Ushma Patel, Ushma's Kitchen: Five things I would change about Jersey

Friday 14 April 2017

Ushma Patel grew up amid the smells, colours and flavours of Mombasa, before moving to London and then Jersey 18 years ago to grace the Island with sparkling Diwali parties and zingy cuisine in private cooking classes held in her very own kitchen.

A fusion of global and local, her recipes are all about the best of both worlds: East African Asian spice and the finest of Island life. Now she’s sharing her tips to spice up not just our food, but Jersey as a whole.

1. Cancer care at home

In an ideal world, I would have a Radiotherapy Centre in Jersey, but maybe a unit or two would be more realistic with staff rotation through Southampton General Hospital.

Pictured: Ushma's secret spice combinations, stocked at the Fresh Fish Company, Midland Stores and Lucas Brothers.

We could treat the cancer patients here and they would not need to go away from their family and the comfort of their homes at such a traumatic time in their lives. Having trained as a radiotherapy radiographer, I always hoped that this would materialise at some point as there’s always been talk about it. It would be especially relevant for all the palliative care patients who could benefit from this immensely. 

2. Safety first means better street lighting

I would like more street lighting around our island roads. I drive up to St John every week on La Grande Route de St Laurent, and I just think a little more street lighting would really benefit motorists and pedestrians, especially as it can be a busy road at times.

3. Give refuge to 40 families... it's a small act with a big impact

In these uncertain times and with the worst humanitarian crisis and forced migration since the Second World War, surely it’s time for Jersey to rethink their closed approach on the horrendous Refugee Crisis?

Pictured: Ushma's famous lamb biryani, a favourite among family and friends.

Having helped The Jersey Cares Refugee Aid Group (JCRAG), I do believe that given the Island's past history and heritage, there are more people on this beautiful island who would be willing to help and take our fair share which would amount to a few families or 40 men, women and children. That's a drop in the ocean, but it’s 40 lives that we as a compassionate community can make a real difference! These are families who have hopes and aspirations for their children just like the rest of us. This is happening on our watch and we can’t afford to look away, otherwise what are we going to tell our grandchildren?

4. Life in plastic... It's not so fantastic

Although we have got better, we need to extend it to plastic packaging and cooked food too. Even though I buy most of my fruit and veg from farm shops, I compost everything I can. It’s impossible to get away from plastic packaging and unwanted cooked food that could go to be recycled. The amount of plastic that’s ending up in our seas and ultimately in our food chain is truly shocking!

Pictured: Ushma loves to incorporate local seafood into her creations, just like these Prawn Puris.

5. A new approach to the fog problem

This year has already been one of the worst ones in my opinion for getting off the island due to FOG... and it's only April! I think a giant fog blower around the airport would be amazing... If not, a bridge to France would do!