Marvels of Indian Pickles, Chutneys and Condiments

"Marvels of Indian Pickles, Chutneys and Condiments” is my fourth book in the series on culinary items. Based on the encouragement received to my earlier three books, Viz.

“ Marvels of South Indian Cuisine”, “Marvels of North Indian Cuisine” and “ Marvels of Indian Snacks” , I have written this book.

The book contains a careful but comprehensive selection of mouth watering Indian “Thokku” – a multi-purpose condiment used in various parts of India. The present book on pickles, chutneys & condiments is in
a way path breaking. An effort has been made to turn the popular perception into a myth that pickles are difficult and time taking to prepare and contains lot of oil and spice.

As it can be observed that out of hundred delicious pickles, chutneys and condiments presented in the book, 34 items can be prepared in just four steps, 24 items can be prepared in just three steps, while there are 3 items including a pickle which can be prepared in just two steps.

The delicious chutney and nutritious “ Thokku” are multi- purpose condiments that will come as a handy side dish on the dining table with almost any main dish, Viz. dal rice, paratha, chapatti, puri, bhature, curd
rice and even for applying a spread across your child’s favourite sandwich.

Hope you can feel the flavor!

Go on, Taste and relish it.

About the Author
I am Mrs. Meena Shankaran My mother tongue is Tamil. I can speak, read and write English, Hindi and Telugu. I am a Post Graduate in History. I have finished a Post Graduate Diploma course in Computer
Applications (PGDCA) and Diploma in Computer Management (DCM Certificate given by U.S.A).

I worked in the Customs Department for five years. Later, I conducted a typewriting as well as short hand course both in English and Hindi, for more than 15 years.

I also devoted time for activities such as knitting, sewing, embroidery, gardening etc. I have learnt fruit preservation and acquired a diploma for it from the Uttar Pradesh Government, Lucknow. I have finished my graduation in Hindi.

I am a diploma holder in Homoeopathy, Magneto therapy, Pranic Healing, Rekhi, Crystal Healing and Art of Living.

I had given a Hindi program by name “Jal Ka Samasya Aur Samadhan” for 15 minutes in All India Radio, Chennai. I also got an opportunity to do a 15-day programme in All India Radio, Chennai in Tamil on preparation of recipes. I have given a live programme in Tamil for 3 weeks consecutively in All India Radio, Chennai. I had an opportunity to associate myself with Jaya Television in connection with a programme on “entrepreneurial skills of women”.

For the past several years, I have been writing stories, articles, travelogues, jokes, recipes, real incidents, experiences, poems, etc. and they are published in various South Indian Tamil magazines like Mangayar Malar, Kumudam Snehidhi, Rani, Devi, Aval Vikatan, Thanga Mangai, Dina Malar, Kalkandu, Vasukhi, Monthly novel and so on.

I have written a Tamil recipe book which contains 220 North Indian dishes. The response for this book inspired me to write a recipe book in English too.

With the support of M/s Shroff Publishers & Distributors Pvt Ltd., Navi Mumbai, I could successfully write three recipe books in English titled “Marvels of South Indian Cuisine”, “Marvels of North Indian Cuisine” and “Marvels of Indian Snacks.”

I sincerely hope that this book would be instrumental in further developing the culinary skills of the younger generation.

With best wishes,
Mrs. Meena Shankaran