From chile to saffron, vanilla to ginger, spices have a long history and a story to tell. In Spices, Indian-born food writer celebrates their distinctive flavors in her original recipes. All the recipes contain the spices associated with their continent of origin. Fascinating tales of the Great Chile Migrations, the Spice Empires of the Romans and Venetians, the Romance of the Silk Road and many more provide ample food for thought.

Aromatic, subtle, pungent or fiery-every country has typical spice mixes that epitomize its cooking. A chapter on the Americas includes America Apple Pie with delicate autumnal spicing, and Cajun Spiced Corn and Bacon Chowder. Europe covers recipes from Plum Chutney to Scandinavian Mulled Wine. Africa and the Middle East showcases dishes such as spicy Prawn Piri Piri to Moroccan Grilled Fish with verdant chermoula spice paste. You'll love recipes from South Asi-the Indian Subcontinent: try Spicy Coconut Prawns from Kerala, of Almond and Cardamon Lamb. Try dishes from Japan, China and Korea such as Sushi or Chinese Red-cooked Chicken with Star Anise. South-east Asia stars a fiery riot of spice dishes-from Thai Green Curry to Vietnamese Salad.