We had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Sheil Shukla about his expertise, food, traditional Indian culture, and Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. Check out the interview below and get to know more about his work and career.
Dr. Sheil Shukla, DO, is a board-certified internal medicine physician with Northwestern Medicine in Illinois. He is the creative mind behind @plantbasedartist on Instagram and the author of the vegan cookbook Plant-Based India, which was recognized as one of The New York Times Best Cookbooks of 2022 and nominated for a 2023 James Beard Foundation Book Award.
As a doctor, Dr. Shukla envisions educating the medical community about the benefits of a plant-based diet to encourage individuals to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diets. He believes it is crucial to combat misinformation on diets and nutrition in today’s media landscape.
In terms of nutrition and public health, Dr. Shukla emphasizes the significant role nutrition plays in public health and advocates for increased access to healthful foods and addressing food deserts. He looks forward to a future where medical providers are equipped to counsel patients on nutrition as effectively as they do pharmacotherapy.
Reflecting on his Indian heritage, Dr. Shukla highlights the diverse spices and legumes that are staples in Indian cuisine. Cumin, coriander, fennel, turmeric, mung beans, black chickpeas, and red lentils are some of his favorite ingredients that feature prominently in traditional Indian dishes.
AAPI Month holds special meaning for Dr. Shukla as it celebrates the vibrant AAPI community and encourages learning and sharing cultural heritage. He sees it as an opportunity to grow together and foster understanding among diverse communities.
Dr. Shukla’s cookbook, Plant-Based India, showcases his family’s culinary heritage with over 100 Indian and Indian-inspired recipes that are accessible to a Western audience. One of the recipes featured in the book is Gājjar No Halvo Baked Oatmeal, a hearty and nutritious dessert that combines grated carrots, oats, spices, and nuts for a comforting treat.
To try out the Gājjar No Halvo Baked Oatmeal recipe and explore more plant-based Indian dishes, pick up a copy of Plant-Based India and visit www.sheilshukla.com and @plantbasedartist on Instagram for more from Dr. Shukla. Enjoy the flavors of Indian cuisine and embrace the power of plant-based eating!
