Foodaholics love to eat no doubt, but there are many who love to cook more than they like to eat! It has been proved that cooking is a good stress buster and at the same time, a great hobby to learn and enjoy. Nothing better than a day of preparing lavish dinner for family, stirring, cutting, baking and then indulging into sinful gratification while enjoying the delectable meal. Here are some cook books to refer to if you enjoy cooking, or are looking forward to up your culinary game.

‘Veg’ by Jamie Oliver

If you are someone who is vegetarian and want to know more about veg recipes then this book by British chef and restaurateur Jamie Oliver has some easy and flavourful vegetarian recipes. From suppers to family favourites to weekend special dishes, this book has varieties and all kinds of recipes. Whether you follow a vegetarian diet or just want to try some new veg recipes, this 312-pages book will inspire every kind of cook. “It’s all about celebrating really good, tasty food that just happens to be meat-free,” says Jamie.

Vegetarian breakfast by Sanjeev Kapoor

Begin your day with delightful vegetarian breakfast recipes from the Master Chef, Sanjeev Kapoor himself. He woven his magic and dished up a collection of nourishing vegetarian dishes in Vegetarian breakfast that will give you brilliant start.

The range of Indian and international recipes includes such energising dishes as Dal Pakwan, Cheese and Coriander Paranthas, Uthappam Sandwiches, Oat and Apricot Porridge, Orange and Choco chip Muffins and Fruity Yogurt with Cereal Topping. And for those breakfast-on-the-run days, you can whip up a Honey and Fruit Smoothie, a Strawberry and Orange Soya Shake or a Power Punch.

A Flash in the Pan by John Whaite

 Some days we are just in hurry and try to make food that is easy, not time consuming. To prove you speedy food can’t be complicated, John Whaite has come up with his A Flash in the Pan. This book celebrates the simplicity of simple, stunning recipes that can be prepared and cooked on the stove in under 45 minutes. There are opportunities to be found in a fast-paced kitchen environment, where exceptional dishes can be rustled up without an oven. Pans and a stove are all you need to feed you, your friends and family convenience food, with class. And in true John Whaite-style, A Flash in the Pan is brimming with interesting and innovative combinations – from Marmalade Brulée French Toast and Bloody Mary Prawn Tacos to Saag Halloumi and Apricot, Whisky & Honey Cheesecake.

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat, Wendy MacNaughton

Chef and writer Samin Nosrat are teaching to master the use of just four elements—Salt, which enhances flavour; Fat, which delivers flavour and generates texture; Acid, which balances flavour; and Heat, which ultimately determines the texture of food and anything you cook will be delicious.

The book has charming narrative, illustrated walkthroughs, and a light hearted approach to kitchen science, Samin demystifies the four elements of good cooking for everyone. 150 illustrations have done by illustrator Wendy MacNaughton. By explaining the hows and whys of good cooking, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat will teach and inspire a new generation of cooks how to confidently make better decisions in the kitchen and cook delicious meals with any ingredients, anywhere, at any time.

Baking: From My Home to Yours,” by Dorie Greenspan

If you’re into baking or would like to be, then you must own Dorie Greenspan’s Baking: From My Home to Yours.  The book is her masterwork, Dorie applies the lessons from three decades of experience to her first and real love: home baking. The 300 recipes will seduce a new generation of bakers, whether their favourite kitchen tools are a bowl and a whisk or a stand mixer and a baker’s torch. The book covers everything from muffins, scones, and other breakfast sweets to cookies, cakes, pies, tarts, and “spoon desserts” (puddings, custards, crisps, and ice creams). It’s an attractive tome with lots of big photographs and yummy recipes that make you want to tie on an apron and get baking. And it’s got weight, too.

In this lockdown period, we don’t have a choice to go outside to our favourite restaurants and eat but we can learn cooking at home through some cook books. It can be a great exercise for your body and mind. Also, to develop a new hobby. So, if you’re looking for cooking inspiration on these days of lockdown, you know where to turn to. Stay safe, wash your hands. Make some good food and just stay inside already!