Nisha Katona's approachable take on Indian cooking has won over fans across the UK with her Mowgli Street Food restaurant chain – but for many of us, the idea that cooking authentic Indian meals is a daunting task remains all too real. We spoke to Nisha about why she believes this perception needs to change.
Nisha's own culinary journey began in her grandmother's kitchen in Varanasi, where she learned that delicious Indian food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, with some basic kitchen equipment and a few simple ingredients, you can create mouth-watering meals in under half an hour – just like Nisha does at Mowgli.
To prove her point, Nisha has shared two recipes that showcase the simplicity of Indian cooking. First up is Aloo Posto, a Bengali-style poppy seed potato dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. With its prep time of just 15 minutes and cook time of 25 minutes, it's an ideal option for busy families – although be sure to soak those poppy seeds overnight to save time in the morning.
Alternatively, Nisha's Reshmi Kebabs are a childhood favourite that's soft, delicious, and easy on the palate. Ready in just 20 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, they're the perfect solution for a quick but flavoursome meal.
Nisha's passion for Indian food is infectious – and her commitment to making it accessible to all has led her from being a barrister to a celebrated restaurateur and cookbook author. Her restaurants are renowned for their authentic, home-cooked dishes that prioritise flavour and simplicity – just like the recipes she's shared with us.
By cooking up these recipes at home, you'll not only be enjoying delicious meals but also discovering a new world of flavours and textures that are waiting to be explored. So why not give it a go? With Nisha as your guide, you might just find yourself falling in love with the simplicity and diversity of Indian cuisine.