Masterclass: Plant Based South Indian Cuisine

The Plant Based South Indian Masterclass is an exploration of heritage Southern Indian cuisine that has rarely been seen outside of family homes. Chef Nishma Shah - of award-winning vegan educators and caterers Shambhu's - will bring authentic moments to the plate with deep flavours.

This class is suitable for skilled chefs looking to add vegan alternatives to their knowledge base as well as novice and experienced home cooks interested in plant-based cooking.

The class journey:

• Start this experience enjoying delicious masala tea, while learning the stories behind these dishes and Southern Indian Cuisine
• Learn the technique that is the heart of Indian cooking: tempering or blooming spices (and in some instances herbs, chilis, ginger, or alliums like onion or garlic) to get the most flavour out of them
• Cook the classic dosa filling: potato masala
• Discover how to make a thin dosa using fermented red rice and split urad bean batter
• Make a baked version of the universal favourite: onion bhaji
• Make traditional chutneys to accompany the masala dosa and onion bhajis
• Top off the experience with the stunning views across leafy Clapton Common as you cook and learn
• Easy-to-follow recipe sheets provided to recreate the dishes again and again at home

This class will be a mixture of practical cooking, demos and time to ask questions. We are now returning to 'family style' cooking with everyone cooking and sharing workstations. This creates more of a communal and interactive experience, working together as a team. All ingredients and equipment needed for the class are provided.

About Nishma Shah:

Nishma Shah is the founder and chef of award-winning ethically-conscious London plant-based food business, Shambhu’s. She provides plant-based catering and teaches plant-based cookery in a number of settings, drawing from her Indian and Kenyan culinary roots with the aim of showing how delicious, varied and nutritious plant-based food can be. She has been a masterclass teacher for Made In Hackney for over 6 years and has also taught plant-based cookery for many other organisations, both in the UK and abroad.

Note: This is a fundraising class and the proceeds help us fight hunger and deliver free events in our community. At Made In Hackney we believe access to good food is a human right, not a privilege. Every ticket you buy helps us provide essential support to individuals and families facing food insecurity. If you would like to learn more about our work and impact, please click here.

Refunds/transfers: Please understand our charity needs time to resell your tickets as we rely heavily on the income generated by our fundraising classes. We require a minimum of 14 days' notice for any cancellations or transfers once you have booked onto a class. You are also welcome to give your ticket to a friend or family member in case of last minute illness (just email classes@madeinhackney.org to let us know).

Vouchers: If you need assistance to redeem a voucher purchased on our website, please contact us via email: classes@madeinhackney.org.

We’ve Published Our Debut Cookbook — We Cook Plants! Based on 12 years of experience as a pioneering vegan community cookery school, it offers practical, inclusive, and delicious plant-based recipes with creative solutions to real-life challenges like cost, access, and time. 👉 Buy Our Debut Cookbook - We Cook Plants and support our mission to make healthy, sustainable food accessible to all.

For information: classes@madeinhackney.org / 020 8442 4266 / WhatsApp message +44 07833685894