This month, we’re doing something a little different for our “Business of the Month” series.
Instead of highlighting a small, women-owned business, we’re celebrating a fantastic author whose books have earned space in countless kitchens, including many of ours within Team Scary: Meera Sodha. Known for her inventive and tantalising vegan recipes, Meera has managed to transform everyday cooking into an exciting adventure filled with bold flavours and comforting dishes.
Meera Sodha is a cook and food writer, born in Lincolnshire to Ugandan Indian parents, and the flavours of her childhood kitchen shine through in her recipes. We first encountered her after she published her debut cookbook, Made in India, where she shared family recipes that brought authentic Indian meals to life. But it’s East: 120 Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes from Bangalore to Beijing, that truly captured our hearts and taste buds.
In East, Meera takes us on a journey through Asia with recipes that are not only vegan but also incredibly tasty and often very easy to make. In the introduction to East, Meera explains that, “I had much less time on my hands to cook now that I was a new mum. This meant the elaborate dishes or those that required too much time to prepare or cook were left by the wayside. They didn’t make the cut into my [Guardian] column or into this book.” Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, Meera’s approachable style and clear instructions make cooking feel fun and accessible.
Two of our favourite recipes from East are a luscious tomato curry, and Meera’s incredible miso brownies. These are an incredible treat, blending rich sweet and savoury flavours. These are a firm favourite of our Artistic Director Rebecca, who just loves the balance of fudgy, chocolatey goodness and the deep, umami taste of miso. They are autumn comfort food at its very best – just add a cup of tea and a good book!
If you’ve not yet tried any recipes by Meera, we would certainly recommend you check out either her weekly Guardian column or one of her brilliant books – we’re looking forward to trying her newly released Dinner next. Perhaps while you’re in the kitchen, tune into Meera chatting with Cerys Matthews on Sunday 29th September (available until the 27th October) talking about what goes into writing her books, and the music she listens to in the kitchen. Listen from 2:06:30 here.Let us know how you get on!
