I am here to share my creative, flavorful, and mostly healthy vegan recipes

Zahra is a resident of Minneapolis, MN, who originally hails from Brooklyn, NY.

Alongside her husband, Charles, Zahra is the culinary mind behind the delectable recipes you’ll discover on Zesty Zahra.

Interestingly, her journey began in Nizwa, Oman, but her family’s path led them to Islamabad, Pakistan, when she was a mere six years old. Her culinary approach revolves around advocating for veganism while concocting dishes that unite global flavors with nourishing elements, presenting a harmonious blend of taste and wellness.

Meatless Movement recently had the opportunity to chat with her recently.

Zahra warmly invites you to explore her assortment of plant-based recipes, hoping they bring you not just satisfaction but also a joyful connection to the world of plant-based cooking.

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Health-conscious eating has been a part of Zahra’s life story since its inception. Though not rigid in her approach, she has always demonstrated a keen awareness of what she consumes. With a discerning mindset, she gravitates towards food that nurtures well-being. However, the pivotal transformation in her journey arrived in 2017 through the medium of a documentary named “What The Health?” Engaging with various health-related literature had already piqued her curiosity, but this documentary acted as the catalyst for a profound change. Overnight, Zahra’s partner left for work with her being a meat eater, and by the time he returned, her declaration rang clear: “I’ve embraced veganism!”

Please tell us more about yourself

I was born in Nizwa, Oman. Six years later my family moved to Islamabad, Pakistan.

I support veganism and believe in global comfort food that is flavorful and healthy

Zahra

A few years passed and we moved again, this time to the USA. I spent my formative years in Brooklyn, where I learned being direct and honest with everyone. Since then I’ve bounced around the country and currently live in Minneapolis but I still consider myself a New Yorker as it has shaped who I am today.

I support veganism and believe in global comfort food that is flavorful and healthy

Zahra

Ever since I remember I’ve been health-conscious around food. I wasn’t strict about it, but definitely cared about what I fed my body. I’m the sort of person that, if it’s not healthy, it doesn’t appeal to me. After reading lots of articles and books about health, I came across a documentary in 2017 called What The Health?. It instantly changed my life! When my partner left for work that morning I was a meat eater; when he returned later that day, I announced my news: “I’m vegan!”

Around this time I saw an online ‘hiring’ ad for a new vegan restaurant that was to open near my house. I was working an office job, but I couldn’t resist. I had to apply. I begged them over an email not to consider my resume, as I had no relevant work experience, but to give me a chance all the same. It worked!

My pleas were so passionate that they offered me a position. The name of the restaurant was Fig+Farro and it was located in the commercial heart of the Uptown neighborhood in Minneapolis, MN. I was extremely happy there. Never had I imagined showing off my cooking skills in a professional kitchen!

What difficulties arise when seeking vegan food?

Sometimes we try to eat home-cooked meals but then fall off the wagon when the rent is due. We’d rather go grab fast food than go grocery shopping. Or we work overtime to save money for that trip we’re meaning to take rather than spend that time cooking because we think time is money.

On that thought, we should remind ourselves that health is wealth. If we’re not in good physical condition then there’s no point in anything. I sometimes need this reminder myself when pepperoni pizza becomes tempting, or when cheetos don’t look so bad because that’s the only option for me at the airport. The key is to get back on track and try again!

How could you encourage someone who hasn’t embraced a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle to give meatless cuisine a try?

It might seem counterintuitive, but I’ve found that the less I push veganism on others, the more I happen to inspire people, often unknowingly. It’s when I don’t bring up veganism at work or parties that people come to me with questions about it. Perhaps they’ve heard I’m plant-based from others, or they’ve noticed my social media (IG: zesty_zahra) or website (zestyzahra.com).

In any event, people seem more open and interested to hear about my food choices as a vegan when I’m not the one to bring it up. Interesting, isn’t it?

Embrace the Meatless Movement Through Our Thoughtful Products

Zahra

global vegan comfort food 💚
📍Brooklyn, NY & Minneapolis, MN USA

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all images courtesy of Zahra