Nada Choufi, an extraordinary mother, baker, and founder of MotherMayI, juggles life like a pro! She has left an indelible mark in the culinary world with her delectable hummus creations, enchanting taste buds under the signature brand, MotherMayI Hummus. In this interview, Nada opens up about her inspiring journey and unwavering passion for healthy eating and culinary innovation.
Can you share your earliest cooking memories with your dad?
I have always loved being in the kitchen with my parents. Growing up with three siblings, we had a blast creating fun messes while cooking together. One of my fondest memories is baking pies with my dad. As a pastry chef, he had a magic touch when it came to baked goods. We would carefully design the pie crusts, pick the flavors, and even carve a little design in the middle for heat to escape. The waiting was the hardest part, but the delicious pies were always worth it, even if we burned the roofs of our mouths in excitement.
During childhood, what dish did you love making the most in the kitchen?
My absolute favorites to make were hummus and fatayer. These traditional Middle Eastern dishes inspired creativity and were incredibly versatile. We could add our own touches, experiment with garnishes, flavors, and shapes. Fatayer, a dough usually stuffed with meat or spinach (known as meat pies), was a joy to create - from making the dough and folding them to rubbing zaatar and olive oil on top before baking. Paired with smooth, creamy fresh hummus on the side, it was the perfect dinner. The smell of fresh dough baking in a bakery still brings back nostalgic memories of my childhood.
As a parent of three boys, what basic kitchen skills and cooking tips do you emphasize while teaching them?
Healthy eating is a top priority for me as a parent. I believe in nourishing our bodies with a variety of foods for better nutrition and overall well-being. I encourage my kids to explore new ideas and flavors, both in cooking and baking. I want them to feel comfortable bringing their own unique culinary creations to the table, and let me tell you, they already have quite the adventurous palates!
Source: Mothermayibake.comYour brand of hummus has gained significant popularity. How do you maintain consistent quality, and what challenges do you encounter in doing so?
Consistency in quality is essential for us, and it comes with its fair share of challenges. Operating in the small business world means facing numerous obstacles daily, but it’s all about how you handle them that defines your character. We embrace growth and learning, and each day presents an opportunity to improve. With a dedicated team and a focus on food safety and processes, we ensure that every batch of our hummus is rich, creamy, smooth, and delicious. Oh, and let’s not forget about my adorable taste testers who help keep us on track!
Being an immigrant businessperson in Canada, what are some of the challenges you’ve encountered and how have you overcome them?
Upscaling and managing growth have been some of my most significant challenges. As our business grows, so do the demands. From larger investments to more significant ingredients and machinery, it’s a constant balancing act. Finding the right team, streamlining processes, and securing the ideal facility all play a role in overcoming these hurdles. Our strong community support has been invaluable throughout this journey, making the challenges worthwhile.
With the juggling act of work, home, parenting, and social media, how do you find time to unwind and take a break?
Taking time to unwind and focus on family balance is crucial for us. My kids are actively involved in our work, making it more of a fun family affair than just ‘work.’ We attend markets, do TV segments and talks together. Including them in the process not only allows us to bond but also teaches them valuable entrepreneurial skills. However, family time is essential, and my husband and I have no hesitation in unplugging from work to recharge and enjoy quality time together.
What dish that you make is your husband’s absolute favorite?
Falafel! We absolutely love falafel in our home, and it’s quite ironic that falafel is made from chickpeas - the star ingredient of our hummus. While you can find falafel readily available back home, it’s challenging to find a good one in Canada. So, we make our own and add all the toppings and sauces to give it an authentic feel. Falafel night is a beloved tradition in our household.
When you’re in the mood for experimenting in the kitchen, do you have any go-to treats or takeout options you like to indulge in?
Experimenting with different dips is always a fun endeavor for us. Although we’ve mastered the art of hummus, our love for it never fades. We often play around with guacamole and baba ghanoush, adding our unique twist to these classic dishes. We are currently exploring different hummus flavors and, believe me, we have an ah-mazing falafel hummus that might just blow your mind!
Who are your biggest food inspirations? Are there any specific individuals you follow closely for inspiration?
My biggest food inspirations are undoubtedly my parents. Raising four kids and ensuring we had healthy, home-cooked meals three to four times a day was no easy feat. Their dedication to providing us with nourishing food and the quality time we spent together at the dining table left a lasting impact on me. As I go through the same journey now, I appreciate and look up to them even more. I also admire Connie DeSouza, a fellow mom and a Master Chef from Calgary, who constantly inspires me with her culinary brilliance.
Can you tell us about the most unique or unusual combination you’ve tried with hummus that turned out surprisingly delicious?
Dill Pickle Hummus! Traditionally, pickles and hummus may not seem like a match made in heaven, but we decided to experiment, and the result was spectacular. This unique combination, with its dill flavor and creamy hummus goodness, has become one of Calgary’s best-selling hummus variants. It’s a healthy twist that retains all the properties of hummus while adding a tantalizing new taste. You can now find my vegan, oil-free, and gluten-free hummus dips at various local stores, including Co-op, Safeway, Sobeys, Italian Centre, Blush Lanes, and more. So dip local and experience the delightful fusion of flavors in our favorite cultural dish - together!
