logo
Pernia Quereshi Revisits Her Grandmother's Recipes in Ammi's Kitchen

Pernia Quereshi Revisits Her Grandmother's Recipes in Ammi's Kitchen

The Hindu25-06-2025
Pernia Qureshi does not enjoy cooking. 'Some, like my late grandmother, find cooking a stress-busting activity, but I find it has the opposite effect on me,' says the New Delhi-based fashion entrepreneur who launched Ammi's Kitchen (published by Roli Books), a cookbook dedicated to her grandmother, fondly called Ammi, and her family's legacy.
With over a 100 recipes comprising snacks, main course (vegetarian and non-vegetarian), rice, breads, and dessert, the book covers a range of family favourites. 'There were no recipe trials involved as we eat these dishes daily,' says Pernia, 'I don't cook, but I can tell you what's wrong in a dish within five seconds of tasting it!'
While the idea of penning a book with her Ammi's recipes came to Pernia 'a long time ago, when she was still alive', it took a while to get down to it, she says, adding, 'No one in my generation or younger cooks. I realised that after my father and aunts, this culinary legacy would be lost, and I wanted to preserve it.' Pernia recalls the time her sister, Sylvia, and ammi, started the home food delivery service, Ammi's Kitchen in 2016.
'We thought it would be something she (ammi) would enjoy, and it would keep her occupied, but it became so much more than that. Ammi became an entrepreneur at the age of 90. Sylvia would take the orders and ammi would do everything else. From arranging for groceries to overseeing the cooking and packaging, she was immersed in it. She would put her earnings of the day in a pouch and sleep with it under her pillow', Pernia writes in the book's introduction. 'I wish this book had been launched in her lifetime, she would have been thrilled,' she says of the book that has been in the works for about three years.
'Ammi was a master at making the best food combinations. Some of my favourites are kadu bharta with pyaz sabzi and besan roti, and black dal khichadi aka the bina happa, with gobi gosht, that was our comfort food while growing up and still is,' says Pernia, adding that the recipes closest to her heart are the ones that ammi made the most. Starting with their family staple, the taar gosht, that she refers to as 'the most representative Rampuri dish' in the book. 'which is .mutton cooked in a masala gravy where the ghee is meant to be so generously used that when you dip your roti in it, there should be a taar (line) of ghee connecting your bite to the plate'. 'I also love keema khichadi because it belongs to the hometown where ammi grew up, Chandosi.'
Given the recipes were already in the family, the challenge was to have them documented in verse . 'They were passed down the generations verbally, and ammi had trained everyone in her time,' says Pernia, who had to get multiple people to get the recipes, and then cross-check them for precision. ⁠There were three main points of contact while documenting the recipes, she explains: her paternal aunt Nasreen phoopi, who ammi had personally taught many recipes to; Mazhar, a second generation chef in her family (his father, Israil Bhai, was trained under ammi as head chef in their Rampur home); and Pernia's father who 'is a passionate cook and has been carrying on ammi's food legacy since she passed away in 2019'.
After shooting the recipes at her Delhi home — with all the props and cutlery sourced in-house — Pernia went to Rampur in 2023 with her father and the book's photographer, Karishma Karamchandani. 'We went to take shots of the house, the town and the food, to give context to the book, and give readers a visual sense of the city,' says Pernia, who got a few dishes made by the family's cooks, and also soaked in 'ammi's portion of the haveli' that dates back to the 1800s. 'There are so many nostalgic nooks and corners, and the mosaic floors, heirloom serveware that she had collected were lovely to revisit.'
Which explains the shots of framed black and white images, her ammi's trunk, heirloom vessels, and ornate walls that are peppered throughout the book. '⁠Since I don't cook, I didn't realise how tedious it is to put together a recipe book. It's an extremely detailed process where there is no margin for vagueness or error. There were numerous versions that went back and forth with the editor, at one point it felt like the process would never end!'
While I knew the answer to this question, I still asked, 'Will there be a part two of Ammi's Kitchen?' And faster than a ladle touching a kadhai, Pernia responds, 'No way!' 'I love to eat, and I'm going to do just that!' says the author, who plans on penning her next book on wedding fashion in India.
Priced at ₹1,995 Ammi's Kitchen is available online
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ben Stokes' Net Worth In 2025: ECB Salary, Assets, Cars, And Investments - All You Need To Know
Ben Stokes' Net Worth In 2025: ECB Salary, Assets, Cars, And Investments - All You Need To Know

India.com

time15 hours ago

  • India.com

Ben Stokes' Net Worth In 2025: ECB Salary, Assets, Cars, And Investments - All You Need To Know

photoDetails english 2937533 Updated:Jul 27, 2025, 10:39 AM IST Ben Stokes Net Worth 1 / 10 Ben Stokes, the dynamic England Test captain and all-rounder, is not only celebrated for his on-field heroics but also for his significant earnings. In 2025, his net worth is estimated at $13 million (Rs 105 crore), placing him among the richest cricketers in the world. Central Contract & Match Fees 2 / 10 A major portion of Stokes' income comes from his England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) central contract, which ensures a fixed annual salary plus match fees. He earns approximately $3.3 million (Rs 28 crore) annually from the ECB, making him one of the highest-paid English players. IPL Earnings 3 / 10 Stokes has been a consistent figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the 2023 auction, Chennai Super Kings signed him for Rs 16.25 crore ($2 million). Despite injuries affecting his availability in some seasons, IPL remains one of his biggest income sources. Endorsements 4 / 10 Stokes endorses top global brands, including Adidas, Red Bull, Gunn & Moore, and several UK-based companies. These endorsements contribute a significant amount to his annual income, reportedly adding over $1 million each year. Real Estate 5 / 10 The all-rounder owns a luxurious mansion in County Durham, England, valued at approximately £1.75 million (Rs 19-20 crore). His property features modern interiors, a home gym, and an entertainment suite, showcasing his taste for premium living. Cars & Lifestyle 6 / 10 Stokes is known for his love of cars. He owns high-end models such as a Mercedes-AMG GT63, Range Rover Sport SVR, and other luxury vehicles. His lifestyle reflects a blend of elegance and practicality, often spending time with his family when off the field. Investments 7 / 10 Apart from cricket and endorsements, Stokes has invested in various businesses and real estate holdings. These investments help diversify his income streams and secure long-term financial stability. Philanthropy & Public Image 8 / 10 Ben Stokes is also involved in charitable initiatives, supporting youth cricket and community development programs in England. His public image as a leader and role model has enhanced his brand value worldwide. Summary & Future Outlook 9 / 10 In 2025, Ben Stokes' net worth stands at $13 million, driven by his cricketing career, endorsements, and assets. As he continues to lead England and play franchise cricket, his net worth is expected to grow even further in the coming years. 10 / 10

EUME opens first store in Bengaluru, aims 8-10 new EBOs this year
EUME opens first store in Bengaluru, aims 8-10 new EBOs this year

Time of India

timea day ago

  • Time of India

EUME opens first store in Bengaluru, aims 8-10 new EBOs this year

Bengaluru: Backed by a recent Rs 25 crore Series A funding round, homegrown premium luggage brand EUME is accelerating its offline retail footprint with plans to open 8–10 exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) this year, co-founder Naina Parekh said in an interview with ETRetail. 'We are working on launching about 8 to 10 EBOs this year,' Parekh said. 'We are hoping to go into key cities such as Bombay, Bangalore, and Delhi. These are our top priority cities at this point.' The Mumbai-based brand opened its first store at Phoenix Mall of Asia , Bengaluru, on Saturday. EUME already runs two company-owned stores, one in Mumbai's Infiniti Malad and another in Hyderabad's Sarath City Mall. 'We are trying to now bring the visibility of our products in stores, so that the customers know what EUME stands for,' Parekh said, explaining the focus on offline expansion. Hinting at interest from potential franchisees, Parekh said, 'We've had a few people already approach us for franchising, but I think we still have to solidify our retail plans before we can go out into a franchise model.' EUME, which raised its Series A funding in early 2024 led by Gujarat Venture Finance Limited (GVFL), had said the funds would be utilised to ramp up product development, strengthen its online presence, and expand into offline retail through EBOs and strategic partnerships. The company's existing product portfolio includes a mix of smart backpacks, travel accessories , and personal care lines. Without sharing the exact revenue details, Parekh said that the brand currently operates at a monthly run rate of Rs 4–5 crore.

Reddit user's 'Mumbai is making me cry' post goes viral
Reddit user's 'Mumbai is making me cry' post goes viral

India Today

time2 days ago

  • India Today

Reddit user's 'Mumbai is making me cry' post goes viral

A Reddit post by a Dombivli-based user voicing frustration over Mumbai's draining commute and corporate rut has hit home for several social media the now-viral post shared on 'r/Mumbai', the user opened up about the toll that daily commutes and the pressures of corporate life had taken on them. Though their job was based in Navi Mumbai, they travelled from Dombivli every day, a journey that sometimes stretched to two hours one 'Three hours of commute and nine hours of work, I am so tired and burned out,' the user wrote. They admitted that they often contemplated quitting but didn't have any alternatives lined up. 'Each day I just think of resigning, but can't do it because currently I don't have any other opportunity at hand. I am fed up of this corporate life.'What made things worse for them was the realisation that the routine life they once thought they'd enjoy had left them feeling robotic and empty. 'I used to think I'll end up liking it a routine life, but turns out I hate it. It makes me cry every day. I want to do something else like going to the gym, reading books, and doing stuff that makes me feel alive. But as soon as I come back from the office, I make dinner and sleep instantly,' they went on to describe how the lack of growth, toxic work culture, and the sheer exhaustion had left them mentally drained. 'I feel like a robot - I am not in my senses. Daily commute, office toxic culture, and no growth environment has made me sick,' the post peers suggested they prepare for an MBA, the user revealed they were more inclined towards an MA. 'Everybody keeps saying prepare for MBA entrance. I don't want to do it. It will take the life out of me. I want to do an MA degree but I don't have knowledge about it. For doing what you want to learn, you first have to learn that. How sad is that,' they wrote while asking others for their a look at the post here: The post resonated with social media users. Several users shared their own experiences. A user suggested moving closer to work, saying, 'You'd save time, energy, and money. Navi Mumbai doesn't have exorbitant rents like Mumbai, so it's a practical option.'Another user shared, 'Can feel you yaar. I've started to lose hope and interest in everything. For me, it's five hours of travel and nine hours of work with no growth.'advertisementSeveral users gave them empathetic suggestions, including one user who said, 'Find some accommodation near your office. The physical and mental dividends it will pay will be worth the extra rent and food costs.'One of the users shared their own struggle: 'Same here. I travel to Andheri from Dombivli and it takes almost four hours of travel every day. It's my first job so I can't even afford living in Mumbai yet. I have to stay with my parents.'A particular comment that stood out was from someone who recently moved to the city: 'This is so real. I've felt how easily we've accepted our cities being unliveable. Crazy rents, long commutes, and the feeling of being a robot from Monday to Friday. I wanted to live in Mumbai for years and now I'm just disappointed and exhausted. And I'm an MBA, by the way. Even that only gives a bit more financial flexibility. The lifestyle problems remain.'While the user may have posted out of desperation, the flood of replies made one thing clear: urban burnout is real, and the city many once dreamt of living in is wearing people down.- EndsMust Watch

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store