tomi makanjuola — chef and content creator
New year, new resolution to move toward a more plant-based diet? Today’s #sparkchamber visitor, chef and content creator Tomi Makanjuola, has you covered — again! Back in May, we highlighted Tomi’s thoughts on the creative process, noting her 2018 release of the Plantain Cookbook, a bright and beautiful offering, bursting with delicious and innovative plantain-infused recipes, including options for breakfast, main meals, snacks, desserts, and baked goods.
In November, she released a new work, Vegan Nigerian Kitchen: 100 classic recipes with a plant-based twist, presenting the best of plant-based Nigerian cuisine — from one-pot porridges to spicy soups, stews, savory snacks, sweet treats and cocktails. What an easy and fun way to get the new year off to a healthier start!
Re-posted from May 24, 2021:
Born and raised in Nigeria but currently living in the UK, “food and writing have been my main loves for as long as I can remember.” In 2013, shortly after embracing the vegan lifestyle, she started her blog, The Vegan Nigerian, with heaps of delicious and easy plant-based recipes and weekly cooking videos.
Tomi’s focus now centers on educating people about Nigerian cuisine and making the vegan lifestyle accessible. She offers workshops, catering, recipe development, pop-up events, and more. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Enjoy!!
1.] Where do ideas come from?
From within; from divine inspiration; from observation and analysis
2.] What is the itch you are scratching?
I am driven by the need to express myself, create memories and bring joy to those who need it
3.] Early bird or night owl? Tortoise or hare?
I used to work in a very free-flowing way. Now, I add some structure to that free-flow so that I can work efficiently, effectually, and purposefully. I have the perfect, most energising morning routine for someone who isn't a morning person at all. I begin by listening to an informative podcast first thing in the morning while still lying in bed. It helps my brain wake up as I listen and absorb the inspiring ideas of the podcast. Then I meditate anywhere between 10-30 minutes. This is followed by 30 minutes of dancing along to my favourite playlists. I'm not precise with my movements or dancing style — just whatever I feel like doing. Then it’s shower, breakfast, email checks, and an uninterrupted chunk of time spent “working” on the tasks of the day. No two days are the same work-wise. My evenings are always free to spend time with family and chill out.
4.] How do you know when you are done?
I have set targets each day and work freely within those targets. Once I’ve hit them all and done something to push the needle forward in each target area, I’m done.
