Cookbook Heals Grief: Saudi Cuisine from BBC MasterChef Finalist

0:00From the streets of Lester to the world, this is Lester News Today. Medihar Koreshi, a BBC MasterChef finalist, has released her first cookbook focused on Saudi cuisine. The 44-year-old mother of three finally grieved her father's death from 2018 while writing it. She poured personal memories into the pages, turning deep emotions into recipes from her childhood. For three years after losing her dad, whom she called Abba John, Koreshi couldn't even cry. Living in Henkley now, she says the book opened her heart completely. It includes stories from growing up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after her family moved there from Pakistan when she was just three months old. Koreshi sees grief as the final expression of love. She holds her story encourages open talks about loss, alongside tempting people to try her dishes. No need to hide those feelings, she believes, because they come from caring deeply. On MasterChef in 2021, she wowed viewers with her mix of old-school and fresh cooking styles.

1:00Her book captures that blend, reflecting her roots as someone with both Arab and Asian heritage. Saudi Arabia feels like her true spiritual home, shaping who she is today. Through this project, Koreshi aims to inspire home cooks everywhere while sharing her journey toward healing. Quick thanks to today's sponsor, see the description for more. Lay back, press play, let the pillow do the rest. Sound meets comfort, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.