Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old healing tradition from India linked to the development of yoga, is based on the concept that one's physical, mental, and spiritual well-being comes from a number of sources, including a healthful diet based on one's individual constitution.

In this all-vegetarian cookbook, Amrita Sondhi, author of The Modern Ayurvedic Cookbook (now in its fourth printing), provides new twists on traditional Ayurvedic recipes that are also inspired by the growing popularity of whole grains (quinoa, spelt, and barley) and raw foods.

The Ayurvedic diet is based on the concept of three "doshas": vata (air), pitta (fire), and kapha (earth). Each of us has a primary dosha that we can strive to maintain at a healthy balance, but which can cause problems in excess. The book includes a questionnaire so readers can determine their own primary dosha and then look for recipes that will help them to maintain or reduce it for optimal health.

Recipes include modern interpretations of Indian cuisine (spicy paneer zucchini kabobs and mango & coconut kulfi), and Ayurvedic spins on vegetarian fare (barley rainbow pilaf and raw zucchini hummus). The book also includes yoga and breathing exercises easily done at home or at work, full-colour recipe photos, and information on sprouting/fermenting techniques and backyard gardening.

The Tastes of Ayurveda offers simple and delicious ways to achieve a more healthful, energetic, and serene life.

Amrita Sondhi is a certified yoga instructor and Ayurvedic cooking teacher; and owner of Movement (movementglobal.com), a cutting-edge clothing line specializing in sustainable fibers. Currently she is co-host of The Ayurvedic Way, a television program broadcast in Canada on One: The Body, Mind and Spirit Channel. She lives on Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada.

Amrita Sondhi's profile page

Amrita Sondhi demystifies an approach to eating that's unfamiliar to a lot of Americans but often credited with great health benefits ... Because the Ayurvedic diet is personalized based on the concept of three doshas, Sondhi helps readers target the recipes that are best for working to achieve their optimal health. -Today's Diet and Nutrition

Using a comprehensive questionnaire, you can determine your primary dosha and which of the six tastes decrease or pacify it. The author includes helpful information about basic Ayurvedic herbs and spices as well ... These are modern interpretations of Indian favorites such as Curried Whole Green Mung Dal and Papaya, Mint & Red Pepper Chutney. -Taste for Life

More than just a cookbook, The Tastes of Ayurveda aims to nourish the body, mind and spirit. If that sounds like a formula for healthy but dull food, think again; recipes range from quinoa dark chocolate cake to lentil porcini chili. -Where Vancouver

Amrita's kitchen sounds like a magical place where she creates flavourful recipes that nurture and fortify the body, mind and spirit. -Synergy Magazine