Doodh Patti: Cooking is like love

Cooking is like love
Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Only those who have scored an invite to the Sajjad Haider Jafry’s dining table may know what it tastes.

I have been fortunate to be there many times since I have known him. I had an idea that Sajjad Haider Jafry – an Electrical Engineer by profession and a great cook by choice – is documenting his favorite and tested recopies we are so familiar with. That is why Dawati Khane (Urdu) by Sitwat Ara Jafri came as no surprise when I got a copy last night while having family dinner in DeSOM.

Over 267 recipes for everything from Hyderabadi Biriyani to Khatai (cake) and everything in between are featured in a charitable new cookbook released recently. The recipes are uncomplicated and require only easy-to-find ingredients. The recipes are extraordinarily simple but it is the addition of a personal twist to basic recipes that makes Jafri’s cooking unique and sumptuous (I say this by my experience of eating what he cooks). Each section — Rice, Chicken, Pasande, Kabab, Dall, Dahi Dishes and a whole lot more — is packed with recipes. All are simply delicious culinary delights – very mouth watering.

The keepsake recipes are meant to be passed down to future generations. The book presents what both Mr and Mrs Jafri learned (and got inspired) from Gadhir Fatemi (may Allah Almighty rest her soul in eternal peace). This book is perfect for amateurs who want a fun challenge, or those who have a love for classic recipes and know the impact they can create.

Love permeates from this collaborative effort. That is why everything is so warm and approachable. Jafri says, “This (love for cooking) is mother’s delicious legacy.”

Jafri now can add chef to his list of his credentials. I keep asking him to open a restaurant where his recipes are on the menu. It will be a great success with people who value taste. I will be a regular visitor there (promise).

Engineer Sajjad Haider Jafri's food and the creative ways he sets the table have always been a personal pleasure for me. I know he has recently added space in his dining room. I am already looking forward to see that.

When are you calling us bahi? [From Light Within]

Labels: Food