Chetna's 30-minute Indian Quick and easy everyday meals

Makan (Chetna's Healthy Indian Vegetarian), a Great British Baking Show finalist, divvies out 80 sumptuous Indian recipes that are a cinch to whip up. She points out that while Indian cooking can take time, "our everyday food is often fast to prep and cook"--and proves it with a range of flavorful dishes that require no more than 30 minutes to make. She starts with some time-saving advice ("Don't feel guilty about using canned beans") then dives into snacks that can be served warm or at room temp, among them flaky paneer onion masala rolls, and a kale, carrot, and bean salad. Sauces and sides--such as a coriander peanut chutney and sweet and sour lentils--are offered as simple ways to enhance dishes, while savory curries, including a standout crab option, come together with just a flash simmer and in a single pan. Makan doesn't waste time, or food either; a number of recipes make use of leftovers (such as day-old rice in a mouthwatering peanut and paneer rice) and extra veggies one may have lying around. Her pleasant and snappy guidance, meanwhile, takes the guesswork out of putting the dishes together. Readers intimidated by Indian cooking would do well to take a look at this enticing guide. (July)

Since her 2014 appearance on The Great British Bake Off, India-born/UK-based Makan has established herself as a go-to source for family-friendly, modern Indian recipes. In her fifth cookbook, Makan focuses on dishes (from various regions of India) that can be prepped, cooked, and put on the table within 30 minutes. The book provides a wealth of options for meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans. To achieve speedy results without sacrificing flavor, Makan chooses quick-cooking ingredients and applies time-conscious techniques to classics like Butter Chicken, plus flatbreads and seafood curries. She also offers an appealing range of snacks, light meals, and savory pastries that beg to be shared at parties; her dessert recipes will delight Bake Off fans with new twists on traditional Indian sweets, such as Rose and Pistachio Cake with Cardamom Toffee Sauce. The book includes 14 menu suggestions for entertaining or planning family meals. VERDICT The reliability of Makan's recipes and her personable, confident voice ensure that this collection will be a go-to for home cooks seeking creative inspiration for midweek meals. A welcome addition to Makan's range of popular cookbooks.--Kelsy Peterson, Brighton Grammar Sch., Melbourne, Australia