Shared Love for Food: Nani & Anjana’s 14‑Year Marriage Secret

by Sophie Morgan
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“Food is the glue that holds us together,” Nani says, smiling over a simmering pot of dal. Perfectly seared. (in my experience cooking) That’s a terrible idea? No—she laughs, because the spice mix they created together is their nightly ritual.

In my kitchen, I’ve watched the couple prep masala for two hours, chop onions until they’re glass‑clear, and stir‑fry ginger and garlic until fragrant at 350°F on the stovetop. And they never skip the final splash of lime juice—it brightens the whole dish. Because the aroma drifts through their modest apartment, they both claim the scent alone keeps the romance alive. I tested their method, and the flavor depth surprised me—each bite balanced heat, sweetness, and umami. So the dish becomes a nightly celebration of their partnership.

They met at a culinary workshop in 2009, bonded over a shared love for regional Indian street food, and have since built a pantry stocked with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a secret blend of toasted cumin and coriander. Not what I expected when I first visited—they weren’t just cooking, they were storytelling, passing recipes from Nani’s grandmother to Anjana’s brother. Their favorite weekend project? Rolling naan by hand, then tossing it in a hot tawa for just 45 seconds per side.

Read more about food trends here, and discover how kitchen tech is shaping home cooking here. For deeper technique tips, check Serious Eats here and NYT Cooking here. But the real magic happens when they sit down together, sharing stories over the steaming bowl.

“Food is the glue that holds us together,” Nani says, describing the secret that’s kept their marriage strong for 14 years.

How They Cook Together

Every evening, they start with a quick mise en place: wash rice, measure lentils, and line up spices in small bowls. Then they heat ghee in a cast‑iron skillet, let it melt, and add mustard seeds until they pop—this simple step creates a nutty base. After that, they add onions, sauté until caramelized, and finally stir in tomatoes, letting them break down for 10 minutes. The final dish rests for five minutes, allowing flavors to meld before serving with fresh cilantro.

The Bottom Line

  • Start with high‑quality spices; freshness matters.
  • Never skip the lime squeeze at the end.
  • Share the cooking process—teamwork deepens connection.
  • Keep a handwritten notebook of tweaks.

Love really does taste better.

This is the best way to cook a family curry.

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