The sizzling spices, the bubbling pot full of magic, and the rhythmic chopping create a symphony of comfort. Wide-eyed and curious, I watch as my mother effortlessly combines flavours and textures, creating meals that nourish both body and soul.
“I wish I could cook like that” I whisper to myself.
It is incredibly overwhelming to cook and bake like a pro. The journey to kitchen confidence isn’t one that came easily, it took many sunken cakes, a few over seasoned curries and plenty of misshapen roti’s to get to the stage I am today.
I’ve spoken to so many women about their culinary adventures, each with their own unique challenges and aspirations. For some, it begins with a tentative step into the world of baking, seeking guidance and reassurance as they navigate the intricacies of measuring, mixing, and creating sweet delights. Others find themselves at a crossroads, yearning to impress their in-laws with their culinary prowess, hoping to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere through the language of food. And then there are the mothers, the nurturers who pour their hearts into every meal, only to be met with the disheartening sight of their children pushing their plates away.
Ten thousand YouTube subscribers, over 70,000 Instagram followers, and 18,000 thousand amazing TikTok fans. Millions of views on my original recipes.
Cooking hundreds of meals for events, retreats, dinner parties and more. This is where I am today, deeply grateful for the gift of sharing my love for the joy that food brings.
But let me tell you, it wasn't always easy.
When I was barely a teenager, my (late) uncle, my dad’s older brother who I call Abbu, became my very own kitchen hero. I spent many a weekends at his place, soaking up his wisdom and love, one day, he said to me, "Let's make a handi together" a handi is a traditional cooking basin made from copper or clay, today the word is loosely used in Urdu/Punjabi to refer to any type of traditional curry. Guided by his experience, I learned the secret to great curries: the base (sauce), the protein or veg and the most important the holy trinity of spices - salt, turmeric, and chilli.
As I grew older, I stepped up in the kitchen, learning from my mom's 30+ years of feeding our family. She taught me to avoid common mistakes, but also encouraged me to take risks - because that's where the biggest learning points are. Cooking became more than a hobby or chore, I truly believe that it's a life skill everyone should have. The power to nourish your body and soul, create meals that bring people together, tell stories, and create memories. The more I fell in love with cooking, the more I wanted to share that love. Creating fusion dishes, pouring my heart into every recipe, hoping to inspire others to find the same joy and then feeding them.
