Breadcrumbs ![3 Easy Recipes From Nara Aziza Smith’s New Cookbook](https://media.sheerluxe.com/lRmeRZwqjgsgSBKBdVmSE-3jT_o=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F10%2Fsl-site-assets-hero-131026-nara-smith-cookbook-focus.jpg) ![3 Easy Recipes From Nara Aziza Smith’s New Cookbook](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Wb-UkHH7ujVBzCgAsGS59vevFV0=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F10%2Fsl-site-assets-portrait-thumb-131026-nara-smith-cookbook-focus.jpg) Image: @narasmith [Recipes](/life/food/recipes) / 13 October 2026 # 3 Easy Recipes From Nara Aziza Smith’s New Cookbook You may know Nara Aziza Smith for her impeccable wardrobe, ASMR-style videos and picture-perfect family life. The social media chef and model has turned making food from scratch into an art form, sharing her recipes with more than 21 million followers across Instagram and TikTok. Now, she’s put her signature spin on her debut cookbook, with 80 wholesome recipes designed to make homemade food feel both achievable and special. Here, she shares three of her favourites… ByHeather Steele / [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/54428) Image: @narasmith All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. **My earliest food memory is of my grandmother's rolled oats.** She made them the same way every morning: the perfect ratio of liquid to grain, just enough sweetness, and a dash of cinnamon, simmered until the whole kitchen smelled like pure comfort. She'd fold my hands around her wooden spoon and let me help her stir, which felt like being trusted with something very special. Everything my grandmother did carried that magic and that's where it all started for me: the belief that the ordinary can be exceptional, that simple things done with care can become moments you remember forever. **I'm a fashion girl at heart, so I find joy in beautifully made things**. Clothes can help you step into different characters, giving you the freedom to change your identity and be anyone you want. Maybe I'll knead dough in a glamorous gown the colour of cherry blossoms. Why not whip up pancakes in a feathered robe, like a madcap 1920s actress? Or slip into a scalloped-collared dress to roll out pastry? Dressing helps me bring a bit of fun to cooking from scratch; it fills my day with whimsy and helps me tell a story. **I know some people dismiss the idea of making everything from scratch or wonder why I'm wearing an elaborate outfit to cook dinner.** But why not? For me, feathers and meringue bracelets aren't frivolous – they're part of how my kids and I have fun, make memories and maybe bring a bit of charm and imagination to whoever watches. Cooking doesn't have to be deadly serious to be meaningful. The joy I find in playing dress-up makes cooking even more special to me. I hope you can taste that happiness in my recipes. Cooking doesn't have to be deadly serious to be meaningful. The joy I find in playing dress-up makes it EVEN MORE SPECIAL. **When I began sharing my cooking online, I never expected what followed.** But I kept seeing the same comments over and over: “I didn't know mozzarella was this easy to make.” “You inspired me to try making jam for the first time.” “I made English muffins because of you*.*” People aren't asking for perfection – they're grateful to have a friend in the kitchen, someone to show them it's never as hard as they think. ***Homemade*** **is my first book, a collection of the recipes I truly use, the staples in my pantry and fridge, the things we eat every week.** It's designed to work the way real life does and for you to use however you need it. I wanted to create a book that teaches you all the basics of simple homemade meals and also lets you have fun with recipes that you can throw together more quickly, and being from Germany, I wanted to introduce you to some classics I grew up with. These recipes are meant to be flexible, the way you need to be in the world, so I strive to offer substitutions, shortcuts, variations and tips. --- ### Inspired? Here are three recipes to try… ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/211BtsHihOzPHAgD-BjHoamHVro=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F10%2Fnara-smith-recipecoconut-waffles.jpg) Quentin Bacon ### Coconut Cassava Waffles *After my autoimmune disease diagnosis, I spent hours researching ways to adjust my diet and found myself in this rabbit hole of thinking I would never be able to eat anything I grew up enjoying. Coming up with this recipe for my beloved waffles helped me realise that I can find alternatives (when needed) that still satisfy my cravings. That’s how I discovered cassava flour, ground from a South American root. It has a slightly nutty flavour; is gluten-free, grain-free and nut-free; and doesn’t have the gritty texture of some alternative flours. The coconut milk and collagen peptides create a waffle with a soft, chewy centre like mochi and golden, crisp edges.* Serves 12 Total Time 30 Minutes Ingredients 240g of cassava flour 20g of unflavoured collagen peptides (see note) 2 tbsp of coconut sugar ½ tsp of bicarbonate of soda ½ tsp of kosher salt 700ml of coconut milk from a well-shaken tin, plus more as needed 2 large eggs, at room temperature 70ml of refined coconut oil, melted and cooled, plus more for the waffle iron 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar Notes You can swap 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder, cornflour or tapioca for the collagen peptides. Freeze individually wrapped waffles for up to 3 months, and pop them in the toaster to serve. Method Step 1 Sometimes I mix the dry ingredients the night before so we can get right to the fun part of cooking the waffles. Step 2 Start by whisking together the cassava flour, collagen peptides, coconut sugar, bicarbonate of soda and salt in a large bowl. Step 3 Next, whisk together the coconut milk, eggs, coconut oil and vinegar in a medium bowl. Add the coconut milk mixture to the dry ingredients and lightly whisk (it’s okay if there are a few lumps). Let the batter rest at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps hydrate the flour for fluffier and more tender waffles. Step 4 Meanwhile, brush your waffle iron with coconut oil and preheat it. Step 5 Ladle in 80ml of batter for each waffle and cook until lightly golden (check the timing instructions for your waffle iron). You may need to brush the iron with more coconut oil between batches. Step 6 Serve the waffles hot with a drizzle of the buttermilk syrup or blueberry compote if you like. ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/EGoIm1cDN_gN_CYSCG_-BJzpmow=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F10%2Fnara-smith-recipes-butternut-squash-salad.jpg) ### Spicy Butternut Squash Salad *I’ve learned that some mistakes lead to beautiful surprises. This salad came about after I bought too much squash for a soup and after a quick ‘can I eat this raw?’ search, I decided to turn the extra into a salad. Since raw butternut squash can be a bit tough, I ribbon it thinly – it looks pretty, softens more quickly and holds the dressing well. You can prep all the elements the day before and combine everything right before serving.* Serves 4 Total Time 1 Hour Ingredients For the crispy quinoa 370g of cooked quinoa, cooled 60ml of extra-virgin olive oil 50g of harissa paste (see note) 1½ tsp of kosher salt For the dressing 175ml of extra-virgin olive oil 120ml of fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp of pure maple syrup 2 tbsp of rice vinegar 20g of harissa 2 garlic cloves, grated 2 tsp of kosher salt ½ tsp of freshly ground black pepper For the salad 570g of butternut squash, skin removed (see note) 570g of cavolo nero, tough ribs removed, finely chopped Extra-virgin olive oil 1 large fennel bulb, trimmed and thinly sliced 280g of fresh blackberries 1 jalapeño chilli, thinly sliced Notes I like my quinoa very crunchy, so test for doneness at 20 minutes. If making ahead, store in a sealed container in the fridge for a day or so. For long squash ribbons, peel around the bottom in a circle or from top to bottom. For the prettiest fennel slices, use a mandoline (with a guard or glove) if possible. Method Step 1 Let’s toast the quinoa first so it can cool a bit before assembling the salad. Step 2 Preheat your oven to 190°C. Line two baking trays with parchment paper. Step 3 Toss the cooked quinoa with the oil, harissa and salt on the lined baking trays. Make sure it’s evenly coated, then pat it into a thin, even layer. Step 4 Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through (see notes). Let cool. Step 5 Meanwhile, make the dressing. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, vinegar, harissa, garlic, salt and pepper in a small jar or bowl. Shake or whisk until smooth and set aside. Step 6 Next, make the salad. Peel the squash into long ribbons with a vegetable peeler and set aside. Step 7 Combine the cavolo nero and a drizzle of olive oil in a large bowl. Gently massage the cavolo nero with your hands until the leaves are tenderised and broken down, about 30 seconds. Step 8 To serve, add the cavolo nero to a large serving bowl or platter. Top with the sliced fennel, squash ribbons, blackberries and chilli. Drizzle with the dressing and sprinkle with the crispy quinoa. ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/7-NW0DH3OXRR6Sr21GDfpBTAuDI=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F10%2Fnara-smith-recipechicken-miso.jpg) Quentin Bacon ### Cornflake Chicken & Cabbage With Miso Gravy *I stumbled onto the idea of this recipe when I wanted something crispy and comforting but didn’t have enough panko in the pantry. I spotted some cornflakes and thought, Why not? Mixed with what panko I had, the crushed cereal added this incredible crunch and subtle sweetness that made each bite even more satisfying than katsu, the Japanese breaded and fried cutlet. The real magic is the miso gravy – I wanted something lighter than the usual curry sauce but just as craveworthy. It’s unexpected, and when you drizzle it over the golden chicken, it settles into every crevice and around the roasted cabbage wedges underneath. (I almost always have cabbage in the fridge, and roasting it until the edges caramelise makes it buttery and tender – perfect for soaking up that gravy.) You’ll start making extra gravy to keep in the fridge for drizzling over roasted vegetables or even for dipping toasted bread. And please don’t skip the spring onions and sesame seeds at the end – they add a little sharpness and texture that pulls the whole dish together.* Serves 4 Total Time 1 Hour 20 Minutes Ingredients For the cabbage 2 tbsp of toasted sesame oil 2 tbsp of reduced-sodium soy sauce 1 tbsp of honey or pure maple syrup 1 small head of cabbage (about 1kg), cut through the core into 6 wedges about 4cm thick ½ tsp of kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper For the chicken 90g of plain flour ¼ tsp of cayenne pepper 3 large eggs 90g of cornflakes cereal, finely ground in a food processor 55g of panko breadcrumbs 2 tbsp of sesame seeds 1¾ tsp of kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 900g) 60ml of algae, avocado or other neutral oil, plus more for drizzling For the gravy 2 tbsp of unsalted butter 2 spring onions, thinly sliced 1cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated 3 tbsp of white miso paste 2 tbsp of plain flour 1 tsp of ketchup 1 tsp of mirin 350ml of chicken stock 2 tbsp of fresh lime juice 2 tbsp of finely chopped fresh coriander ½ tsp of freshly ground black pepper ⅛ tsp of cayenne pepper To serve Cooked white sushi rice (see note) Thinly sliced spring onions Sesame seeds Lime wedges Notes I always use a rice cooker and follow the manufacturer's suggested cooking directions. I use a 1:1 ratio of sushi rice to water. Method Step 1 It's a little bit of an oven shuffle, but giving the cabbage a head start makes this so much easier. Arrange racks in the upper and lower thirds of your oven and preheat it to 220°C. Place one unlined baking tray in the oven to preheat for about 15 minutes. Have another nearby. Step 2 Start the cabbage by whisking together the sesame oil, soy sauce and honey in a large bowl. Add the cabbage wedges and toss to coat, then season with the salt and a few twists of pepper. Carefully remove the preheated baking tray from the oven. Arrange the cabbage wedges in an even layer and transfer the baking tray to the top rack. Step 3 Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping the wedges and rotating the tray front to back halfway through, until browned and tender. Cover with foil and set aside to keep warm while you make the chicken. Step 4 Meanwhile, prepare the chicken. Set up a dredging station in three shallow bowls. Mix the flour and cayenne in the first bowl and lightly whisk the eggs in the second bowl. Combine the ground cornflakes, panko and sesame seeds in the third bowl. Season each bowl with ¼ teaspoon of the salt and a few twists of pepper and mix well. Have a large plate or small baking tray nearby to hold the breaded cutlets. Set aside. Step 5 Next, put the chicken thighs on a chopping board and cover them with a piece of clingfilm or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or heavy-bottomed frying pan to pound them to an even 1cm thickness. Season the thighs all over with the remaining teaspoon of salt and the ½ teaspoon of pepper. Step 6 Place a second unlined baking tray on the bottom rack of your oven to preheat for 15 minutes. Step 7 To coat the chicken, use one hand and toss one piece at a time in the flour first, tapping off any excess. Then, with the same hand, dredge it in the egg, allowing the excess to drip back into the dish. Finally, with your other hand, coat it in the cornflake mixture, patting to help the crumbs adhere. Place the chicken on the large plate and repeat to bread the remaining cutlets. Step 8 After all the cutlets are breaded (or wait until it's been 15 minutes), carefully remove the preheated baking tray from the oven and pour in the algae oil (it will sizzle), making sure it covers the whole baking tray. Arrange the chicken in an even layer on the baking tray, then drizzle the tops lightly with more oil. Step 9 Bake on the lower rack for 10 to 15 minutes, until the bottoms of the thighs are crisp and golden. Flip the chicken and turn the tray back to front. (The cabbage should be ready by now; if not, move that tray to the lower rack and the chicken to the top rack.) Continue baking the chicken for 10 to 15 minutes more (20 to 30 minutes total), until golden all over and cooked through with an internal temperature of 74°C. Lightly cover with foil to keep warm and crispy if your chicken is done before you've finished the gravy. Step 10 Meanwhile, make the gravy. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the spring onions and ginger and cook, stirring a few times to prevent burning, until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the miso paste, flour, ketchup and mirin and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Switch to a whisk and while whisking, slowly pour in the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens enough to lightly coat the back of the spoon, four to five minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lime juice, coriander, pepper and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt to taste (miso varies in saltiness). Step 11 To serve, slice the chicken thighs on an angle and place them on a platter. Nestle the roasted cabbage wedges and the rice alongside. Right before serving, drizzle everything with the miso gravy (this will prevent sogginess) and top with the spring onions and sesame seeds, with lime wedges alongside. *Visit* [AMAZON.CO.UK](https://link.amazon/B08Gh5gTV) [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/qdl4oDjFYCSTF_MXh60jtGuUtGg=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F10%2Fnara-smith-homemade.png) ](https://link.amazon/B056AMesn) Extracted from [*Homemade*](https://link.amazon/B04EpTeMJ) by Nara Aziza Smith (Harper Collins, £22.60). All photography by Quentin Bacon. *Homemade* available to buy [here](https://link.amazon/B04EpTeMJ). *Follow* [@NARASMITH](https://www.instagram.com/narasmith?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&psln=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==) [ Sign in to comment with your SheerLuxe profile ](/user/login?destination=)Or continue to comment as a Guest below [View the discussion thread.](http://sheerluxe-dev.disqus.com/) *more from* Life [View All Life](/life) ![Your October Horoscope](https://media.sheerluxe.com/IGTSJiKeRURR_xP1iSiStsHhF_Q=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F10%2Fsl-site-assets-021026-horoscopes-hero-thumb.jpg) [Life](/life) / 02 October 2026 [## Your October Horoscope ](/life/your-october-horoscope-6) ![How To Use AI To Get Ahead ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/n2XUNDZBJ4saxCmnazqQXyZ8Eh4=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F09%2Fsl-site-assets-ai-chloe-watts-1.jpg) [The Business Edition](/the-business-edition)/ 30 September 2026 [## How To Use AI To Get Ahead ](/life/how-to-use-ai-to-get-ahead) ![50 ChatGPT Prompts That Could Streamline Your Week](https://media.sheerluxe.com/I0DoNCFCo6Som2sHgXlLEdgtafI=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F09%2Fsl-site-assets-300926-chat-gpt-promots-hero-thumb.gif) [The Business Edition](/the-business-edition)/ 30 September 2026 [## 50 ChatGPT Prompts That Could Streamline Your Week ](/life/50-chatgpt-prompts-that-could-streamline-your-week) ![What’s Really Going On In AI Right Now](https://media.sheerluxe.com/iXb2mf0_gzrS7Lr4aF6_XGaKXTc=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F09%2Fsl-site-assets-ai-experts.jpg) [The Business Edition](/the-business-edition)/ 30 September 2026 [## What’s Really Going On In AI Right Now ](/life/whats-really-going-on-in-ai-right-now) ![What’s New & Noteworthy In The AI World ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/MHHHVsF5WrMN0_qCO_sVbd1YBtE=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F09%2Fsl-hot-list-hero-thumb.jpg) [The Business Edition](/the-business-edition)/ 30 September 2026 [## What’s New & Noteworthy In The AI World ](/life/whats-new-noteworthy-in-the-ai-world) ![The AI Tools Women-In-The-Know Rely On ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/MCeqh6U9ojSSfDb2fm6qSmDZ_4c=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F09%2Fsl-site-assets-300926-x-ai-tools-stylish-women-use-more-to-come-as-people-send-answers-hero-thumb.jpg) [The Business Edition](/the-business-edition)/ 30 September 2026 [## The AI Tools Women-In-The-Know Rely On ](/life/the-ai-tools-women-in-the-know-rely-on) ![The Gold Edition Meets… Beverley Knight](https://media.sheerluxe.com/E_NvkBJNNJ0devPjRgFO-Ix7IrA=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F09%2Fsl-gold-210926-site-assets-in-conversation-with-beverley-knight-hero-thumb.jpg) [Life](/gold/life)/ 21 September 2026 [## The Gold Edition Meets… Beverley Knight ](/life/the-gold-edition-meets-beverley-knight) ![3 Delicious Recipes From Ottolenghi’s New Cookbook](https://media.sheerluxe.com/g5t_AjtOjNL-XyQnx2IsT65KVwE=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F09%2Fsl-site-assets-160926-yotam-ottolenghi-new-book-recipe-focus-thumb.jpg) [Recipes](/life/food/recipes) / 16 September 2026 [## 3 Delicious Recipes From Ottolenghi’s New Cookbook ](/life/food/recipes/3-delicious-recipes-from-ottolenghis-new-cookbook) ![The New Cookbooks We’re Loving](https://media.sheerluxe.com/oq2tklgLvdOaefdWB66piTr_eb4=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fsl-gold-150626-site-assets-recipes-hero-thumb.jpg) [Food & Drink](/gold/food-drink)/ 15 June 2026 [## The New Cookbooks We’re Loving ](/life/food/recipes/the-new-cookbooks-were-loving) Share This Story [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?display=popup&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com&u=https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Flife%2Ffood%2Frecipes%2F3-easy-recipes-from-nara-aziza-smiths-new-cookbook&t=3+Easy+Recipes+From+Nara+Aziza+Smith%E2%80%99s+New+Cookbook) [ Pinterest ](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Flife%2Ffood%2Frecipes%2F3-easy-recipes-from-nara-aziza-smiths-new-cookbook&description=3+Easy+Recipes+From+Nara+Aziza+Smith%E2%80%99s+New+Cookbook&media=) [ E-mail ]() DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. 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