6 Spices, 60 Dishes

Using just six common spices—cayenne, coriander, cumin, turmeric, mustard seed, and asafetida—chef Ruta Kahate presents 60 delicious recipes that are easy to prepare but deliver rich, complex flavor. These dishes—including tons of nourishing veggies, raitas, grains, and dals—are fresh, healthy, and versatile enough to mix and match with your everyday cooking. And they feature Instant Pot variations for maximum ease. Serve up a quick lunch of Mustard Shrimp alongside a cool lettuce and citrus salad. Short on time after a busy day? Instant Pot your supper with a comforting Coconut Beef Stew. Prep a double batch of Parsi-Style Rajma on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week—the flavors only get better over time! With stories from Ruta’s culinary life around the world, plus vibrant, colorful photography that reflects the lively recipes within, 6 SPICES, 60 DISHES is a must-have for anyone who wants super-tasty, healthy meals that come together in a flash.

Ruta Kahate recently moved her family from Goa, India to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she opened a café that serves healthy, fresh Indian fare. While living in Goa, she and her husband built an organic farm, opened and ran 6 cafes (3 of them simultaneously), built two houses, and raised their daughters. Before her time in Goa, Ruta lived in Oakland, California, where she ran a cooking school and taught classes at Sur La Table, the Ferry Plaza Market, Tante Marie, and elsewhere. She has consulted with companies like Pepsico and Lea & Perrins, and appeared on local TV as a guest chef. She has also hosted culinary tours to India, helping chefs and serious foodies cook and eat their way through the country. She is the author of two cookbooks: 5 Spices, 50 Dishes and Quick-Fix Indian.