A family dish submitted by a Birmingham doctor will be included in a new cookbook by celebrity chef Jean-Christope Novelli.

Following a nationwide search for homemade recipes in partnership with Flora Cuisine, Jean-Christoph came across Sherin Jos Payyappilly’s Keralan Prawn Biriyani.

The Heartlands Hospital doctor, who lives in Bournville with her family, said the dish was always top of the menu for family and friends prompting her to submit it for the cookbook. Mum-of-one Sherin said: “This biriyani recipe has been in my family for years and we use a lot of fish in cooking in my native Kerala.

“As well as using prawns instead of fish when I came to the UK, I also decided to use a microwave to help speed up the cooking time, something no one would ever do in India.

“Everyone loves this dish, whenever someone comes to our home for a special meal this is what we have. I even make a less spicy version for my three-year-old son who’s already a fan.”

After her entry to the competition, Sherin also decided to start writing a food blog. She added: “I am really pleased to hear my recipe was chosen, and that Jean-Christophe liked it. I can’t wait to see it in the book now.”

Michelin starred chef Jean-Christophe said: “It was a privilege to judge this nationwide competition, and see first hand just how much cooking talent and skill there is out there! Sherin’s Keralan Prawn Biriyani was utterly delicious – the perfect family dish.

“Research conducted earlier in the year by Flora Cuisine revealed that 34 per cent of mums cook triple dinners and a staggering per cent of mums in the UK own recipe books they never use. This really got us thinking and essentially inspired the team to create a book of some of the recipes we received through the Flora Hearts page that were easy and tasty.

“Most importantly we wanted to create a book that wouldn’t gather dust.”

Alessandra Safa, brand manager of Flora Cuisine, added: “We’ve been so overwhelmed by the fantastic response to this campaign. It’s been such a treat to try out hundreds of superb recipes from families all over the country, and combine the best to form one master cookbook to tickle all taste buds.”