Hello!

My name is Neha and I live in sunny California. Growing up in the United States, I have been able to embrace my South Indian roots in a plethora of ways. Cooking is where my creativity shines while preserving my cultural identity through each meal. Through this platform, I hope to share my ancestral recipes inspired by the South Indian regions of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

My inspiration comes from my family’s matriarchs: my grandmothers and my mother. My Naani (maternal grandma) passed away when I was quite young, and I hope to preserve a piece of her by this platform through each spice and recipe- truly a homage to her strength and generosity. Every moment I spend with my Patti (paternal grandma) in India, I find myself exploring different spices, recipes, and techniques.

The name Gather & Ghee stemmed from my mother’s kitchen. A place she calls her sanctuary, where she builds an environment of comfort and love- gathering everyone around her. I remember my mornings filled with the aroma of rich, buttery ghee simmering on the stove. Ghee was a staple back then, and even now: a meal is not a meal without a dollop of ghee. With the love of my mother and my innate passion for authentic cuisine, ghee has become an integral piece in my life; one that has helped me forge bonds and create long-lasting connections. The recipes I share with you all are reflective of my heritage and upbringing. I wouldn’t be the cook I am today without my role models- 3 strong pillars who ignited my passion for cooking.

In accordance with my Islamic upbringing, my mother stressed the importance of eating fresh, nutritional foods while being mindful of a balanced diet, as told in various cultures and religions. Just as much as I value my cultural upbringing, being Muslim teaches me the importance of balance in all aspects of life. The Quran specifically tells us that food is a gift of God.

“We should consume it with humility and moderation and always thank God for His bounties.” (Qur’an, 7:31)

By using simple spices to create something satisfying and nostalgic, I hope to show you all how I find my own balance that honors both my ancestors and my identity. I am excited to take you along my culinary adventure– it’s going to be a spicy ride!

Love,