By MALIK MERCHANT

Simerg’s introduction of “Books by Ismaili Authors” continues with Reeshma Haji’s “All the Russ Without the Fuss”. We follow the same Q/A format as our earlier presentations of books that are listed chronologically below. We encourage Ismaili authors from around the world to participate in this series, regardless of when their books were published. See details of the series HERE and submit your responses accordingly to Simerg’s editor, Malik, at mmerchant@simerg.com.

****************

Simerg’s Interview with Ismaili Author Reeshma Haji

“This is a great book of Indian fusion recipes! You can make dishes with lovely Indian flavors in much less time than the traditional preparation would take. I love that Oatmeal, Shepherd’s Pie and Pizza can take on an Indian flair. There’s something for everyone because breakfast, lunch and dinner are covered. I really enjoy the recipes in this book” — Audrey, Toronto

Simerg: What is behind the naming of the title of the book? 

Reeshma Haji: For me, the “russ” or sauce is where the vibrant flavours are. The book aims to help people save time cooking without compromising on flavour. Instead of traditional recipes, my fusion recipes are Khoja (East Indian from Gujarat) dishes with a Western twist or European dishes with a Khoja twist.

Simerg: Why would you want me or my family members to read the book, and what will we all learn from it?

I would like people to learn easy, flavourful recipes, ones that they can make on a weekday or special occasion. Home cooking should be fun and uncomplicated. Some of the recipes also include tips on how other family members or friends can help with cooking. Let’s enjoy our food!

Simerg: What inspired you to write the book?

Reeshma: Everyone is busy and people are reluctant to cook at home because of the time and labour involved. Our traditional recipes are delicious but can be time-consuming. For example, fried masala fish and potatoes takes time to prepare. My easier alternative is masala fish pie.

Interview continues below

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Readers’ Feedback

I really enjoy the recipes in this book. I like the easy instructions, the variety of recipes from breakfast ideas to appetizers, entrees, desserts and drinks. I really enjoy the variations and creative takes on some classic recipes. I like how the author uses fresh herbs and nuts to give a dish an extra layer of flavor and texture. I liked every recipe that I tried so far. Love the book! — Alain, Toronto

This is a great book of Indian fusion recipes! You can make dishes with lovely Indian flavors in much less time than the traditional preparation would take. I love that Oatmeal, Shepherd’s Pie and Pizza can take on an Indian flair. There’s something for everyone because breakfast, lunch and dinner are covered. I can’t forget dessert, my favourite part of any meal. The Cake and Sherbet Ice Cream, Kiwi Upside-Down Khushiali Cake and the Mango Ice Cream are a must try. The recipes are simple enough that my 13 year-old daughter has made the Mango Ice Cream and the Kiwi Upside-Down Khushiali Cake on her own several times now — Audrey, Pickering.

Please read Amazon reviews HERE

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Interview continues below

Simerg: How can I purchase the book and what are its available formats?

Reeshma: The book is available on Amazon in Canada and also Amazon Worldwide and can be purchased as a paperback or eBook. The eBook version, which is available instantly, is a print replica and can be read in a free app (so a Kindle is not necessary).

Simerg: Which was your first book and how many have you written? 

Reeshma: This is my first non-academic published work, but I have a co-edited book, scholarly articles, and book chapters in my field, social psychology. The book is entitled, Understanding Peace and Conflict through Social Identity Theory, and it was co-edited with Shelley McKeown Jones and Neil Ferguson.

Simerg: How long did it take you to write the book — from start to finish and to begin marketing it?

Reeshma: The idea had been simmering in my mind for years. Writing took me about nine months, and recipe development was the most time-consuming. Each recipe was repeatedly tested and modified until I was happy with it. Then it was tested by friends and family members, and further refined.

Simerg: Would you like to offer further information about your book?

Reeshma: This fusion cookbook acknowledges the culture of Khojas who are living in the West. The anecdotes are meant to make the content relatable and fun. The recipes in this compact cookbook can generally be prepared in 30 minutes or less. They involve easy-to-find ingredients available at your local supermarket because not everyone lives near an Indian grocery store. Some of the recipes are Khoja fusion recipes and some involve an Indian twist on a European classic. With 22 easy recipes and many helpful tips and variations, All the Russ cuts out the fuss so that you can savour your food and time.

Date posted: March 1, 2024.

_______________

About the Author

Reeshma Haji, PhD, is a social psychologist who has a passion for food. She has taken cooking classes all over the world, and studied at culinary school in her spare time, earning her Culinary Arts Certificate at George Brown College in Toronto. Reeshma’s research specialty within psychology is intergroup relations of different cultural and religious groups. Having worked for many years as a university professor, she has extensive teaching experience and also runs a time-management and academic coaching business, Thesis Doctor Inc. Her cookbook brings together her varied interests, as she hopes to guide readers through cooking flavourful fusion meals in time-efficient ways. Reeshma has recently started a Facebook group, Ismaili Authors’ Alliance, for published and aspiring authors to support and mentor each other. 

We welcome feedback from our readers. Please click LEAVE A COMMENT. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity and is subject to moderation.

Calling all Ismaili Authors

We encourage Ismaili writers to introduce their books in a similar format as has been done in the post above. Please also see the series launch article and submit your responses to Malik at mmerchant@simerg.com. All submissions will be acknowledged. If a writer has published multiple books, each book will be highlighted in a separate article, and not combined with other books into one post. All writers should include a brief profile with a portrait photo.

_______________

Links to the Ismaili Authors’ Series (in chronological sequence, oldest article first)

1. “Justice Bertha Wilson Pushes the Boundaries of Humanity” by Shamas Nanji (featured on February 10, 2021, series start date)
2. “Little One, You Are The Universe” by Zeni Shariff (February 25, 2021)
3. “Memoirs of a Muhindi” by Mansoor Ladha (March 6, 2021, and see also 15 and 21 by the same author)
4. “To Be One With God: Seven Journeys to the Meaning of Life” by Shafeen Ali (March 25, 2021)
5. “Invisible Birthmarks” by Alnasir Rajan (April 13, 2021)
6. “IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE – Portrait of a ‘Cowboy’ Judge” by Azmina Suleman (April 28, 2021)
7. “RSVP Rice and Stew Very Plenty” by Nazlin Rahemtulla (May 28, 2021)
8. “Coughdrops” by Nargis Fazal (June 12, 2021)
9. “The Roots and the Trees” by Nizar Sultan (June 25, 2021)
10. “Faith and Ethics: The Vision of the Ismaili Imamat” by M. Ali Lakhani (July 4, 2021)
11. “Nairobi Days by Shelina_Shariff Zia (July 21, 2021)
12. “Shine Brighter” by Shairoz Lakhani (December 8, 2021)
13. “This is My Life” by Naznin Rahemtulla Hébert (February 26, 2022)
14. “Humanizing Medicine – Making Health Tangible” by Dr. Azim Jiwani (March 9, 2022)
15. “A Portrait in Pluralism: Aga Khan’s Shia Ismaili Muslims” by Mansoor Ladha (June 8, 2022, and see also 3 and 21 by the same author)
16. “Malaria Memoirs: My Life Journey as a Public Health Doctor in Tanzania” by Dr Zul Premji (June 30, 2022)
17. “Monkey Tales and Other Short Stories” by Mahmoud Hirji (September 10, 2022)
18. “Bloom! A Story of Diversity and Understanding” by Shamim Murji (October 27, 2022)
19. “Cooking with Mom” by Rozina Ramji (November 7, 2022)
20. “SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance” by Azim Jamal (July 17, 2023)
21. Off the Cuff by Mansoor Ladha (August 3, 2023, and see also 3 and 15 by the same author)
22. Mehndi Boy by Zain Bandali (November 18, 2023)
23. All the Russ Without the Fuss (March 2, 2024)

_______________________

Before departing this website please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos.

Simerg’s editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.