She made her name winning the Bake Off in 2015 and, since then, Nadiya Hussain has bagged herself an MBE, become a charity ambassador and published author, fronted her own cookery shows, launched a spice brand and homeware line, and even made the late Queen’s 90th birthday cake. Let’s just say, she’s been busy.
Now, as she approaches her 40th birthday, the mum of three is marking this milestone with a new series, new recipe book and a new challenge – to help the nation to waste less food. To do that, Nadiya’s turning into a scrap-saving superhero, rescuing the remnants from the back of the fridge that we’re all guilty of neglecting and showing us how to turn them into something tasty.
But can her enthusiasm convince us to use leftover carrot soup as a base for a fish curry with added orange zest?
Where did the idea for this show come from?
I wanted to change the way people thought about leftovers. I’ve never wasted anything in my life, which comes from my upbringing where my mum and grandma would use every last ingredient. So, for me, it’s not a new concept. I’ve always been frugal and actually really enjoy it. I get a buzz out of using up leftovers. It’s addictive once you start.
What will people be surprised by in the show?
We waste four million potatoes each day in this country. That’s a lot of potatoes! I’m showing you how to make a delicious dauphinoise using not just forgotten-about potatoes, but the peelings, as well. It gives the dish more texture and flavour.
What other root veg gets you excited?
Carrots – they are one of the most wasted items. In episode one, I’ll convince you to blend carrots and spices into a soup, then take it further by adding some fish, to turn it into a curry, with some orange zest on top, too.
Do fish and carrots really go together?
Yes. I’m telling you, they work. Believe me! Trust me! They go! Listen when I tell you that this is fun. It’s exciting to get creative in the kitchen – it’s like drag, but for your leftovers.
It sounds a bit like Ready Steady Cook to us…
I loved that show when I was little. After school, I remember, we’d sit down and we’d watch it. I never really understood what they were cooking unless it was a curry, which was familiar. I’d never watch it if it wasn’t for Ainsley Harriot, he was the person I enjoyed watching the most.
Jaime Oliver and Gordon Ramsay’s kids are doing cooking shows now – how do you feel about that?
Good on them, if their kids want to do that and they are happy. It’s not something I could ever see my kids doing. They are Muslim children, so they will have their own different challenges to face and it isn’t so easy. It’s been hard for me to do the job I am now as I’ve faced so many challenges. My children will face those, too, and I don’t know if I’d want to put them through that.
Have you ever been starstruck by anyone?
Lenny Henry. He came up to me and I couldn’t believe it when he asked me for a picture. I was, like, ‘Hold on, what?’ It was nine years ago, and he wanted a picture with me. I said, ‘Are you for real?’ He said, ‘I love you and think you are great’. I was bamboozled by it. Even now when I see him, it feels like we’ve known each other forever, I think he’s great. I met Arnold Schwarzenegger once. My kid said, ‘Mum, you don’t even care about bodybuilding.’ I said, ‘I know, but you are jealous and so that makes me fun’. I’ve also met Lady Gaga.
How have your family’s mealtimes changed now your three kids are older?
This year is a big one for us as my eldest son is turning 18. He’ll technically be an adult, and he’s looking at university and leaving home. They are all teenagers now, so naturally the way we eat together has changed. Before, my cooking shows were focused on family feasting and crowd-pleasing classics, now I’ve had to move on. I never cook for just myself, so even if I’m home alone, I’ll make a big batch of something and freeze the rest.
Does that make you sad?
If my husband [IT specialist Abdal] is at work, then I can sometimes feel lonely at mealtimes. The fact is that kids get older and spend more time in their rooms – that’s their sanctuary and I’m OK with that. That’s why I love having my niece and nephew over. They are four and two, and they follow me around. They are obsessed with me and are my biggest fans. To my own kids, I’m like, ‘Hurry up and get married and have kids, because I need someone else to look after’. Maybe I should just get a pet.
Your son will be popular at uni if he can cook like his mum…
Yes, he can cook. But who am I kidding? I’ll be the mum batch-cooking for his freezer. You know what he’s good at? Steak, although he won’t be eating much of that on a student budget. He makes the best steak – it’s a sensory thing with him, I think. He gets it spot on every time. My middle child doesn’t cook, but he does dishes, and my daughter loves to bake, so between them, I’ve got it covered.
Do they love having a famous mum?
They aren’t bothered about my TV career, and you’ll notice they never want to be involved in things I’ve done before. With my kids, it’s only when I get recognised in the supermarket and they go, ‘Oh yeah, we forgot you were famous’.
This year also marks another milestone, as you are turning the big 4-0…
I know. I’m 40, and that does make me reflect. Mostly about how I saw my own mother at that age. I’ve still got so much I want to do, like travelling and more writing. I’ve written a poem every day since lockdown and want to do more fiction books, too.
You’ve talked before about managing your anxiety through baking – how are you feeling as you turn 40?
I know myself more now. I don’t put myself in situations where my anxiety could be spiked any more. I’m more confident. Younger children are anxious about recycling and the state of the planet, and sometimes they don’t know how to express that. If I can inspire just one family to waste a bit less, then I’ll be happy.
Would you ever do Strictly or I’m A Celeb?
I have been asked. I’d never do Strictly as I can’t dance. I would consider I’m A Celeb, though.
You’d be too good at making something delicious out of mung beans…
Yes, that’s true. There is a lot of sitting around in that show.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Trash TV, I love it. I’m into stuff like Married At First Sight and The Nevermets on Channel 4. I don’t watch Bake Off. I stopped watching it about five years ago, as it has changed so much since I was on it. It’s a different show now, but I do love that Alison Hammond is the host.
What does the next decade hold for you?
I take each day as it comes as you don’t know what is in store. There are the good things and bad things. There’s always a curveball. I’m always prepared, but equally I don’t want it to stop me living. I love what I’m doing. As long as I enjoy it, I’ll carry on. That’s been my motto from day dot.
Cook Once, Eat Twice is on BBC Two from 17 Sept, 7.30pm. The book of the same name (published by Penguin Michael Joseph, £28), is out now.