Shanivar Teli

My Aunt Ruby visited the US from India and, while she lived with us, we embarked on writing this recipe book. This is the second version of the book, with updated recipes, additional photographs and legends added to the original figures. Each recipe has been tested and adjusted to please both the Jewish Indian and Western palates. I use these recipes when I entertain both Indians and Westerners. They usually make a big hit!


The title of the book, Shanivar Teli, translates to ‘Saturday Oil’. The Jews of India were oil pressers. They did not work on the Sabbath, Saturday, and were therefore referred to as Shanivar Teli. Jews in India are Bene Israeli, Bhagdadhi or Cochini.