Lesson 1 - Beginner's Session 2 hours

 “Cuisine is the tactile connection we have to breathing history.

History and culture offer us a vibrant living society that we taste through cuisine.

All cuisine is a reflection of the society from which it emanates …

in the end cuisine is the result of culture”– Clifford Wright

For Indians, food is of paramount importance. It is a reflection of their culture, their personality and the range of their hospitality. Most important occasions, events and festivals are marked with carefully thought out menus and painstakingly assembled preparations. Even everyday meals are mostly sit-down affairs with the family. The lady of the house often waits on the rest of the family, serving out portions and making sure everyone has had a fair share of the meal which usually comprises two to three main course dishes, accompaniments like pickles, chutneys and papadums and eaten with rice and roti (bread),rounded off with a piece of dessert or ‘sweet dish’.

"The mere smell of cooking can evoke a whole civilization" - -Fernand Brandel

 At first sight, cooking up a delicious Indian meal may seem daunting. In today’s busy life, it can seem too time intensive. The recipe may require a plethora of ingredients which is enough to put one off. Then there is preparation to be done: lentils to be soaked and vegetables to be diced, chopped or pureed. Breads to be hand-rolled and various processes to be adhered to! But the dividends are enormous! When an Indian meal is being prepared, the aroma wafts through the air and invigorates the senses. It acts as a huge draw with the whole family anticipating an exciting meal-time together. It is truly a multi-sensory experience.

The Vegetarian Angle,

Although Indian cuisine does comprise a vast variety of meat and seafood preparations, India is perhaps the only country that is traditionally vegetarian. All over India one is able to savor a wonderful variety of fresh, healthy vegetarian food and not feel deprived of taste or gratification The country’s bounty is reflected in the primary role vegetables play in its cuisine. Onions, ginger, garlic and tomatoes form the starting point of many recipes. Eggplants, squashes, okra, potatoes and various greens like spinach and mustard often comprise the entree whilst the ubiquitous legumes: lentils, chickpeas, black-eyed peas or kidney beans form the staple protein fix. Sprinklings of fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, dill, fennel and fenugreek add a delicate flavor making it the 'original finger-licking good' meal.

Lesson 1 will attempt to explain the fundamentals of this cuisine. In it we introduce the basic concepts of Baghar or tempering and the role of some key ingredients that underlie the cuisine. Simple, uncomplicated recipes will be explored making it a winsome experience. We guarantee that at the end of the session you will be able to construct an authentic vegetarian home-cooked meal and feel confident enough to try out the more complex curries and kababs that comprise this ambrosial cuisine.

Menu:  Indian Vegetarian

 Daal Makhani ( Black Gram lentil soup),

 Palak Paneer ( Cottage Cheese and spinach) 

 Cumin pulao ( Fragrant Basmati Rice with Cumin)

 Papadum

 Cilantro Chutney

     ( Indian Spiced Tea) *  

Each session  includes the demonstration, recipes and  insights. 

For more details, please email curryflavors@gmail.com
*Menu's are subject to change due to availability of ingredients and/or at chef's discretion

Trivia: The ubiquitous Indian adornment: Indian Bindi (The Dot on the Forehead): Why is it worn, what does it mean?

Terms of Endearment, Words of Encouragement

Some impressions that I received from my students........

Hi Anita, Today was so enjoyable - our neighborhood has indeed gained a treasure. Looking forward to the next session. Christy Adams 

Hi Anta,

Thanks for making our last class so enjoyable. I have enjoyed all of them and hope to continue my "education" in the future. As always the classes seem to bring together a very eclectic and international group which makes the experience even more enjoyable. Jeane

Dear Anita,

I just want to thank you for wonderful session today.

I have enjoyed every minute of it. The food - eating and preparation, the product recommendation, the cultural talk, and of course, the Bollywood contest!

Your backyard actually was very beautiful with the flowers and the trees, and good thing we had some breeze while we were there. EikoTashiro

Hi Anita
Thanks for a thoroughly enjoyable time today - what a great mix of socializing, learning and exercise! All in a beautiful, relaxed and humourous environment. Thank you so much for all the work and organisation you put into it! And thank you also for the lovely Paisley pattern scarf and the fan - so nice to get a prize for having fun! Jan Albert-Recht

Hi Anita

As always, I really had a great time learning new things about the Indian culture.  I’m getting smart every time! Munbai Magic was especially fun, having a picnic-like class out in the yard, playing games and chit-chatting! Thanks to my precious life line, I even won such a fun gift!  Thank you so much! I also look forward to the grocery shopping tour! Yuko Yamada

Dear Anita,

Thoroughly enjoyed the session this morning, your passion for food and sharing your experiences made it extra special. Looking forward to the next one. Hari Kitching
 
Dear Anita, Thank you so much for having us all over and showing us some of your great cooking knowledge.I had a great time and cannot wait until the next session. Astrid Kuehner

Hi Anita,I really enjoyed Curry Flavours at your place last week, it was a real treat and something different to do, especially as I am so fond of curry!
I thought it was a great idea to send out the recipes as we could all get familiar with what you were going to make and of course they are great for us to have.  I made the chutney and poppadums for a starter that night and my husband was very happy!!
I am very much looking forward to the next meeting and seeing all the new faces again. Suzie Drummond

Thanks Anita for a great and informative cooking demo, Indian food, is just so tasty, looking forward to curry flavouring in 2012.

Hello Anita.

The curry class was fantastic not only because of the beautiful food that you taught us to make, but also the atmosphere that you created - the music and all of the cultural background involved. I learned a lot about your Indian customs and for me it was a very fascinating time in your home. Patricia

Anita,Thank you so much for having us all over and showing us some of your great cooking knowledge.

Hi Anita, I thoroughly enjoyed your class! Loved everything about it. What a unique concept. I liked the whole cultural learning experience and the food was great. Liked learning the cooking techniques and tips and eating the yummy food afterward. Keep up the great work!! I am looking forward to more…Lisa Carpenter

Hi Anita, I just cant wait for the next cooking lesson to come up. I really enjoyed the food today and the good company. Thank you for sharing your cooking skills. I will serve this menu for the whole family when I get all the ingredients in house, and thank you ladies for all the info for best places to shop in Houston. Now time for a good cup of tea. Have a good one! Anne :0)

Hi Anita, I really enjoyed today, you are a wonderful and informative host! I will be trying all of the recipes you featured today, and will let you know how it goes. I have always enjoyed cooking and eating curries, and I am glad to have some help from you to improve the flavor of my food. Knowing the right way to "temper" the spices will change how I make curry. Everything was excellent, from the food, to the insight into Indian life, to your charming son, thanks again to you both, Ann

Dear Anita,

Well I must say that your Curry Flavors “delivered” on all the things I thought were important: the first being recipes easy to replicate at home without allot of added expense; very tasty which means that I would want to make it for my family; the various cultural exchange that we are all truly "one “ no matter the color of our skin or our accent!  :) and of course the sisterly sharing that is so indicative of being women. Love the cultural exchange. I thank you for so easily pouring out of yourself to make "Curry Flavors”.Jude Ann Yehl

Dear Anita

I am very happy that we met and you invited me to join this class.
Today was just fantastic - a perfect way of spending several hours of the day by taking this journey through culture, senses and tastes in a wonderful company and led by such a great hostess. It has been very inspirational for me. 


Thank you for organizing this, being such a fantastic hostess and teacher, and sharing your knowledge, experience and personal sparkle with us. 
I truly appreciated it and look forward to our next session.


I just loved the way you ran this class and engaged all of us in discussions on so many different topics which just magically fit together: cooking, health, our backgrounds, families, experiences, etc etc. 


Last but not least, the food was just yummy and I enjoyed it so much (and I am sure my growing baby did too :). I can't wait to try making it at home.


P.S. I loved the idea with goodie bags which we can take home and have a start-up kit on the recipes we just learned! 

Veronika Demichelis

Hi Anita:

Just wanted to say thank you again for a lovely lunch on Friday.  I can’t think of a nicer way to spend a few hours – a wonderful learning experience, making new friends, and sharing a delicious meal!

I thought you might find it interesting  (and timely) to hear that on a nutrition segment of The Today Show this morning, black lentils were recommended as kind of a “super food” for 2012.  So all of us who have attended your Curry Flavors class are way ahead of the trend with our tasty recipe for Daal Makhani! -Lisa Rawl

 "Thanks for a fun morning Anita. great to be learning at the same time as having fun. Loved your delivery and personal input. Met some lovely ladies. I feel India Mart calling me:) Would love to do curry class. Thanks and see you soon. 

X " "Neezie"Denise Munro

Dear Anita,

I just want to thank you for wonderful session today.

I have enjoyed every minute of it.The food - eating and preparation, the product recommendation, the cultural talk, and of course, the Bollywood contest!

Your backyard actually was very beautiful with the flowers and the trees, and good thing we had some breeze while we were there. Eiko 

Thanks for making our last class so enjoyable. I have enjoyed all of them and hope to continue my "education" in the future. As always the classes seem to bring together a very eclectic and international group which makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Thank YOU dear Anita,

It was such a magic day - full of colour, light and vibrance. You have a talent for organizing such unforgettable events. I hope there will be more of them in the future!

Dear Anita,

Thoroughlyenjoyed the session this morning, your passion for food and sharing your experiences made it extra special. Looking forward to the next one. Hari

Thanks Anita for a great and informative cooking demo, Indian food, is just so tasty, looking forward to curry flavouring in 2012. Jenny Mills

Anita,

Thank you so much for your wonderful cooking class as well as your introduction to the Indian culture.  I thoroughly enjoyed the day, enriched with exotic Indian culture.  All in my family love Indian dishes , and I look forward to joining your next cooking class together with your presentation of Indian culture.  And  I certainly hope my friends can join some time. Thanks again!  And please also thank your handsome son! -Yuko Yamada

Hello Anita.

Thanks Anita for opening your home and your heart and sharing your knowledge of cooking and your home India.

Hi Anita,

 Really enjoyed Curry Flavours at your place last week, it was a real treat and something different to do, especially as I am so fond of curry!

Hi Anita,

I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed our get together last week! It really was fun and you are a master of story telling!! I could listen to many more...! Of course the food was delicious and I will be having a go very soon. I also loved seeing all your beautiful art work. I wish you all success with this venture - I'm sure it will be very popular!!Grace Terroir

Hi Anita, I really enjoyed today, you are a wonderful and informative host! I will be trying all of the recipes you featured today, and will let you know how it goes. I have always enjoyed cooking and eating curries, and I am glad to have some help from you to improve the flavor of my food. Knowing the right way to "temper" the spices will change how I make curry. Everything was excellent, from the food, to the insight into Indian life, to your charming son, thanks again to you both, Ann Sinclair

Hi Anita,
I enjoyed your class and all the wonderful insights you shared with us. I felt you did a great job introducing me to Indian culture, food, and history. Growing up in the U.S. I have not really been exposed to that culture until the last few years and I think I learned quite a bit today. I will check out your blog soon to see what's going on there. Jeanne Vrakas

Dear Anita

Thank you for a lovely morning and delicious lunch yesterday. You made us all feel so welcome in your beautiful home.

 I made up a recipe last night for supper based on your ideas and the paneer I took home. It actually turned out rather well so thank you for the inspiration! Marjory

Dear Anita,
Thank you for a lovely afternoon.  What a great concept, atmosphere and wonderful mix of women to get to know.  I can't wait to try making some of the recipes and exploring more Indian cuisine.  I found the balance of the whole session perfect, from the number of guests, and the amount of food to the cooking demonstration and cultural information.  

Thanks again for a great experience and I can't wait of for the next Curry Flavour session. Julie Marshall

Anita, You and my fellow students very successfully curried my favor yesterday!  It was a greryone, to learn from you all, and to enjoy the fruits (and veggies, herbs and spices) of your labor.  I look forward to our further culinary and cultural adventures. Kathy

Dear Anita,
Thanks so much for the Curry Flavors experience - it was great morning learning about the food and culture and meeting lots of interesting women.

The mix of conversation, cooking and learning about the ingredients was great. Giving us our own little note books was a great idea - a lovely souvenir of the day and now it has useful notes in it too.I look forward to hearing more about the Curry Flavors experience. Alison

Anita,

Thank you all for making Curry Flavors come alive!

Lesson 2 - "Spice-of-Life" Indian Curries

This time our aromatic journey takes you through the array of spices that go into making the famed 'Indian Curry'. Historically, the spices of India have fascinated the Western world, making explorers chart new sea routes and kingdoms fight many wars. And not without reason. Spices have been used in India since antiquity: their taste-enhancing  and  therapeutic capabilities making them a valuable commodity surpassing that of even Silk and Incense.

Even today, spices pose an enigma. One is never sure which one to use and how much to use. Much less, one is not sure about the reason why a specific spice is used. The Curry Flavors Session will attempt to demystify the spices that go into the Indian curry and provide the fundamentals of simple, everyday home cooking in India. Through Show and Tell, it  will teach the essential cooking techniques required to learn this cuisine in a simple and effective manner.

NOTE: To fully understand the nuances of Lesson 2, taking Lesson 1, Beginner's Session is highly  recommended

Cuisine : Indian Non- Vegetarian & Vegetarian Curry *

• Appetiser :  Chaas (Indian buttermilk drink laced with spices) or Ice Lemon Tea
• Entree: 

• Chicken Masala ( Chicken in Curry sauce) 
• Vegetable Curry ( Vegetables in spice gravy) 
• Masoor Daal ( Red lentil puree to complement the curries)
• Kachoomar ( Indian salad)
• Entrees will be served with Naan ( Indian bread)  &  fragrant basmati rice
• Applam ( rice crackers)  

*Menu's are subject to change due to availability of ingredients and/or at chef's discretion
Session includes cultural insights, food demonstration and  recipes 

Trivia: Indian Jewelry: Adornment? Embellishment? Or a Statement ? Find out more......