Summer Cooking Made Simple

If you’re looking for summer cooking inspiration, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m joined by Kiano Moju, a Kenyan-Nigerian American chef and author of AfriCali—named one of the best cookbooks of 2024 by The New York Times, Bon Appétit, and The Los Angeles Times. I’ve already tagged so many recipes from her book, including her Cauliflower Bhajias, and she’s shared the recipe in the newsletter - linked below!

Kiano talks about her approach to cooking—rooted in simplicity and bold flavors. She weaves together the Kenyan, Nigerian, and American flavors she grew up with in a way that’s deeply personal yet totally accessible. We get into summer cooking, and she shares two game-changing tips that will bring more ease and flavor to your meals (with hardly any effort). These are going to transform your summer table.

We also dive into the idea of thriving—a theme I’ve been exploring throughout the season. Kiano shares a simple shift she made that brought more joy and ease into her work life. It’s a beautiful reminder that thriving isn’t always about big changes; often, it’s the smallest adjustments that make the biggest difference.

Episode Links:

* Cauliflower Bhajias (from Kiano’s book): https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/kiano-moju

* Mind, Body, Spirit, FOOD Newsletter: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/

* Find Nicki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickisizemore

* Kiano’s website: https://www.kianomoju.com/

* Kiano’s book, AfriCali: https://amzn.to/45BGXED

* Find Kiano on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kianomoju/

* Podcast episode mentioned with Zaynab Issa: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/zaynab-issa

* Podcast episode mentioned about the science of thriving: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/renee-moorefield

* My personal reflections on thriving: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/what-cooking-taught-me-about-purpose

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