Pumpkin, brinjal and potato: Who would imagine dishing out delicious and international fare from these humble, desi vegetables? Celebrity chef Ritu Dalmia does, and has created a spread of refreshingly delish vegetarian recipes that do not includes a melee of spices and usual suspects -- mushroom, dahi and paneer -- in her cookbook Diva Green. Jordanian style Labneh, Apricot Knodel and Roasted Fig and Camembert Bruschetta are some of the appetising and appealing (thanks to the delectable photography by Anshika Varma) recipes in this all-vegetarian cookbook. Dalmia spoke to THE GUIDE about going green. Excerpts:

Pumpkin Salad with Parmesan Cheese and Pumpkin Seed Dressing. Pics/Anshika Varma