Penguin Michael Joseph dishes up ‘treasure trove’ of Woods recipes

Penguin Michael Joseph has signed Desi Kitchen, a “unique culinary roadmap to the diaspora of the Indian subcontinent in Britain today” from Sarah Woods. 

Publisher Ione Walder acquired world rights at auction from independent literary agent Jane Turnbull. Dan Hurst, editorial director, will oversee publication on 2nd March 2023. 

Desi Kitchen will include chapters covering regions and their desi communities present across Britain. The publisher wrote: “Travelling from the Pakistani community of Glasgow to the Nepalese community of Kent and everywhere in between, the book explores how communities from different regions have blended their food and culture to create a cuisine that is distinct, special and diverse.”  

Woods commented: “The term ‘desi’ describes a person of birth or descent from the Indian subcontinent that lives abroad and Desi Kitchen seeks to tell the food story of the Indian diaspora across modern Britain. I wanted to write a book that people want to learn from, to cook from, feed and feast from – something authentic and meaningful.

“Food is about past, present and future and forms part of the fabric of a person’s culture and identity. It’s about balancing preservation and evolution. There are classics alongside twists that reflect the blending of different cultures; which is what desi identity is all about. However, it’s important to provide that community-specific cultural context, too. Much like a good curry, we’ve got layers and complexity, dual regionality, diversity and storytelling. Desis are entering a period of redefinition, and my book aims to be a celebration of who we are and what we contribute.” 

Hurst added: “You won’t find these delicious dishes in any restaurant, but this is the food that is being cooked in desi kitchens up and down the country. Sarah’s research has taken her all over the UK and the resulting book is a treasure trove, packed with delicious recipes, stories and authentic voices from each of these communities.”