A delicious mix

cookbook

A beautifully photographed book, ‘A Taste of Pakistan in Fusion’, authored by food blogger Shaziah Zuberi has been recently launched in Pakistan. The book carries unique original fusion recipes with a Pakistani theme. It is an effort to open doors, build bridges, and deepen relationships between Pakistan and the outside world through the ‘art’ of fusion food. It melds the author’s authentic Pakistani heritage with a celebration of global diversity. The cookbook and its recipes are a unique expression of cultural and culinary blending. The author has painstakingly experimented with a variety of ingredients to make customised recipes.

Shaziah currently resides in the U.S., where she practices her culinary skills by creating innovative recipes and shares them on her website and on Instagram and Twitter, to spread the joy of her inspirational cooking. In a candid interview with You! Shaziah Zuberi talks about her cookbook and her love for cooking...

You! What is your inspiration behind writing ‘A Taste of Pakistan in Fusion’?

Shaziah Zuberi: I have always been fond of cooking, having learnt from the best – my mother, who was meticulous and imaginative – and living abroad for these past many years since I got married – we were in Hong Kong for a few years, and have been in the Washington DC area for over a decade now – I realised how important it is to innovate on recipes. As a mother of two teenagers who love western food, I was keen that they not forget their roots and their traditional cuisine, and felt that this was the ideal way to bring to them the best of both worlds. In fact, my husband and I love to entertain, and my recipes have been highly appreciated by not only the Pakistani community but also our American friends, who love the unique blend of tastes in my cooking.

You! How do you feel about your first cookbook?

SZ: I feel my cookbook, focusing on Pakistani fusion cooking, represents Pakistan on the global front. It promotes the message of cultural harmony and assimilation through food. The cookbook is an effort to open doors, build bridges and deepen relationships through the ‘art’ of fusion food.

The recipes in my book are creative, as well as being both contemporary and steeped in tradition.

You! How long did it take you to compile this cookbook?

SZ: The book project took me over two years.

You! Are these your original recipes?

SZ: In my book each recipe is unique, rich, and original. These include appetizers, soups and salads, and seafood, meat, chicken and vegetarian dishes, and desserts. I wanted to make sure that the reader would be able to prepare it confidently. I place great emphasis on the overall presentation of the food that I prepare.

You! Why do you think ‘A Taste of Pakistan in Fusion’ is different from other cookbooks?

SZ: It is different from other cookbooks because I offer a number of innovative recipes (appetizers, main courses, and desserts). I have also demonstrated that the experience of tasteful cooking can be part of a nutritionally balanced healthy diet. For example, I have used quinoa in my popular chappli kabab recipe as a nutritious ingredient.

You! Are you a food blogger or a professional chef?

SZ: I can proudly say that I’m a passionate food blogger. For me cooking is therapeutic.

You! When did you first get involved in fusion cooking?

SZ: I got involved in fusion cooking when I first arrived in U.S. with my family. I was incredibly keen at that time to explore and interact with people who were from different backgrounds. I was deeply inspired by this multicultural society, where I learned about fusion cooking while experiencing and experimenting with different international cuisines. Not long ago, in this process, I developed my own hook, where I was able to create new pattern of cooking with a variety of ingredients that I had never experienced before. While doing so I tried to keep my Pakistani-themed cooking at the centre. I adapted Pakistani recipes by incorporating authentic international influences to create a culinary melting pot.

You! Have you done any professional courses?

SZ: I started my cookbook project because I trusted my culinary skills. I do not have any advanced degree in my craft. I have not participated in any award-winning culinary competitions. I was working on my craft every day on my own, even without formal training, but with steady discipline, imagination, and love. I would like to say about myself that I am an ‘inspirational creator’.

You! How would you define your cooking style?

SZ: My cooking style is fusion. Fusion cooking is the foundation of modern cooking. It is a thoughtful process where I can integrate a variety of ingredients across the globe.

You! What do you like most about cooking?

SZ: For me the favourite part in cooking is creating a new recipe.

You! Ingredients you love to add in your cooking?

SZ: I love using fresh herbs including basil, parsley, cilantro, rosemary, dill, thyme leaves, and more.

You! What are your signature dishes?

SZ: My signature dishes are desi-style meatloaf with perfectly hard-boiled eggs, baked kofta cake with bay leaves and black cardamom spicy sauce, and Thai style chicken khaosay in lemongrass with spaghetti and golden friend onion.

You! What’s the secret of good cooking?

SZ: My mother always told me that a great meal was always prepared by using both heart and mind. I believe that cooking will never be a tedious task if it is planned properly.

You! What is your favourite Pakistani food?

SZ: I love Pakistani chaana chat and dahi baray.

You! What is your favourite World food?

SZ: I like Thai, Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican, and Peruvian cuisine among others.

You! What would be your advice to someone who wants to become a chef?

SZ: You need to be dedicated and passionate.

You! What do you think you would have been if you had not become a food blogger?

SZ: I think I’m 100 per cent sure that I would be doing something meaningful in life. The word ‘meaningful’ captures my values and intentions.

You! How do you unwind?

SZ: For some time now, I have followed a practice which has become a deeply ingrained habit. When I wake up, I open my kitchen’s window to let the fresh air in, and drink a cup of hot water with freshly squeezed lemon juice. This habit helps me clear my mind, and provides me the ability to focus before I start my day. I love my morning routine because it makes me energised and motivated for the tasks of the day ahead, and influences how the rest of my day turns out.

You! How do you keep balance between family life and work?

SZ: Maintaining balance between family life and work is extremely important. In my case, I make it a priority. I like to do number of meaningful things. It helps to open my mind and makes me aware of the issues that I need to understand and address. This also helps to inject wonder and fun into my life. The result is that it makes me happy and productive, and makes a real difference in my life.

You! What’s next in your agenda?

SZ: I believe taking one step at a time. In life circumstances play a critical role in helping us pursue opportunities.

‘A Taste of Pakistan in Fusion’ is available at all the leading book stores in Pakistan. It can be purchased online at Amazon for delivery worldwide.