The story behind Simran Cooks and the flavorful sauces that bring families together.
Simran Khiantani is the creator of The Red Drizzler, a bold, addictive sauce inspired by the flavors of the Canary Islands and powered with a generous seasoning of her Indian home and heritage. From potlucks and tapas nights to building a full-fledged food business, Simran shares her incredible culinary journey, her family’s influence, and the secret ingredient that makes all the difference. Her journey is a reminder that the best businesses often begin at the kitchen table with the basic ingredients of love and flavor.
The role of food in the family’s daily life
In New York, it’s a crazy busy life, so weekday dinners aren’t always leisurely. But on weekends, we make it a point to have family meals together. We sit around the table and talk about the best and worst parts of our day—and how we could make things better. It’s become a really special tradition, and that quality time always happens around food.
The Inspiration for her passion
My husband grew up in the Canary Islands in Spain, and his mother was an amazing cook—beyond any bias. She loved to feed people. If you told her you were craving something, she’d remember and make it for you. That spirit of hospitality really shaped how we entertain. We host a lot, and one thing that was always on the table was this classic red sauce from the Canary Islands called mojo rojo. We now call it ‘The Red Drizzler.’ It became our go-to appetizer for every party—always ready in the fridge for whoever dropped by.
From a private party favorite to a flourishing business
There are so many small things we do out of habit or tradition that we don’t see it as special… until someone from the outside experiences it. That’s when you realize there’s something really worth sharing with the world. It started with a Spanish tapas night at our place. One of the dishes was Papas Arrugadas with mojo rojo. When one of our friends tasted it, she was floored—said it was the best thing she’d ever eaten. She immediately ordered me a book called ‘Cooking as a Business.’ I read it, related to every story, and thought—maybe I can turn this into something bigger. That’s how it began.
From Graphic Design to Drizzle
I loved working in graphic design and still do—but this feels more purposeful. It’s like I’m giving people a taste of my home. There’s something very personal and fulfilling about that.
The best cooking advice
My mother-in-law taught me that two people can follow the exact same recipe and it still won’t taste the same. Why? Because food needs love and instinct. It’s about being present while you cook—about how you stir, season, taste, and tweak.
A Bold twist on tradition
The original Canary Island version isn’t as spicy. But our Indian palates wanted more kick, so we amped up the red chili. Also, in Spain, the sauce’s orange hue often comes from saffron or food coloring. But I refuse to use artificial color. So we use turmeric—simple, natural, and good for you.
Drizzle, Dip, Devour
Simran Cooks’ all-natural, vegan sauces are bold, versatile, and packed with flavor. The sauces are dairy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free, with a homemade taste that elevates any dish. Inspired by Spanish roots, they pair effortlessly with everything from potatoes and pasta to roast chicken, crudités, and toast.
The Maker’s Products
The Red Drizzler
The Red Drizzler is Simrans’ mother-in-law’s old recipe which she had perfected over the last 40-years while living in the Canary Islands, Spain. Inspired from Mojo Rojo or Mojo Picon, a sauce originally from the Canary Islands, it is made with peppers, olive oil, vinegar, garlic and spices with no preservatives or artificial flavors. Traditionally, it is drizzled over potatoes, but the options are endless. Enjoy the versatility of The Red Drizzler with cuisines from all over the world. $14.99
The Mother Mix
The Mother Mix, a Spanish cooking base, started as a secret family recipe when cooking Paella, and has been perfected over time with love. It is a versatile base that can add flavor to your weeknight cooking, saving you a lot of time with meal prep. Make use of this pantry staple to create complex flavors with minimal work. A tasty and healthy simmer sauce that is packed with the many health benefits of turmeric, bell peppers, tomatoes and more. Toss it with a meat of your choice, dip shrimp in it, or cook it with rice, pasta or any of your favorite grains. $16.99
