Hi there! My name is Sarah (pronounced Saa-Ra) and I am a Pakistani Food Blogger living in Canada who shares her love for cooking and baking at Flour & Spice. Whether it is traditional Pakistani recipes, the best desserts or that fantastic burger, I believe in simplifying cooking without sacrificing flavor.
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Learning from the Best
Although I studied Economics and Politics and started my career in finance I have been cooking and baking since I was little. I was a foodie before being a foodie was a thing, wandering in and out of the humble kitchens of women who worked like wizards and created the most delicious flavours thereby spoiling me for life. I took that kind of spoiling, and the education I received from them for granted when I was young, but motherhood changed that.
As a Pakistani origin Canadian with two girls, I realized when my girls were young that I wanted them to love their heritage as much as I do, and the fastest way to that my friends is a fantastic pulao, a comforting daal, and that creamy cold kulfi. I could not recreate the kitchens of my youth, but I could give them the love, flavours, and palate I grew up with.
It's when I started seeing cooking Pakistani recipes as creating more than just food that I embraced it's true power and became enamored by the magic of it. Done right, cooking feels a little bit like empowering, healing, and love rolled in to one.
My POV: A Pakistani Palate with a Dose of Practicality
One of the things I am most grateful for is that I come from a family of practical women. Be it my mother or grandmother or my aunts or cousins, when it comes to food they have never levied the compulsion of tradition on us.
Our conditioning has always been to work smarter not harder, while respecting authentic flavours.
Simple things like the Pakora Mix, the Salan Masala, the freezer full of prepped foods, are a way of life. They allow us to eat our favorite Pakistani recipes without devoting ourselves entirely to the kitchen.
I am NOT the person who will tell you that you need to make everything exactly as I do. My favorite line is "adjust to taste", because I respect the palate of your Pakistani family just as much as mine.
One of my favorite emails from a reader said that she loved my blog not just for the recipes, but because it taught her to cook Pakistai ghar ka khana and make it her own. That friends is the dream.
So what will you find here at Flour & Spice?
You will find most of all a Pakistani food blog with a vast collection of Pakistani Recipes that demystify the art of Pakistani Cooking, from comfort favorites like Chicken Pualo and Aloo Gosht to a solid Masoor ki Daal and all the Pakistani Chicken Recipes your heart desires.
As I said earlier baking is my first love and you will also find here the dreamiest Caramel Custard, that Coffee Cake that disappears in second, and the 20-minute Sevaiyan that so many have loved.
I hope you feel at home and stay a while. Oh and if you happen to be on Instagram I am @flourandspiceblog and can’t wait to welcome you into my IG family!
Happy Cooking!
Sarah
Happily Featured In
- CBC Life for Eid Recipes
- CBC Life for Iftar Recipes
- Brown Girl Mag
- Le Creuset
- NPR
- CBC Sports: Opinion
- Panelist at She Ate Toronto
- Featured in Express Tribune
Note: All the pictures shared on this Pakistani food blog and content in it are my own unless clearly stated otherwise. Reproducing in part or whole without my permission is a violation of my intellectual property. If you would like to include my content in something then reach out and I am happy to work with you!
For questions about that and collaborations email me at flourandspiceblog@gmail.com
One of the Three Musketeers. says
This blog is my dream come true. So many years of eating your yummy desserts and hearing about the ones I didn't get to try, I am finally getting the chance to attempt some of them!! Your writing is so true to you that I feel like I'm in the kitchen with you, cracking up at your little comments. Can't wait to visit you again and wake up to Carrot Cake Pancakes or Mixed Vegetable Quiche... heaven.
LoveYouLots!
AG
sarahjmir says
Thanks so much G!!! Good thing you aren't close by otherwise you would get lots of sloppy cuddles hehe
Jahangir Alam says
Outstanding dishes best wishes for you
Jahangir Alam says
Magnificent dishes and my best wishes for you and your family
Sarah Mir says
thank you so very much!
Murtaza Jafri says
I saw we put on skype, get some pots and pans and do a top chef throoooow down.
Liz says
I love your sense of humour and oh yes I did find your blog. Thanks for stopping by. I like the roasted tomato soup, must try it sometime, and the Biryani!
sarahjmir says
Thanks for hunting me down 🙂 I really need to make that a lot easier - am very new to all this!
Zubaida says
I have a 15 month old and I just went from working full time to part time because I wanted to spend more time with my son. My biggest challenge has been brainstorming and preparing dinner well. I just came by your great website today and I’ve already used 4 of the recipes for my meal prep for this week. Thank you! Let’s see how it all turns out. 😀
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
That is SO SO nice to hear! please do keep me posted on how the recipes turn out!
Liz says
I see I have been here before. Thank you for stopping by my blog.....I appreciate!
Sabeen says
Hi sarah , lovely blog 🙂 Hope to see more x
sarahjmir says
Hi Sabeen - thanks so much for your kind words!
Jahangir Alam says
Marvellous dishes
Sarah Mir says
thank you!
Rukmini Roy says
I stumbled upon your blog looking for food bloggers from pakistan for an event of ours and I tell you this is so good. Following you here on! Great recipe Sarah... Hope to see more.
sarahjmir says
Thanks so much Rukmini! sorry about the late reply, if you are following my blog then by now you probably know what's been keeping me away!
SaQa (@Goonerette23) says
Hello Sarah! I'm new to your blog and i must say the simplicity of this theme and detailed recipe instructions with a tinge of humor had me at once! Keep posting 😀 Love x
SaQa (@Goonerette23) says
Hello Sarah! I’m new to your blog and i must say the simplicity of this theme and detailed recipe instructions with a tinge of humor had me at once! Keep posting 😀 Love x
sarahjmir says
Thank you thank you thank you! Sorry for the late reply, just got back from an extended vacation!
Namrata says
Lovely introduction! Thanks for stopping by my blog and in turn leading me to yours... I love what I see here. I am a miserable baker but your site inspires me to try and experiment. Looking forward to much more. Happy Blogging Sara.
sarahjmir says
Thanks so much Namrata!
Sadaf F K says
AoA Sarah! You've got such a yummy blog here. Thanks for coming over my place. I'm so glad to discover another PAKISTANI Food Blogger! 🙂 Be in touch! 🙂
Love & Blessings,
Sadaf F K.
sarahjmir says
Thank you so much Sadaf!!!
Sadaf F K. says
Hello again. Just hovering here to tell you that I select you for an Award with some muffins to serve you. Enjoy!
chefinframe.blogspot.com/2014/08/easy-coconut-muffins-with-crumbs.html
Faaiza.O says
Love your work!!
sarahjmir says
Thank you so much Faaiza! Thrilled you stopped by 🙂
Ayesha says
Hello!! I've nominated your lovely blog for two awards... check em out here! 🙂 http://kitchensmitten.wordpress.com/2014/05/21/gettin-awardy/
sarahjmir says
Thank you much much Ayesha!!!!
RamanDeep Singh says
hey, your food is damn good.i m from india 🙂 and because i eat beef i love your recipe
sarahjmir says
haha thanks! glad you stopped by 🙂
Aiswarya @ My Kitchen Moments says
Hi Sara, Thank you for stopping by my blog and the follow. I have been looking for baking recipes and your blog inspires me a lot to try baking. And also to learn more about Pakistani food too!
sarahjmir says
Thanks so much for your kind words, much appreciated!
mysimpledelights says
Hi Sarah! Thank you for the follow on my blog, about to have a nosey on yours too and look forward to connecting with you! Farianti ?x
sarahjmir says
Hi Farianti! Delighted you came by 🙂
Jhuls says
Sarah,
I may be busy with life and work the past weeks, but I am happy that finally, I am passing this ‘Versatile Award’ to you. Whether if you are participating or not, the award is yours to keep. Please click the link for details: http://thenotsocreativecook.wordpress.com/2014/06/03/the-versatile-blogger-award/
Wishing you a lovely day!
xx
Jhuls
PS: Did you get my email address? I replied to your message on the contact form. 🙂
My Kitchen Moments says
Hi Sarah, I’ve been invited to join the “My Writing Process” blog tour and have accepted for June 9th, 2014. This tour rolls out across three new bloggers’ sites each week. So, I can invite three writers to carry the tour forward. It would require you to answer a few questions and generate a post. Your date would be June 16th, 2014. Please let me know if you’re interested and can participate for June 16th. If yes, then in my June 9th post, I will mention your blog! Can you let me know if you would like to participate?– Aiswarya.
sarahjmir says
Hi Aiswarya - I am so sorry to be getting back to you so late, but I don`t think I will be able to, it is looking a little crazy here for the next little while 🙁 Thanks so so much for thinking of me!
love in the kitchen says
Hi Sarah!
Zara is such a little beauty. And eating is an excellent hobby by the way! Great to meet you via the blogosphere. Your blog is wonderful.
Lindy
sarahjmir says
Hey Lindy! Thanks so much! Glad you approve of my hobby heheh 🙂
illcookyouwash says
Hey Sarah! I really enjoy following your blog and checking out all of your great recipes. I'd like to feature you in my upcoming Blog Tour Post. Alex at Dinner Daydreams http://dinnerdaydreams.wordpress.com/2014/06/27/blog-tour/ recently featured me in hers, and now it's time for me to feature some of my favourite blogs. If you're okay with it, I'd list you as one of the featured bloggers in the post, and then you'd do a post next week and choose your three. Looking forward to hearing from you!
sarahjmir says
Am I late for this? So sorry! Somehow I don't seem to be getting email alerts anymore :/
illcookyouwash says
Hey no, you're not. I only posted a few days ago :). Are you interested?
Farah.F says
Wow, excited to find your blog...and already loving it! 🙂 cant wait to go through all your goodies.
sarahjmir says
Thank you!
illcookyouwash says
Hey Sarah! So here are the details for the tour:
Step 1:
Say a little something about how you’re involved in the tour and link to the blog post that featured you last week.
Step 2:
Answer the following 4 questions:
1. What am I working on?
2. How does my work differ than others of its genre?
3. Why do I write what I do?
4. How does my writing process work?
Step 3:
Say who is next week (your 3 picks) and give a little bio/shout out with a link to their website.
____________
That's it! My post featuring you will be up on Tuesday. Hope you like it!
radhikasethi says
Hello Sarah! I have nominated you for the Leibster Award! 🙂 If interested, please check this link
https://mytrystwithbaking.wordpress.com/2014/08/13/my-first-blogger-award/.
Regards,
Radhika
sarahjmir says
Thank you so very much Radhika! I have a busy few weeks coming up, but will try and pass it on!
My Kitchen Moments says
Hi Sarah, Congratulations… I have nominated you for the Dragons Loyalty Award. Please collect it at – https://mykitchenmoments.wordpress.com/2014/09/11/many-more-awards-and-a-note-of-thanks-to-all/
Linda Creation says
Wooow Sarah you has an amazing blog and I m glad I stop by today congrats dear 🙂
Tim Cook says
What a well written blog. I applaud you.
sarahjmir says
Thank you Tim! I really appreciate it!
Aruna Panangipally says
Hi
Aruna Panangipally says
Hi Sarah,
Happy New Year. 🙂
I sent you a couple of emails. Could you check and reply, please?
Aruna
sarahjmir says
Hey Aruna, I just did - am also thinking I need to change the password on my phone so that my girls stop using it!
Aruna Panangipally says
😀 😀
Jahangir Alam says
I have impressed to see your dishes, very appreciative and admire . Congratulations
This Cake is Desi says
Well first of all you and your daughters are gorgeous. I have four and they are a blessing. Second I'm so glad that I found your blog and the food and recipes look so good. Im sure I'm going to learn alot.
All the best wishes to you Sarah.
sarahjmir says
You are so so sweet - and girls really are wonderful...until about the teen years I suspect 😉
This Cake is Desi says
Hahah, I have four soo umm.. all I can say is that it gets interesting when they hit the teens. But my daughters are like my best friends.:)
Habiba says
Can't believe I've been following your blog/instagram and only JUST read this! What a stunning photo Sarah 🙂
sarahjmir says
Thanks Habiba! All photo credit goes to the talented people at Blue Pepper photography 🙂
theextraaamile says
such a yummy blog 🙂 guess I can learn a lot from here 🙂 🙂 Very nice Sarah... 🙂 and btw you have two adorable daughters 🙂
sarahjmir says
thanks so much! I am a little hooked on to your blog now, can't wait to see what you come up with next!
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
found you through Sadafs blog and very nice to meet you 🙂
sarahjmir says
Likewise!!!
Vajeea says
Hi Sarah! I have visited your blog finally and I am thinking why I didn't earlier...You have got a beautiful blog and lovely recipes. Please do visit mine as I am new to blogging world and would love to get your feedback 🙂
lin says
You are foodie-aholic perfection, thanks!
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
and you are so kind - THANK YOU!
Victoria Stanham says
Can I just say I LOVE your blog!
And can I just ask: how come I only discovered you're a consumate blogger like 2 weeks ago!
I'm already making lists of the stuff I'll be trying out... and then probably won't cook because I've always been the LAZIEST cook ever... so I'll end up sending the link to a friend who DOES cook and ask to be invited to dinner or tea whenever the deliciousness gets baked/cooked.
😉
Sarah Gheewala says
Sarah, I just started using your recipes, on the recommendation of my sister, and it is LIFE-CHANGING. Your recipes are so clear, easy-to-follow and have no weird hard-to-find ingredients. I find that certain Pakistani dishes are made differently than their Indian counterparts and its difficult to get those recipes online. I've only had to tone down the heat level for my American friends, but otherwise, perfection. Thank you for posting i just had to let you know what a game changer your blog is.
Sarah G.
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
I am so doing my happy dance right now! Thanks Sarah for taking the time out to tell me, this makes my day!
zareen says
Your blog is amazing and a life saver with picky/discerning(?) little palettes! Also really helpful that your recipes are customized to North American lifestyle.
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
Zareen thank you thank you for saying that! It means a ton to me on so many fronts!
Mariam says
Jaffff awesome stuff!!!! I wanna try your stuff in person!!!! I do recall brownies u used to bring to school but my taste buds need to be refreshed! Congrats on all ur sucesss!!! Way to go!!!!
❤️
Gokal
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
awww thanks so so much Mariam! Really appreciate the support!
Tariq says
Keep up the good work. Get yr receipes here in UK. Your Nani sounds like mine did and I am now 82. Recall old Delhi and old Karachi. Cheers
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
thank you so very very much! it means a lot to me to hear that
Nyasha says
Nice to meet you Sarah, love the simplicity and niceness of your blog! Your daughters are really cute!
If you have the time, I hope you can check out my spicy food website, Nyam with Ny where I post and review dishes from around the world and homecooking!
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
thank you Nyasha! Will do!
Aslam says
Hi
Do you have a recipe for Lamb Shoulder in the Oven / either in curry or Dry roast with veggies. I have tried the Syrian recipe but it was too bland.
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
Hi! We do a mutton shoulder roast but I imagine you can make lamb the same way. Sadly I don't have it up here yet!
Sarah Mir says
Thank you!
asad says
Hello Sarah I tried your Goat curry recipe, outcome was soo yummy and amazing it was my first attempt with goat meat and it comes out so good. Thnx to you sarah .
Sarah Mir says
thank you!
Bakhtawar says
Hi Sarah!
I just wanted to come on here and comment that I love your blog! I'm in school and I miss the fun recipes that my mom always manages to whip up during Ramadan - so you're blog has been my go to for trying new things. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! I love reading about your backstories per dish and it makes cooking a lot more fun.
Hope you have a great Ramadan, Inshallah!
Best,
Bakhtawar
Sarah Mir says
Bakhtawar!!! I cannot tell you just how much it meant to get this note from you! I also remember being in school and looking up recipes online - back then there were no blogs just two sites and I would pore over them. Sending you so much love and wishing you all the best at school 🙂
Zehra says
Hi Sarah,
I've lost count of how many of your recipes I've made, but they've become a staple in my home. My spice loving husband and my desi food son devour everything I make and it's really thanks to you! I literally don't use any other blogs anymore, if it's not on your blog, it's probably not getting made in my home either 🙂 Please keep them coming!
Sarah Mir says
Ohmigod Zehra - I am SO touched, thank you for this! There's no way I can explain what your kind words here have meant to me - thank you thank you thank you!
Kiran Lakhani says
Hi Sarah!
Happily stumbled across your blog upon searching for a very Pakistani masala fried fish recipe. Since then I've relished 3 of your recipes, all of which have been a treat! So nice to run into you again after so many years this way... over food, which is so fitting 😀
Still remember those amazing brownies we used to make - the recipe of which I've been trying to look up for years but no luck.
Somehow I recall you moved to Toronto. Are you still there? Asking because I'm visiting TO in a couple weeks and would love to meet and catch up if you're down.
Love and hugs,
Kiran
Sarah Mir says
Kiran!!! I can't believe I missed this! I am in Toronto now and am guessing you're not - if you are Id love to meet up. It's been far tooooo long!
Zohair says
Hi Sarah,
On the Hanifia Sauce, by flour - do you mean all-purpose flour ? Maida ?
Please reply ASAP, as I plan to try your recipe tomorrow !
Thanks
Zohair
Cypress TX
Sarah Mir says
Oh gosh! SO SO sorry and yes AP Flour!
Sue salim says
Sarah: I came across your blog it seems to have fantastic recipes. Do you have any sugar free desert recipes? I can only have fruit sugar. Thanks ! Also do you have any videos about recipes?
Sarah Mir says
Hi there and welcome! I am so sorry I don't have sugar free recipes!! I hear that monk fruit sugar works well in the caramel custard and also the kheer, but I have not tried them myself!
Mahmud Ansari says
Assalam-O-Alaikum.
I was introduced to your blog by my daughter, Nida. I looked at your Masoor Daal recipe. While it is available for the Stove Top, the instant pot version is not available. Could you please add it? Thanks.
Wassalam.
Sarah Mir says
Absolutely! I’ll add that in next week IA but masoor cooks fast so I’d say around 6 minutes and natural release!
playdesi says
nice site
Kebab near me says
Hello Sarah,
I'm truly inspired by your blog, Flour & Spice! Your passion for traditional Pakistani cooking and how you share it so beautifully is incredible. The photo of you pouring chai really captures the essence of warmth and heritage. I'm eager to try your pulao, daal, and kulfi recipes. Could you share more about how these dishes connect you to your roots?
Thank you for such a delightful culinary insight!
barbara R. A berkheiser says
Hello, I truly love your puff pastry recipes. May I ask what brand of puff pastry you use as all the recipes look GREAT. Thank you Barbara
Sarah Mir says
thanks! I use anything that is marked as all butter - I am in Canada and both Selection and PC Brand All Butter Puff pastries are good!
samina mariani says
Hello Sarah,
My husband and I've lived in Toronto for almost 4 decades, recently moving to the burbs when our sons moved out. I've read many blogs on our food, but no one comes remotely close to yours - not just how well you write, but the few recipes I've tried are amazing, the numerous I mean to try are mouth-watering and I can tell they're delicious just by reading them - maybe bc I love to cook (tho' I don't come close to my family's great cooking when it comes to desi food), .
Sarah, I'd love to have you and your hubby over for a meal one day or treat you to a coffee somewhere if you're ever so inclined to spend time chatting with an older lady like me, as you feel like a kindred spirit. Regardless, I will continue to admire your blog and thank you for such a wonderful effort!
Sarah Mir says
I am so touched that I don't have words. Any one who has met me can attest to how rare an occurrence that is. Bowled over by your kindness of spirit!