Can you even imagine a world with no spice-no drama?
She wanders through the dilapidated stalls and reris, there’s a faint crescent on her face. The strong smell of cinnamon consumes her, the chili enters her nose and she sneezes. Everyone stops and stares and yet she persists, nudging her way through the crowds of people. She stops by the saffron, just its luxuriousness intimidates her. The vibrancy and aroma of the cumin and coriander then diverts her attention; there’s a sudden rush of euphoria in her body. Her hearts beats with this dazzle of yellow and bright red. She finds her comfort in the heart of Empress Market- amidst the spices and hustle of Karachi.
This is how the story of our Pakistani superstar Mumtaz Mustafa commenced.
Infused with sugar, spice & basically everything nice, Mumtaz has proven to the world that you can achieve miles of success if you work towards your passions and goals.
Mumtaz’s fondness for chili and our desi spices led her to experiment with savory cuisine. Baking a cheesy pizza or a warm comfort dish for her family brings Mumtaz much joy and pleasure. However, she now has plans of taking her cooking skills beyond the set boundaries of her household and family. But she’s not doing it alone – Fusion Cooking anyone? Get the drift?
Have you ever bonded with another person over a similar interest and then went on to become friends with them for 17 years and counting?
Well, this basically sums up Mumtaz Mustafa’s relationship with Laura Klynstra. After several friendly conversations, the dynamic duo decided to amalgamate their love for books and food to create a so called “recipe book”: Spice & Sugar: From the Spice Markets of Karachi to the Farms of the Midwest, a Celebration of Food and Friendship. Now, I’m not particularly happy with labeling Spice & Sugar as a cookbook since it’s so much more than just a compilation of recipes.
It’s a fusion of photographs and written instructions- a culinary experience of sorts.
Mumtaz states, “Drawing on cooking traditions from North and Central America, Pakistan, India, Italy, Thailand, Spain, Morocco, and the Middle East, our recipes are a culmination of our favorite food memories and experiences. The dishes are inspired by family recipes, celebratory feasting, a few greatest hits from our travels, trips to farmers’ markets, and our culinary adventures together.”
The book is meant to create this atmosphere of nostalgia yet simultaneously dare you to try and recreate an exotic dish that you hadn’t even heard of before!
For starters, we give you the Coconut Turmeric Rice we found on her Insta feed, or if you’re more the sweet tooth kind, then the Naan khatais flavoured with rose water & cardamom might be more your tea time fav! #Makeittonight!
Let me clear something for you here; Mumtaz Mustafa is not new to this world of book publication.
Mumtaz Mustafa has not only whizzed a storm in her kitchen but also in her office in NewYork.
After graduating from the prestigious “Rhode Island School of Design”, Mumtaz accepted an offer to work at Harper Collins – the world’s leading book publishing company! Her tremendous book designs and work aided her in building a commendable persona of herself in the publishing spectrum. Furthermore, she has designed covers for renowned authors and influential figures including Benazir Bhutto and Kate Hudson.
However, Mumtaz then took her skills and talent a step further and was recognized by the all-famous Hollywood celebrities as she designed their book covers as well.
Let Mumtaz Mustafa’s ongoing story of success convince you that with hard work and determination, you can achieve anything in life!
It’s important to set your priorities, though! We’ve heard of a lot of discussions over whether Pakistani women should direct their complete focus towards work or dedicate their entire lives to their children and partner. This story is testament to the fact that with a balance and by connecting the different aspects of your life, you can thrive and flourish!
Follow her gourmet journey at Spice & Sugar Table
