Book Description

Rethink Tea... Rethink Chai. Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, after water. Ayurveda, derived from ancient Indian texts, offers many guidelines for a holistic, health-centered lifestyle – including food and beverages. Seven Pots of Tea is the first cookbook of its kind that allows readers to explore Ayurveda through tea, and vice-versa through dozens of simple recipes. Seven Pots of Tea combines holistic wisdom and health goals an easy, accessible format to improve readers’ perspectives on their favorite beverage. It highlights many easy to make herbal teas, tisanes and brews that can integrate into existing routines of self-care to promote overall wellness. Designed as an informative reference book with practical tips, Seven Pots of Tea is just as much for beginners who want to make subtle changes to just one part of their daily routine, as it is for those who are looking for a substantive collection of Ayurvedic teas, brews, tisanes, and healthy snacks to pair with their beloved brews. The first half of the cookbook offers context: India’s historical relationship to medicinal beverages and its relationship to tea and chai; a primer on the principles of Ayurveda; and detailed notes on the Ayurvedic considerations of the cooking tool and attributes of nearly a hundred fruits, herbs, and spices featured in the cookbook. This section also elaborates on the concept of Rasa, the six essential flavors (sweet, sour, spicy, salty, bitter, and astringent) and then encourages readers to explore the recipes through this renewed lens of flavor. Enjoy recipes for several dozen brews and tisanes in Seven Pots of Tea as well as many kinds of chai from India, as well as several dozen nosh recipes. As a cookbook, it is designed to broaden a tea-enthusiasts’ appreciation beyond the varieties of tea-leaves. To close, Nandita includes a tabulated reference on Ayurvedic guide on herbs and spices that are used in this book. Readers who enjoy simple recipes, love herbal teas and brews, and are looking for ways to improve their lifestyle, will wholeheartedly embrace Seven Pots of Tea: an ayurvedic approach to sips & nosh. It is designed to dovetail into holiday self-care routines and make for a thoughtful and considerate holiday gift. ~~~~ Includes foreword by chef and author Suvir Saran. Foreword: "Seven Pots of Tea is a groundbreaking, one of a kind collection of classical wisdom carefully re-imagined for the modern kitchen......Through her visually striking photographs, detailed Ayurvedic spice notes, and easy recipes, Nandita reclaims and preserves classic Indian beverages and brews to begin our journey into mindful eating with a simple cup of ‘chai’." ~ Suvir Saran, Chef & Author of Instamatic and others. Peer Review: "Tea is so intrinsically intertwined with India, especially meals. I'm guilty of downing cup after cup of breakfast tea or chai without thinking of its origins or ayurvedic uses. Nandita is an excellent teacher, about the history of tea, how to make it and what to serve with it. This is the perfect guide for any tea lover." - Chandra Ram, author of 'The Complete Indian Instant Pot Cookbook: 130 Traditional and Modern Recipes' "Tea lovers everywhere can rejoice! This comprehensive book not only focuses on Ayurveda and tea culture but also provides a refreshing course in history in addition to the delicious tea recipes to delight your palate.” Chef K.N.Vinod, Restaurateur/Co-founder Indique Hospitality Group