Saadia Faruqi - Yasmin the Chef

To Mariam for inspiring me, and Mubashir for helping me find the right wordsS.F.

To my sister, Eman, and her amazing girls, Jana and KenziH.A.

On Saturday morning, Yasmin woke up very excited. Tonight they were having a party! Music, friends, and best of allstaying up late! She could hardly wait.

But first there was a lot of work to be done. Cooking, cleaning, and more!

After breakfast, began vacuuming the living room. Want to help, Yasmin? he asked.

Ill take polish patrol! Yasmin said.

Yasmin wiped the coffee table until it shone.

She polished the mirror till it sparkled.

And she washed the windows till they squeaked. Phew!

Good girl! Baba hugged Yasmin. Lets go see if Mama needs help.

The kitchen was busy too. Yasmin looked at all the food spread out. Fruits, vegetables, chicken, rice. And lots of spices! These were the building blocks of all the dishes they would cook.

Mama clapped her hands. Our little helper is here! Taste my fruit , Yasmin.

Yasmin took a bite, then puckered her lips. Too sour, she said.

. Here, try this, she offered.

Yasmin did, then fanned her mouth. Too spicy! she said with a gasp.

, he suggested.

Yasmin sipped, then spit it out. Too hot! she yelled. The chai dribbled down her chin. And too messy!

Theres nothing for me to eat, Yasmin complained. Why does Pakistani food have to be so spicy or sour or messy?

Mama frowned. Yasmin, we should be grateful for the blessings we have.

Why dont you choose a dish to cook? Baba said to Yasmin.

She thought. What could she cook that wasnt spicy, wasnt sour, and wasnt messy?

First she tried sandwiches. Too boring.

Then she tried a seven-layer dip. Too many layers!

Maybe a dessert? Too gooey! She threw her spoon on the counter and pouted.

Baba shook his head and sighed. Go take a break, Yasmin, he said.

Yasmin moped in her room. She opened her closet to admire the sparkly shalwar she would wear for the party.

She turned to her jewelry box. Which earrings would match her dress? She held up her favorite pair.

Aha! She knew what she was going to cook! She ran back down to the kitchen.

I have an idea! she shouted.

Ill help, Nana offered. You be the chef, Ill be your helper. He bowed, and Yasmin giggled.

Before long, it was evening. Yasmin came downstairs in her new kameez. The guests were just beginning to arrive.

Aunties and uncles. Cousins and friends. What a lovely dress, Yasmin! they all said.

The table was spread with all the food. But there was one more dish to be served.

Nana came out of the kitchen carrying Yasmins special recipe. It wasnt spicy or sour or messy, and it was easy to eat.

Chicken, veggie, and fruit ! she announced. A complete meal on a stick!

Nani was the oldest, so she tasted the kebab first. Delicious! she cried. Even better than my biryani.

Nana grinned. Good work, Chef Yasmin!

Yasmin took a bite of kebab. Pretty good, but I think it needs just a pinch of spice, she said.

Everyone laughed.

• Everyone gets frustrated sometimes. When Yasmin gets frustrated, she goes to her room to calm down. What do you do when youre upset?
• Seeing her earrings gives Yasmin an idea for a recipe. What is it about the earrings that makes her think of kebabs?
• What are some special recipes that your family makes for parties or holidays? Is there anything you would change about them if you could?

Yasmins family speaks both English and Urdu. Urdu is a language from Pakistan. Maybe you already know some Urdu words!

(BAH-bah) father (bir-YAH-nee) a dish flavored with the spices saffron or turmeric (chaht) a spicy snack (chai) a tea drink with honey, spices, and milk jaan (jahn) life; a sweet nickname for a loved one (kuh-MEEZ) a long tunic or shirt (ke-BAB) cubes of cooked meat or vegetables, often served on a skewer (NAH-nah) grandfather on mothers side (NAH-nee) grandmother on mothers side salaam (sah-LAHM) hello

Yasmin and her family are proud of their Pakistani culture. Yasmin loves to share facts about Pakistan!