I've been alluding all year to a secret project that's been in the works, and I'm excited to finally share it with you! I had the pleasure of photographing a cookbook by the immensely talented Asha of Food Fashion Party. Masala & Meatballs releases in early January and it's brimming with Asha's vibrant food and loads of colorful photographs.
Recipes meld American comfort food with Indian tastes – think omelettes seasoned with chaat masala, spiced lentil shepherd's pie, naan pizza, and cardamom-kissed funnel cake. Indian cuisine can feel intimidating to Americans with laundry lists of spices and unfamiliar flavors, but Asha makes her recipes accessible by using easy-to-source ingredients. There are recipes for every time of day, from breakfast treats to snacks for company to soups, curries, mains, desserts, drinks, and lots of spicy sauces and chutneys. There are even Indian-inspired tacos!
I got to eat every recipe after (and sometimes during) our shoots and was constantly blown away by Asha's cooking. Every recipe bursts with flavor and vibrance, leaving you nourished and energized. Spices dance around the palate while fresh garnishes and sauces add punch. The way Asha has melded the cuisines of India and the US is sheer genius. I didn't want the project to end and neither did Jay, who got used to bingeing on delicious "Asha Food" after every shoot. I can't wait to get a copy for myself so I can relive my favorites, such as the carrot peanut dip shown above, seasoned with caramelized shallot, lime, and chile. Hummus only wishes it could be as tasty.
Collaborating with a stylist as creative as Asha was a dream. While Asha chopped, sauteed, and plated, I got to nerd out on the technical aspects of the images – light, camera settings, editing, and composition. I cherished the afternoons when her two sweet boys were home from school, often helping out in the kitchen or posing as hand models. And let's not forget the infamous Waffles who helped clean the floor after shoots! But with food as vibrant and beautifully styled as Asha's, the photos practically took themselves. The book has a photo for most of the recipes, and we managed to sneak in some action shots as well. We're so pleased with the result of this collaboration and we can't wait for everyone to see it!
In addition to shooting stunning food prepared by the warmest hosts I could ever imagine, I got to learn a ton about Indian cuisine, pestering Asha with a million questions about ingredients and cooking techniques as I snapped away. Despite the title Masala & Meatballs, the majority of recipes are naturally vegetarian and there are loads of gluten-free options as well. One of my favorite recipes is the no-bake pumpkin halwa pie, below, which boasts a date and nut crust filled with spiced pumpkin stovetop custard and chilled until firm. Heaven on a plate.
I'm beyond honored to have been a part of Masala & Meatballs. Hugest congratulations to you, Asha, on this achievement, and thank you for all the hours of collaboration, creativity, and delicious snacks we got to share. Many more to come I hope! <3
Preorder a copy of Masala & Meatballs and it will arrive in your kitchen on January 9th, perfect for cozy winter cooking sessions. Plus if you order now, Asha will send you a delicious BONUS RECIPE along with one of my favorite photographs I've ever taken. (Hint: it's vegetarian and full of cheese – not to be missed!) Just email your receipt to [email protected] and she'll send over the goods. Read all about Asha's journey to becoming a cookbook author and see more sneak peeks of the book over at Food Fashion Party. And order the book at any of these outlets:
- Amazon
- Amazon.in
- Amazon.ca
- The Book Depository (FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING)
- Barnes & Noble
- Indie Bound
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Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says
How exciting! I love the shots you shared here and the food looks so good. Congrats!
Alanna says
Thank you Katie! Asha's recipes are all to die for. :)
Gary Chambers says
Alana,
Congrats! Beautiful photos.
Alanna says
Thank you Gary!
Lily | Kale & Caramel says
Incredible!! Just stunning. You continually amaze me, Alanna. And the food sounds incredible! Can't wait to get the book--congrats to Asha!
Alanna says
Aw thank you Lily - the feeling is very mutual! <3
Jay Doane says
Asha's food is amazing! Even though I just ate, my mouth is watering from the flavor memories.
Alanna says
Ugh, same! ASHA COME BACK.
Julia says
Wow! The book sounds amazing and the photos are fab! Congrats to Asha and you on the beautiful book you both created.
Alanna says
Aw, thank you so much Julia!
Neelamba says
Amazing photos. Congrats to u and asha
Pauline says
The photos and food look amazing. It's difficult to buy good Indian food where I live so I need these recipes. Hope I can order the book from Australia. Pauline
Alanna says
Thanks Pauline! Yes, you should be able to order from Amazon or The Book Depository, linked above. :)
Kelsey @ Appeasing a Food Geek says
Thanks for sharing! I've never read the blog, but it's been added to my list! As has the book. Looks divine! xoxo
Amisha says
Alanna! I have been so excited about the collaboration, and the book from the pictures that I see look stunning! Every picture is so well thought out. I cant wait to get the book in hand, and oggle at all the gorg pictures, styling by you both. So much thought has gone into this book, and the result as we can all see from the preview is all but short of 110%. Congratulations! :)
Alanna says
You are so sweet! Looking forward to a reunion of us 4 this Wednesday - yay!!
Stephanie McKinnie says
I am beyond proud of Asha!! She is one of the sweetest people and so deserving of all things great!! I am in constant awe of how she juggled writing the cookbook while maintaining her family and blog. I pre-ordered right away and I can't wait to cook out of it! I love that you were a part of it as well! How fun that must have been! I hope to meet you both in person one day! xO
Alanna says
Asha is THE BEST! I'd love to meet in person one day too! Please let me know if you're ever up this way in SF. :)