Zarine Khan

Tell us about Family Secrets.

Family Secrets is a cookbook—a collection of all the family secrets which have until now not left our kitchen.

You’ve delved into many careers, how did writing come about?

I’ve moved from movies to modelling to interiors. But the book was more collation than writing really. For years I have had paper copies of recipes which we copied and distributed amongst the family.

Which is your favourite recipe?

I cannot pick one, because the entire collective is very close to my heart.

Your family has a blend of cultures, does that reflect in the contents?

Yes! From Parsi to Mughlai and Continental, I have included all family favourites.

Why give away family secrets?

I have always been a sharer, and with food I believe it is tastier when shared.

The biriyani served for your Id parties is a hot favourite!

It vanishes as soon as it comes, but for further tricks you’ll have to read the book.

People are now very conscious of what they eat, have you adapted your book to health fads?

I didn’t feel the need to adapt, because my family eats healthy.

Where do you get the love for cooking from?

My mother-in-law, to the greatest extent.

In the last many years, there are not many cookbooks that have made it big in India.

Thankfully, Family Secrets ia a bestseller. In my book, all recipes are very Indian, made from ingredients that are very easily available.

What do you think sets apart your book?

Love. My family believes in loving and patient cooking, which adds a dimension to a dish that is apart from the ‘instants’.