On her blog, The Chutney Life, Palak Patel breaks down the intricacies of Indian cooking into accessible recipes for all home cooks. From the importance of a good tadka—a means through which whole spices are tempered in oil to increase their flavor profile—to countless easy hacks such as upgrading a classic can of Campbell’s Tomato Soup with a little ginger, garlic, and coriander, these recipes are fresh, inventive, and irresistible. With Patel’s signature snacks—spreading lasan ni chutney (a spicy spread made by pounding together fresh garlic cloves and chili powder in a mortar and pestle) inside of a quesadilla or adding just a touch of cumin and coriander powder to cream of cauliflower soup—you’ll never get bored or see the same old stuff.

The 100 easy-to-make recipes in this cookbook not only celebrate the Indian food Patel grew up eating but also the loving hands that made that food. Filled with anecdotes, love notes to Patel’s favorite kitchen tools, and many time-saving tips, Patel’s recipes find inspiration in resourcefulness. Busy moms and curious cooks alike will find new, exciting flavors here, inspired by souvenirs of Patel’s travels, makeovers of classics, and Indian remakes of favorites.