Ashia, a culinary maven, delights in weaving together the vibrant threads of East and West. Ashia will share recipes from her three acclaimed cookbooks including; burtho (Aubergine Curry) complete with easy naan bread. Let Ashia’s recipes transport you on a journey where flavour knows no borders.
Ashia is a published author of three cookbooks. As well as this she is a Real Estate Agent, and has been a Nurse for 30 years.
Her first two books have been nominated for various NZ awards. Her first cookbook has also been published in the USA, renamed Ashia’s Table.
Her latest cookbook The Laden Table has just been released in April this year. It’s been an exciting project where she shares more of her signature culinary delights. Her passion is sharing easy, accessible recipes with spice. A fusion of East and West.
Her heritage is Indian, with her Grandparents moving from India to Africa in the late 1940’s. Recipes and ways of cooking were passed down generations. Her cooking style has evolved having lived in different countries. But the one thing that ties everything together is her love of spice. Ashia is a passionate cook and baker, who has seen the magic that can happen when two cultures merge in food. Born in Malawi, Africa then moving to the UK as a teenager, before coming to New Zealand on her travels and finally settling here.
My Indian Kitchen is her first cookbook it features traditional, well known dishes alongside a range of exciting, new tastes and textures all of which are easily made by the home cook. With fresh ingredients and pantry staples Ashia will show you how to make easy, authentic Indian dishes that will make you feel comfortable trying them at home.
Her second book Saffron Swirls & Cardamom Dust infuses the flavours of Eastern & Western culinary traditions by adding hints of spice to what would normally be sweet baked treats, creating the perfect balance of flavour.
The Laden Table is her brand new cookbook, just released in April.
‘Beautifully shot, gorgeous colour pallet and recipes that just beg to be created. First up for me — Gunpowder Masala Crispy Choux Potatoes!’ — Al Brown
‘Ashia’s love of food stories and family traditions shines through in this soulful collection of scrumptious recipes designed to bring your loved ones together. Her authentic fusion of international flavours and fresh local ingredients gives every recipe an exotic, moreish twist’. — Lynda Hallinan
From Africa to India, the Middle east, France, the UK and New Zealand, The Laden Table will take you on a journey full of flavour with dishes from the melded cultures that make up Ashia’s extended family. The recipes in The Laden Table are created for the way we live today. Eating fresh, seasonal ingredients with no compromise on flavour. This book is designed for sharing, connecting and making memories with those you love.
Ashia says ‘ Indian food is my soul food but by combining different cultural influences I am tapping into that sense of nostalgia immigrants everywhere have for a taste of home’