Not quite what you are looking for, but many of the America’s test kitchen cook books have long write ups before most recipes with that they tried and why some things didn’t work as well for ingredients. I find that many libraries have them available to borrow.
They don’t have an Indian cookbook though, I’m watching this thread for any Indian cookbook recommendations. (I don’t have any good Asian cookbook except “Let’s make ramen” and I’m hit or miss on Urvashi Pitre’s ‘Indian instant pot cookbook’ possibly from user error)
Not quite what you are looking for, but many of the America’s test kitchen cook books have long write ups before most recipes with that they tried and why some things didn’t work as well for ingredients. I find that many libraries have them available to borrow.
They don’t have an Indian cookbook though, I’m watching this thread for any Indian cookbook recommendations. (I don’t have any good Asian cookbook except “Let’s make ramen” and I’m hit or miss on Urvashi Pitre’s ‘Indian instant pot cookbook’ possibly from user error)
I have always heard good things about Madhur Jaffrey and her works.
While I personally don’t own any, perhaps something like this is what you’re after?
I have a copy of Curry Easy and everything I’ve made from it has been good.
I don’t think I’ve seen anything that wouldn’t be suitable for beginners, but I’m also not entirely sure I would notice.