Indian Cooking Made Simple - Class I

1. Onion Bhajis

2. Baingan Bharta or Gujarati Olo

3. Tadka Dal

4. Chapati Or Fulka Roti

5. Kaju Pulav Rice

Onion Bhajis need no introduction! These onion fritters made with gram flour and simple herbs & spices are loved by one and all. While the restaurant menu ties this to the appetiser section, this is fact, such a versatile snack. You could have it for your group meals, or evening snacks and the Indian me would say, the perfect setup for these is a rainy day and some warming masala chai. Enjoy the sight of rain and your favourite melodies, with the comforting warmth of these bhajis and sips of masala chai. Bliss!!

Baigan Bharta, also called Olo in Gujarat state of India, is a very popular dish made from roasted aubergine. The pulp of roasted is mashed and then seasoned with simple spices, and fresh herbs and slow-cooked further for a bit. The simplicity of this dish is very captivating, as it accentuates the smoky flavours of the aubergine, without the other spices masking its presence.

Tadka Dal may be seen as an Indian lentil stew made using boiled lentils and then tempered in spices and herbs. Dal is best enjoyed with rice or any of the Indian breads or who cares, enjoy a warm bowl of dal on its own for a comforting warmth. The Indian way would be to add a bit of ghee (Clarified butter) to the dal for enhanced aroma and taste.

Chapati or Fulka Roti is a simple Indian flatbread. Made using whole wheat flour and cooked on the griddle, the rotis are an everyday feature of the Indian household. A perfect partner for your curries and dal but not limited to them. Make a jam/Nutella roll or dip just the rolled chapati in milk or use it as a base for a salad wrap and so much more!

Kaju (Cashew nuts) Pulav Rice is a flavourful rice variant that would go best with your dal or curry. Best prepared with aromatic basmati rice, cashew nuts, and a blend of spices. You may choose to add other dry fruits or keep them out of the recipe as well if you wish. Feel free to ask about ‘raita’ a yoghurt-based curry cooler that I feel is a match made in heaven with any Pulav rice.

We invite you to join us here at our authentic Indian, family-run restaurant and sample some of the finest Indian food Cambridgeshire has to offer. Namaste Village is a traditional Indian restaurant with a modern outlook that has been serving its authentic offerings to this city for over a decade with comforting care & service. Our ethos is one of kindness and heartfelt service that treats customers as family. Join us to experience the spirit and spice of India with us, in this beautiful city of Cambridge.

Address: 45-47 Castle St, Cambridge CB3 0AH

Cookery classes are conducted on the 2nd Sunday of each month by our restaurant chef and his associate chefs. Class I and Class II are scheduled every alternate month. You will be part of an active and engaging demonstration of preparing proper Indian meals from start to end. For certain key techniques and steps during the cooking, volunteers are invited from the attendees. All ingredients and equipment required for the class will be provided by us. A recipe booklet will be provided for you to take home and practice the recipes. The next step, that’ll be impressing your loved ones!

At the end of the class, you are free to socialise and/or enjoy the food prepared during the class. YOU may invite your family & friends to sample some of what you made in the class. The restaurant opens immediately as the cookery class concludes, so you are welcome to stay back, relax and savour some more off the menu if you wish.

9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

9:00 AM – Welcome the attendees. Hot drinks (tea or coffee) will be provided to bring everyone to attention and then we’ll begin the proceedings of the class.

12:00 PM - End of the session with Q & A and lunch to follow.

Host or Publisher Namaste Village Cambridge