The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook

Lois is a dedicated ayurvedic practitioner and lover of healthy cooking.  “The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook” is a wonderful source of great, yet simple, recipes.  This book is a stroke of genius in the creation of delicious recipes that demonstrate a proper understanding of ayurvedic principles and guidelines.  Lois has well described the value of three doshas for maintaining optimum health and wellness, the importance of six tastes in the meal, the proper combinations of foods and spices, and most importantly, ayurvedic foods for the family and various menu plans for different times of day.  I personally recommend this cookbook to all ayurvedic lovers, students, and schools to embark on the journey of healing through proper ayurvedic recipes. ~ Dr. Shekhar Annambhotla, MD (Ayu), LMT, Director, Ojas, LLC and President, Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America, Inc. (AAPNA)  

The timeless wisdom of Ayurveda is beautifully put together in this book, The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook. By applying these basic principles in daily cooking, the reader can prove that cooking is both science and art. ~ Vasant Lad, B.A.M.S., M.A.Sc., Ayurvedic Physician; Author of Ayurveda: Science of Self-Healing, Textbook of Ayurveda series and more.

It has been a pleasure reading The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook.  Lois has captured the beauty and simplicity of this ancient system of medicine. Ayurvedic key concepts were not sacrificed but rather incorporated so that even a novice will find the ease within the pages.  I was delighted when the author pointed out that the human body works the same way today as it did in the past with the ancient rishis.  This book is a new found treasure for the Ayurvedic profession, and gives the reader a format to use and appreciate!  Enjoy the top ten Ayurvedic tips for essential wellness and experience the six tastes with her creatively healthy recipes.  This is my new favorite cookbook!  ~ Dr. Margrit Mikulis, Owner of Living Natural Inc., NAMA Board Member, Clinical Faculty at The Kripalu School of Ayurveda

The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook is an exceptionally accessible guide to cooking and eating according to Ayurvedic principles. Lois Leonhardi has created recipes that are beneficial for all constitutional types, making one’s entry into Ayurveda easy and fun.  The adaptions listed with each recipe make this cookbook appropriate for those with more experience with Ayurveda as well. As most of the recipes are not East Indian, I am confident that everyone will find many meals they will enjoy. It  provides a very concise and colorful summary of Ayurvedic cooking and its enormous benefits. ~ Dr. Sharada Hall, Owner of Bodhimed Ayurveda & Acupuncture

This book is a complete resource for anyone wanting to build health through food.  It’s an inviting book that can teach any cook how to use the principles of Ayurveda. The quality of the recipes invites the reader into the kitchen with simplicity and savor. I can’t wait to introduce my students to this book as it has the promise to transform their palate toward a desire for more nourishing food. ~ Kerri Eich, Director, School of Health and Environmental Sciences,  University High School, Los Angeles

Thank you So much for sharing your great recipes and kitchen knowledge. I am on a detox right now and these meals are giving me tons of energy.  ~ Blake C./The Chopra Center, Carlsbad, CA

Your book is fantastic!!!!!!  It’s truly a great book and I am keeping at my bedside for quick references.  My favorite chapters besides the first 49 pages (lol) are the vegetable and soups and stews — I can’t wait to make many of those recipes. I really learned so much – and I thought I knew a lot before I read your book – wow! You taught me so much more and gave me things to think about. You rock and so does your book. I can’t wait to share it with my ayurveda doctor …but she can buy her own because I’m not letting mine out of my sight! ~ Jennifer S., Connecticut