Kamini Pather, the acclaimed food personality and television presenter, has unveiled her much-anticipated cookbook, All Dahl’d Up, a vibrant celebration of family recipes inviting people into her culinary journey.

The release marks a significant moment in Pather's culinary journey, offering readers an experience of what she lovingly refers to as “good-mood food.”

She explains that this book serves as a heartfelt tribute to her culinary heritage, heavily influenced by the teachings and recipes passed down through generations from her grandmother and mother.

Pather details that the inspiration behind the book can be traced back to a pivotal lockdown experience in 2019.

“The book has been in the pipeline; it was kind of in my brain for quite a while during lockdown. I took the time to delve into my family home, cooking with my mum and grandmother, which was a grounding experience that informed many recipes in this book.”

This personal element is woven throughout the pages, where she shares cherished family secrets, including recipes passed down through generations.

“Some of these recipes I had to sit with my grandmother and measure the recipes that she has been eyeballing. She’s 91 years old and just creating magic, and once I had done that, I went back to my kitchen and I changed up oil to make them healthier. I changed the cooking processes to not have a lot of frying and then went back to her and let her taste those dishes and for her to give me the highlight for me,” she stated, illustrating the meticulous effort she placed into honoring her family's culinary traditions while adapting them for modern tastes.”

“I changed the cooking processes to not have a lot of frying and then went back to her and let her taste those dishes.”

Pather has intentionally crafted healthier versions of traditional recipes, employing different cooking methods and oils to enhance nutrition without losing the essence of the original flavor.

“I am hoping that this book inspires people to play with spices. I own countless cookbooks, but I can literally list maybe on one hand the number of recipes that I’ve cooked straight out of one of those books because I use them as inspiration, and I’m hoping that’s what the book office people want, just an opportunity to think differently about their ingredients and feel differently about spices.”

Pather's career trajectory has certainly set her apart in the culinary world. After winning MasterChef South Africa, she veered from aspiring food writer to prominent TV host, featuring in acclaimed shows such as Girl Eat World and serving as a resident chef on SABC’s Ready Steady Cook.

Her accolades, ranging from Cosmopolitan Woman of the Year to Glamour Woman of the Year, underscore her impact both within the kitchen and on screen. Beyond the limelight, she is also a certified health coach and nutritionist, further solidifying her commitment to promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Saturday Star

anita.nkonki@inl.co.za