The message that comes through loud and clear in this episode of CulturallyOurs is really very simple: BE WHO YOU ARE!
Nik Sharma, a recipe creator, food columnist and author whose book ‘Season’ came out October 2, joined me a few weeks ago to discuss the fascinating story of his life. From his childhood in Bombay — where as a gay child he was bullied and never felt safe or accepted — through his early adulthood as a PhD and scientist when his true passion was food, Nik navigated strong cultural expectations. He shares how he refused to let tradition stifle his expression of his true self, ultimately following his heart to marry his partner, move to San Francisco, and begin a new career based on his passions.
Today, he creates unique recipes that meld influences and inspirations, photographing the beautiful results, and writing about how these recipes are often a metaphor for his experience of the world.
Following tradition is “a desire to hold onto a dream that doesn’t exist,” he says. He tries not to use words like ‘authentic’ or ‘traditional’ when he writes about food or his new recipes. He also made an interesting observation that home cooks don’t feel the same freedom to explore the use of other spices or influences from other cultures as professional chefs do. His book ‘Season’, in a way, encourages that freedom to explore in the home kitchen.
Although Nik feels America is now his true home, it is interesting to note that one of his favorite comfort foods is a simple South Indian staple — dosa, a thin crepe-like pancake made of rice batter. But I’m sure he fills it will all sorts of unique, delicious, globally-inspired fillings!
Do any of you experiment with your family or cultural traditional recipes? I’d love to hear if any of you have come up with any interesting, original recipes that take afresh look at an old favorite.
To learn more about Nik and experience his work or buy his debut book, Season, which is on sale Oct 2 through Chronicle Books (or anywhere books are sold), click here
{Photo credit for all photos in this post – Nik Sharma}
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