learn about other cultures?
• If you’ve tried recipes from this book, which one was the biggest hit?

Let’s chat in the comments! 🍛📖

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