Get an inside view into the secrets of the chefs that have mastered real Indian cooking.

India is a diverse country reflected in the variety of foods offered in different regions around the country. One dish can be cooked in various styles in different states, as it depends hugely on the availability of ingredients.

While traditional Indian cooking is not tough, the names of spices and other items can be confusing. Therefore, we have compiled a list of our favourite cookbooks that will help you learn the cuisine of the South Asian country.

• 50 Great Curries of India by Camellia Panjabi

A must-have on an Indian food-lovers bookshelf, 50 Great Curries offers the perfect beginner course to cooking Indian curry. The book offers some of Camellia’s favourite regional recipes, alongside tips to cook authentic curry and the philosophy of Indian cuisine. The book also has a culinary map of the country with some beautiful food photography.

• Indian Cookery by Madhur Jaffrey

Madhur Jaffrey bought Indian cuisine into the Western world and is an India food and travel writer. The Indian Cookery is in its second edition and teaches everything to know about the cuisine from the basic Indian bread to bizarre dishes like Drunken Orange Slices.

• The Dal Cookbook by Krishna Dutta

A book dedicated to the famous dish of dal, the Dal Cookbook is your guide to the world of cooking the famous Indian lentils. This dish is considered to be the cheapest and most nutritious food ever and is a staple all around the country. With over 50 exquisite dal recipes, the book will have you cooking dal all year round without getting tired.

• Entice With Spice: Easy Indian Recipes for Busy People by Shubhra Ramineni

Shubhra Ramineni breaks the myth that traditional Indian food takes hours to cooks. The book offers adaptations to traditional food by giving you recipes that are easy to cook and will suit the lifestyle of busy people. With high-quality photographs to appealing writing, the book will soon become your favourite.

• Rick Stein’s India by Rick Stein

Rick Stein gives the readers details of his journey through the South Asian country in search of the perfect and delectable Indian dishes. Every curry or dish in the book reflects the origin, from the South to the west in Bengal and the north in the Himalayas. Even after a year of using the book, you will surely not be bored with it.

Get your apron and utensils and start cooking!