Natasha Celmi is a renowned chef, food blogger, an entrepreneur and mum of two adorable boys. Initially, Natasha learnt the art of simple but tasteful food from her Italian husband who also happens to be an excellent cook. Later , she took training at culinary schools in Italy and Singapore and learned practically from chefs and experts of the industry
Her experience in the food industry started in 2005 with ‘Mama Mia’ a chain of gelato shops in India, offering gourmet artisan ice cream and desserts. She has a soft spot for the Italian and Mediterranean kitchen. B. I spend my time between India and Italy.
She currently located in Bangalore and conducts culinary workshops.
Women Fitness President, Namita Nayyar got in touch with Natasha Celmi to learn more about her lifestyle routine, smart cooking tips & tricks.
Namita Nayyar
As mentioned by you in one of your interviews “I had never entered the kitchen till then.” When did you uncover the urge to venture into cookery?
Natasha Celmi
My curiosity about food and how it is made piqued only a decade or so ago. Till then, the thought of entering the kitchen was anathema to me. I was that kid who rebelled against any cooking related conversations or chores.
Travel is an excellent teacher and a great way to expand one’s horizons. My work took me to Italy on multiple occasions, and there I was introduced to a whole new world of different flavours. My palate came alive, and I wanted to know more about food and understand how it is made. The first time I tried to cook something decent, I failed because I was clueless about the basics of cooking. I wished I had paid more attention to my mother when she tried to get me into the kitchen.
Back then, food blogs were not yet born. Meal planning apps were still a dream, and YouTube channels were not as many. This was when cooking shows like MasterChef Australia and Nigella Bites took India by storm. I was smitten. I watched these shows religiously and even took notes. Cooking seemed much more exciting than it did before.
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2020 Women Fitness Org
Namita Nayyar
You are a self-taught chef, who has been conducting cooking workshops across India. Were you sure you wanted to pursue this as a career? 5 things that define a passionate chef?
Natasha Celmi
No, I was originally a food entrepreneur. I founded an Italian gelato company called ‘Mama Mia Gelato’ and grew it into a chain of gelato stores across India. Hence, pursuing this as a career was never a thought.
5 things that define a passionate chef are:
1. You must enjoy eating more than cooking.
2. Feeding others should give you satisfaction.
3. The ability to work under high pressure.
4. Enjoying the process of empowering others, teaching & sharing one’s knowledge.
5. Staying on your feet for a long time! You must be physically fit & mentally strong to do it all.
Namita Nayyar
Throw some light on the Mama Mia chain of gelato outlets in Bengaluru and Kolkata? Also, you launched the new book “Fast, Fresh and Flavourful ”, share an insight about the book and recipes it carries?
Natasha Celmi
Mama Mia! Gelato started way back in 2005, I was 22 years old straight out of college. I learnt the art of making gelato in Italy & came back and started my first shop in Kolkata. Being the first to introduce the concept of gelato in India we received a great response & one thing led to another.
In 2013, I sold the chain of pan India stores to move on to my next chapter in life. The brand is still going strong under the current owners and I’m proud to see my ‘baby’ sustain itself for so long.
Fast Fresh Flavourful is my debut book which has recently bagged the Gourmand International Cookbook Award 2020.
The book is a guide for you to make fuss-free meals with international flavours. It will become your go-to reference for easy cooking. Whether you’re a novice or a pro in the kitchen, there is a lot you will pick up. From basic cooking techniques, substitution tricks and utilizing leftovers to optimize your time in the kitchen.
I show you how to recreate global dishes to please your family, including fussy kids! Recipes are meant to be changed, and with the help of simple concepts, you will be reinventing them in your own way. Meal Plans, grocery lists & dietary adaptations take this book way beyond your regular ‘cookbook’.
The book comprises of recipes from different regions of the world. Get a taste of Asia from satay and pad thai to Singaporean laksa. Head west to the Middle East with incredible mezze platters and then to the Italian kitchen where I share my family recipes from Southern Italy. Top it off with some spicy Mexican, fresh salads, wholesome Buddha bowls and of course, bits of sweetness.
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2020 Women Fitness Org
Namita Nayyar
The first dish you ever cooked. Name and how did it turn out?
Natasha Celmi
A chocolate cake, burnt & lumpy!
Namita Nayyar
“I have learnt the art of simple but tasteful food from my Italian husband (also an excellent cook) and his family.” Very few people understand that simple recipes can turn out delicious and nourishing. 3 tips to create simple, healthy dishes? One anytime favourite Italian dish?
Natasha Celmi
- Use fresh and seasonal ingredients which have their own natural flavour.
- Do not overcook the elements of the dish as they lose their nutrition, flavour & colour
- Use local ingredients & avoid imported and processed stuff which is full of preservatives. For example, I substitute Italian Arborio rice in a risotto with barley – an ancient Indian grain full of goodness & tastes delicious too.
My favourite Italian dish is pasta with eggplants.
Namita Nayyar
Share your daily fitness routine? Exercises you enjoy and practice religiously?
Natasha Celmi
I work out thrice a week, walk/jog daily for 30 mins. It also keeps my energy levels high & induces positive energy. It helps me do it all- juggling being a mom, wife, working and keeping a smile on my face. It also keeps my skin glowing!
Physical activities do wonders to my skin which is subject to the heat & oil due to the long hours spent in the kitchen.
Namita Nayyar
With Diwali, Christmas & new year-round the corner share your 5 top special dishes to enjoy with family & friends? 2 Meal-planning tips.
Natasha Celmi
5 things I like eating:
- Asian stir-fried bowls
- buddha bowl
- middle eastern mezze spreads
- Mexican fajitas
- Well-made tiramisu
Top 2 meal Prep Tips:
- Use the weekend to make a weekly plan & do your groceries for the week.
- Design your meals to include every element from the food groups. Use ingredients you have lying around based on what needs to be finished first before it gets spoilt.
Namita Nayyar
Your personal diet routine? You like to kick start your day with?
Natasha Celmi
A big glass of room temperature water, half a teaspoon of ghee & overnight-soaked almonds & raisins. I enjoy a glass of raw vegetable juice late morning; I aim to include at least 1 element from every food group in each meal.
Carbs are important for me as I need energy to run the show & multitask.
Namita Nayyar
Being a mother to two boys, tips & tricks to get kids into a healthy diet?
Natasha Celmi
Think like a child! Play with colours & make the food attractive. I use beetroot, pumpkin & all kinds of greens to add colour and make it look appetising.
Make mealtimes an enjoyable family time. Kids should eat the same food as the adults (less spicy) so they feel like a part of the social surrounding.
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2020 Women Fitness Org
Namita Nayyar
Your future upcoming projects?
Natasha Celmi
I am currently promoting my award-winning debut book, Fast Fresh flavourful which is based on the concept of ‘smart cooking’. It’s all about international flavours made quick & easy using local ingredients for working women & busy people, as today’s generation does not want to eat ‘dal chawal’ everyday.
Hope to start on my next book and let us see what else comes my way. On the side I am also motivating and guiding young women entrepreneurs.
I do believe in the motto: aspire to climb as high as you can dream, because dreams do come true.
Namita Nayyar
Please share a message for WF viewers and your fans?
Natasha Celmi
People ask me how I do it all… As a woman you can do it all if you really want to. No excuses! We all have a passion and purpose which makes us jump out of bed each morning. Find yours and pursue it!
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2020 Women Fitness Org
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