Incredible Indian Cuisine with Chef Anita of Pondicheri

If you have already tried the famous Indian classic dishes such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Naan, and other restaurant staple curries, it's time to expand your horizon and explore further into other real, authentic vibrant foods of India.

None other than Chef Anita Jaisinghani, a James Beard Award winning Chef and Owner of highly acclaimed Pondicheri restaurant based in Houston will be your mentor this evening and introduce you to three incredible items: Fresh Cilantro Chutney, Chaat Salad, Stuffed Paratha flat bread, all from scratch. All of these dishes can be modified to be vegan-friendly and nut-free. With dazzling flavor of cilantro chutney, crunchy and refreshing sensation of chaat salad, the star of the evening, hand-made stuffed paratha bread will satisfy your soul, fresh and hot out off the grill. Similar to naan, this flat bread is a popular alternative that does not require a long time of proofing and provide amazing texture. Once you have executed these items with expert instructions of Chef Anita, you will then learn to garnish, plate, and then finally, dig in to your masterpiece with other fellow food lovers joining you virtually.

The chef will be using techniques that are approachable for any home cook. No experience or fancy kitchen equipment are required! We will send you a list of ingredients & equipment required to cook along with Chef Anita in real time. If you have an Indian grocer nearby, that would be the best place to source your ingredients, otherwise Indian specialty ingredients can also be purchased online. Some of the essential ingredients you will need include: cucumber, pomegranate kernels, cilantro, red onion, peanuts, lime, puffed rice*, sev* or crushed potato chips, mango, honey or maple syrup, garlic, cumin seeds, chili powder, salt, black pepper, vegetable oil, roti flour*, cauliflower, turmeric powder, ajwain* (similar to celery seed spice), green onions/scallions, paneer*, ghee*, ginger, serrano pepper.

Prepare your mis-en-place ahead of the session (according to the recipe), grab a glass of your favorite drink, and get ready to cook along with this highly acclaimed Chef! You will have the opportunity to engage with Chef Anita throughout using the Zoom chat box. There will also be time at the end for a formal Q&A.