We are delighted to team up with Penguin Books this month to review the talented Anisa Karolia and her debut cookbook: ‘The Ramadan Family Cookbook’.
Anisa is one of the UK’s most popular Muslim food bloggers, with an online community of over 240,000 followers! Since 2015, her mission is to share all her favourite authentic, quick and accessible recipes, including favourites from her childhood.
Food is very important during Ramadan, both abstaining from it and coming together over it for Iftar. It’s this importance that Anisa wanted to dedicate her first cookbook to the holy month.
This is when ‘The Ramadan Family Cookbook’ was born! The book itself is an ultimate guide to cooking during the annual month of fasting observed throughout the Muslim world. With a collection of 80 delicious recipes to choose from, this cookbook will have you and your family covered for Ramadan. With dishes that everyone will enjoy, Anisa has included chapters of hearty family meals, sweets and drinks that are delicious, fillings, and quick and easy to prepare cooking recipes.
Enjoy immersing yourself on one-pot wonders, healthier alternatives, crowd-pleasing bites, baking and drink recipes. ‘The Ramadan Family Cookbook’ is a highly valuable resource for cooking and spending times with your loved ones during Ramadan.
In conversation with Anisa Karolia…
Anisa, we’re big fans of your cookbook! Tell us, what was the inspiration behind writing the book?
I always wanted to write a cookbook, but didn’t know where to start. I knew wanted to share my favourite childhood recipes that I loved and grew up with, so when Ebury reached out, I was like yes of course I’m in!
My grandmother taught me a lot about cooking, she being my primary inspiration but I also found that not many people wanted to share their recipes, so I made it my mission to get people into cooking homemade food for themselves and their families.
Would you say food brings families together?
Yes, food plays a central role in bringing and connecting families together, creating memories and sharing experiences.
Sitting around the table, sharing meals having conversations and bonding is one of the best feelings in the world, appreciating how blessed we are. Food really does unite people.
Do you have any top tips/pieces of advice for people preparing for Ramadan?
You want to make the most of this blessed month by spending time getting closer to our creator, removing bad habits and creating new ones.
Spending time in charity work, helping those less fortunate and self-reflection are important so I like to batch cook and prepare my savouries like samosas, spring rolls, pastries at least three weeks before Ramadan. I then store them in my freezer, giving me more time to focus on other important aspects during the holy month.
There are 80 delicious recipes to choose from! Come on, you must have a favourite!?
It’s so hard to choose just one, I have a few recipes that I love! In the One Pot section of my book, the Chicken Tikka Rice is so easy and quick to prepare, throw everything in and let in cook. It’s mouth-watering!
What does a normal day in the life look like for you Anisa?
We have a very busy family life with three children and I also work in a Special Needs School so that keeps me super busy but I love it and it’s so rewarding.
I also love working as a content creator, sharing recipes online and interacting with my followers, giving recipe advice. Of course my husband Adam who works in IT helps me where he can too.
Name three things in the kitchen you can’t live without!
My air fryer: I use it almost every day, it’s the best kitchen gadget I own. We use it for our savouries during Ramadan for a healthier iftar and it’s so good as only used a drop of oil. Our kids love the air fried chips too as they don’t find them any different to normal fried chips.
My portable induction hob: it’s so versatile, flexible and lightweight. I love cooking with it in the garden as well.
My Kitchen knife: the only one that I use for my vegetables. I would be lost without it.
Do you have a favourite cookbook that you’re currently reading?
Of course I would say my first one, The Ramadan Cookbook!
But I also love baking, it’s a hobby of mine. I’ve been recently picking through Fast Cakes by Mary Berry picking out the recipes I want to try.
Desi Omelette Recipe
Desi omelette is a traditional Indian version of the classic omelette. Its beauty lies in its versatility – you can get creative and adjust it to your taste preference, adding
different spices, herbs and vegetables. It’s very popular at breakfast time, but is so
quick and easy to make that you can have it any time of the day. Serve with Masala Beans and chapati.
Serves: 4-5people
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5-6 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 red pepper, cut into small cubes
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
- 5g fresh coriander, finely chopped
- 1 green chilli, finely chopped (optional for an extra kick!)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Maldon Sea Salt, to taste
Method:
- Crack the eggs into a bowl and add the chilli powder, ground turmeric, ground cumin, black pepper, onion, red pepper, garlic, spring onions, coriander, fresh chilli, if using, and salt to taste. Whisk it all up with a fork.
- Heat the oil in a medium frying pan on a medium heat. Pour the egg mixture into the heated pan and swirl the pan to spread the eggs evenly. You can cook the egg mixture in batches if needed. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for3–4 minutes until the bottom side is set and browned lightly.
- Using a flat spatula, flip the omelette and cook the other side uncovered for 1–2 minutes.
Top Tip!
To make your omelette cheesy, sprinkle grated cheese over the top once flipped, then cover, and it will melt nicely.
Buy ‘The Family Ramadan Cookbook’ and Create a Recipe!
You can find where to purchase Anisa’s NEW cookbook here and start being creative with food and flavours in the comfort of your kitchen.
Make sure you have your Maldon Salt ready for these recipes! If you are running out, please feel free to browse on our Where to Buy Page to find your nearest store in which stocks our beloved Maldon Salt.
Lastly, we LOVE seeing your creations – please tag us on Instagram using the #maldonsalt so we can share your own take on Anisa’s recipes!
