What do you love about Indian food?
First and foremost is the taste — the flavours are complex and manifold and reveal themselves in layers of harmony. Northern Indian food is my comfort food so that is definitely my first love. But India has so many regions, each geographically distinct and often culturally different. It almost feels like there are a dozen or more cuisines under the one umbrella of Indian food. My journey into the subject has given me an insight into Indian history. The influences left by the many invaders and colonizers and has led to a better understanding of the people and the country. Lastly, I am a believer that food is meant to be enjoyed but also has a function — that of maintaining our health — and Indian food is actually very well balanced with a large emphasis on vegetables, whole grains and lentils.

What is your favorite Indian dish?
I have no favorite. It is like asking a mother to choose her favorite child. I eat depending on my mood and the weather.

What is your least favorite Indian dish?
There are few that I know of. I dislike kidneys in any form. Curried kidneys were one of my dad's favorites. I still have a horror of the smell of it cooking permeating the house.

What is your favorite beverage?
I am partial to a good cocktail, red wine and sparkling water.

Are there certain beverages that pair well with Indian food?
I think water or a lassi (simple, lightly flavoured buttermilk drink) probably works best with Indian food. Although many do eat their Indian food with beer, I have never acquired a taste for it so cannot comment.

Is Indian food difficult to cook in ones own home?
Absolutely not. All you need is a handful of spices and a few simple recipes.

In general, are the Indian dishes you prepare healthy? What dish would you recommend for someone who is on a diet?
I do prefer healthy Indian food and primarily cook it for myself and my family. But, not everyone wants to eat healthy Indian food, so my books and recipes reflect the varied tastes and expectations of the people who buy my book. There is something for everyone — healthy eaters, those who only follow their taste buds, vegetarians, vegans, etc. As for a recipe, there are so many dishes to choose from, it is hard to recommend just the one. I lost lots of weight eating Indian food and my favorite was chicken curry and rotis (Indian wholemeal flat breads) with a vegetable side.

What is special about your books? What makes them different from other Indian cookbooks?
I think my books differ from others because I cook and write recipes that I would like to eat at home, both in terms of taste but also ease of preparation. I am a working mother and don't have a lot of time to cook. I am also one of the only writers who puts so much emphasis on healthy eating, which I think many people look for from this cuisine. I have also been told that my recipes are easy to follow and my writing style is personal and also direct which somehow makes the recipe simpler to follow.

Do you cook with local and/or seasonal produce?
When I am writing books, it's important to use ingredients which span the seasons, as you never know when someone will pick up a book and look for a recipe using ingredients of that season. When I am writing for a magazine or working on television, I generally opt for seasonal produce as they are will be fresher, cheaper and easier to find.

What other types of food do you enjoy?
There is no cuisine that I dislike. I eat and cook dishes from across the world. I am often inspired by my travels and come back home with a head full of new recipes I want to try.

When you are not cooking in your own home, where do you like to eat?
I love food and am always looking for new food experiences, but I do mainly opt for French, Greek, Chinese or Japanese food.