Amish O Niramish Ahar 1

Author: Pragyasundari Devi (প্রজ্ঞাসুন্দরী দেবী)

Genre: Ranna - Grihasajja (রান্না - গৃহসজ্জা)

Cover: Hardcover

ISBN: 9788172152178

Weight: 648 gram

Description:
Amish O Niramish Ahar is one of the most legendary and comprehensive works on Bengali cuisine, authored by the brilliant Pragyasundari Devi, a pioneering figure in the culinary world of Bengal. This monumental work, spanning six volumes, was written at a time when Bengali cookbooks were virtually non-existent. The first volume, which focuses on vegetarian recipes, offers a complete guide to a wide variety of dishes that are an intrinsic part of Bengali culinary heritage.

Pragyasundari Devi, born into the prestigious Thakur family, was inspired by her father, Hemendranath Thakur, to take up cooking not just as a necessity but as an art form. Her approach to cooking was creative, organized, and filled with a passion for experimenting and perfecting traditional recipes. This book is a testament to her meticulous and innovative culinary techniques.

The first volume of Amish O Niramish Ahar features a vast collection of vegetarian recipes—ranging from everyday dishes to festive specialties—that were carefully collected and perfected by Pragyasundari. The book also provides detailed instructions on the art of Bengali cooking, including tips on ingredients, techniques, and presentation.

This volume serves as a comprehensive manual for cooking vegetarian meals, showcasing an exhaustive list of recipes, some of which had been passed down orally through generations before being compiled into this work. Along with recipes, the book includes an alphabetic listing of all the dishes to help readers quickly locate their desired preparation.

The legacy of Pragyasundari Devi’s cookbooks continues to influence Bengali kitchens, with many women inheriting these books as treasured family heirlooms to master the art of cooking. Her contribution to Bengali culinary tradition is invaluable, and her work stands as a landmark in the history of Bengali cuisine.

About the Author:
Pragyasundari Devi was born in 1870 in the renowned Thakur family. She was the daughter of Hemendranath Thakur, the third son of Maharshi Devendranath Thakur, and married to the prominent Assamese literary figure, Lakshminath Bezbaroa. From an early age, Pragyasundari developed an interest in cooking, and her father encouraged this passion by providing her with expert chefs to teach her the art of culinary skills.

Her most notable achievement is her six-volume culinary work, Amish O Niramish Ahar, written nearly a century ago. At the time, Bengali cookbooks were rare, and this book filled a significant gap. Pragyasundari's work is not just about cooking but also includes her insights into the science of food and its impact on health. Her cookbooks were passed down through generations and became essential guides for newlyweds in Bengali households.

Pragyasundari Devi passed away in 1950, leaving behind a timeless legacy in the culinary world.