Padma Lakshmi’s upcoming cookbook release isn’t just a love letter to tasty food, but also includes some help from her loved one, her daughter, Krishna (aka Little Hands). The former Top Chef host recently shared some insight into how her kid helped her test out and create recipes for the book, Padma’s All American: Tales, Travels, and Recipes from Taste the Nation and Beyond.
In a video posted to her Instagram, Padma shares that her daughter was on hand to taste her recipe for ribollita, which she describes as a “rustic, beautiful soup” from Italy, as well as help to watch the dish cook up. “There’s been interest in [Little Hands’] involvement in my new cookbook, so here is some insight for you. This recipe and many others will be in Padma’s All American,” she shared several weeks back about the dish they cooked up together.
Padma also recently posted a video that teases some of the recipes, offering a tasty preview of what’s to come on her Instagram (and, yes, it all looks delicious). When speaking to People, Padma further noted just how involved her daughter was with the book, adding, “Krishna has her own recipe in there, and you can also see in the photos how she’s grown just in the years it took me to put this book together. This book is a scrapbook of our lives in food over the last six-seven years.”
When does Padma Lakshmi’s new cookbook come out?
Mark your calendars: Padma’s new cookbook release hits retailers on November 4.
“I’ve always thought the most exciting pockets of American food are in immigrant enclaves,” Padma recently also shared with People about the book, which features recipes from her family as well as her travels for her series, Taste the Nation. “I’ve grown up in these communities on both coasts and have spent my life eating all kinds of food across this nation with both my shows. American food is more regional than folks realize and what makes it so great are all these influences on our national cuisine.”
What happened to Padma Lakshmi on Top Chef?
Padma stepped away from hosting Bravo’s Top Chef back in 2023 and handed the reins over to the show’s current host, Kristen Kish. “After much soul searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave Top Chef,” Padma wrote on Instagram at the time. “Having completed a glorious 20th season as host and executive producer, I am extremely proud to have been part of building such a successful show and the impact it has had in the worlds of television and food… After 17 years, many of the cast and crew are like family to me and I will miss working alongside them dearly. I feel it’s time to move on.”
In the years since, Padma has remained a force in the food world and entertainment industry. In addition to her upcoming new cookbook, Padma is also active in highlighting important social causes, promoting the works of other chefs and food industry insiders, as well as performing in comedy shows. She is also, of course, a proud mom to her teen daughter, Krishna.
Padma Lakshmi shares an update on her daughter on her recent birthday
Believe it or not, Padma’s daughter, whom she co-parents with her ex, Adam Dell, is now, wait for it, 15 years old. “Littlehands is getting bigger!!! 15!!!!!!!!” Padma shared back in February to mark the teen’s birthday. “I can’t believe it. Every day of the last 15 years has been an adventure. Happy birthday Krishna Thea. I love you once, I love you twice, I love you more than beans and rice.”
Learn more about Padma’s post-Top Chef comedy career.
