I love most of it! I got started with this book. So much flavor. I can not pick a favorite, but I do make my own paneer (easy) which is a great alternative to meat. Madras curries, butter curries, cumin potatoes, dals with tempered oils, potato pea samosas, naan. It's been awhile since my last Indian food streak. Me thinks spinach panner is in the near future.
If I had to go vegetarian. . . this is the way! I have spoken.
The very first Indian recipe I used was for dal (or lentils). The recipe was from an NPR article about the origins of the Indian Buffet. The recipe is great and very easy to follow. Make sure to use Indian split peas or lentils (not the round-shaped American split peas). This is such a simple dal recipe but it’s still my favorite.
Suvir Saran has two great cookbooks on Indian Food, Indian Home Cooking and American Masala. Both have great recipes and background information about ingredients and dishes. One of my very favorite dishes from “American Masala” is Goan Shrimp Curry. It’s not a well-known dish in the States but it’s fantastic.
I love Suvir Saran's Indian Home Cooking. Simple recipes (once you have the ingredients) but delicious.
I like Indian Home Cooking by Suvir Saran.