2025 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards Gold Winner in Cooking Heartland Masala pairs 99 recipes from Indian cooking instructor Jyoti Mukharji with cultural and historical essays by her son Auyon Mukharji. An effervescent celebration of Indian cuisine and the American immigrant experience, this beautiful cookbook is playful, informative, and utterly original. Real Simple , Food Editor's Top Cookbook Pick Slate , Top 10 Best Recipes of the Year The Boston Globe , Best Cookbooks for Holiday Giving Kansas City Magazine , Top Gifts to Give and Receive Filled with rich storytelling, stunning visuals, and a blend of modern and traditional dishes, this book is both a heartfelt portrait of one Midwestern family and a practical guide to cooking incredible Indian meals at home. Here's what makes Heartland Masala special: • Delicious, Accessible Recipes — 99 carefully tested dishes bring Indian flavors into your kitchen, with ingredients and methods tailored for American home cooks. • Cultural Essays & Family Stories — Fresh, insightful, and often humorous essays explore the immigrant cooking philosophy, the Mukharjis' mother-son dynamic, and the many quirks of Indian culinary history. • Illustrations & Stunning Photography — A 32-page full-color photo insert plus original art make this a gorgeous centerpiece for your kitchen or coffee table. • Step-by-Step Guidance — Jyoti and Auyon include illustrations that demystify complex techniques, along with spice shopping tips to build confidence and skill. A feast for culturally curious readers and adventurous cooks alike, Heartland Masala is unlike any Indian cookbook you've seen before.