Super chef ’s new cookbook
FOR Irene Dasari, pictured, a stay-at-home mom of two, cooking is a passion and being able to share this passion with others in the form of a cookbook is something she would describe as lifechanging.
“This book is unlike any other. It is aimed at empowering people – be it parents, newly married couples, singles and even kids who want to feel like master chefs in their own homes. In this 114-page cookbook, which contains 50 of my favourite recipes, there’s a little something for everyone. Starters, mains, desserts, egg-less, low carb, sweet and spicy, vegetarian, and the list goes on.”
The 41-year-old, who recently published her first book Home Cooking with Confidence … Rustic Elegance, said the idea came about after she joined the popular Facebook group, Grey Street Casbah Recipes.
“I was added to the group just over two years ago. I was a regular, almost daily contributor of recipes to the group. The members enjoyed my recipes and always provided positive feedback when they tried my recipes. I also featured in the group’s magazine twice. As I continued to post my tried and tested family recipes, my friends and followers requested I write a book, and that was the fuel that was needed.”
She continued: “After much consideration, prayer and research I finally started writing the book but in secret. My days were busy, so I worked on the book throughout the nights.”
While Dasari, who enjoys cooking breyani, sugar beans and dry fish curry with roti and baking biscuits and soji balls, has not yet officially launched her cookbook, she says it is already selling fast. “I am humbled by the positive response, reviews and book sales in such a short time since the date of publication. I still need to wrap my head around the idea of requests for autographed copies.”
Dasari’s food journey started at a young age.
“My mom, Esther Dasari, was a master chef in my eyes. She made the most decadent and delicious meals, without any short cuts, and created divine recipes from scratch. I was fascinated with her passion and talent, and was in awe of her. My siblings and I were always included in her preparations and that’s when my experimenting began. I remember surprising my parents on their birthdays and anniversary, with their favourite home-made cuisine with my special twist, and seeing the look of excitement and pride on their faces.”
Dasari’s biggest supporters, she says, are her husband, Logan Moonsammy, 45, and their two sons, Cameron, 18, and Caiden, 10.
Her book costs R150 and is available at Blu Valley Meat Co in Midrand; World of Spices in Kloof, Durban; Seafoods in Sunninghill or email irene.moonsammy@gmail.com