Color Code

Where to learn the secrets of Indian spices

 
 

e just got back from a whirlwind world tour…China, Norway, Italy, France. In other words, we went to Disney’s Epcot. By no means the best interpretation of global gastronomy. Yet I actually was quite surprised. The food wasn’t bad.

We had kjottkaker (a Scandinavian meatball dish of pork, beef and capers) at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (there was a Disney princess there). We had sorbet at L’Artisan des Glaces and otsumami at Kabuki Café (I was the only princess there). With all these international flavors, it was quite the colorful trip.

The night we returned, I was so exhausted I just did the basics for our first dinner at home in a week—polenta, lemon chicken, and corn. Very basic and very yellow. As I looked down at this singular shade, I sighed. It was then that I realized … the vacation was indeed over.

Tomorrow night (April 15), executive chef Anand “Andy” Pokhrel of Shanti Restaurant is going to add a little more color to my life and yours. He will lead an intimate Indian spice class during which you’ll take a magical trip to a kitchen in Indian. You’ll see, smell, and taste the flavors of some of the most popular spices used in Indian cooking. Held at the flagship location in Dorchester from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., this will be one vibrant class.

You’ll learn about the origins, use, traditions, and history of these flavorful spices, as well as the benefits of cooking with them—coriander seed, cumin seed (my favorite), saffron, ajwain (aka ajowan caraway), and mustard seeds. I wish the list included the glorious rust-colored turmeric, but maybe next time. After your lesson, you can sit back and sample dishes that contain them, including dahl soup, onion bhaji, chicken curry, gobi matar, and carrot pudding.

Classes are $25 per person and include your own take-home recipe and Shanti measuring spoon. Reservations can be made by calling 617.929.3900 or clicking here.

It’s certainly one way to spice up your kitchen.

Small Bites
Ester has opened in Dorchester Lower Mills in the space that was formerly the Ledge, with dishes including meatballs, risotto with spring vegetables, and salmon with chickpeas and spiced yogurt. Some of the produce comes from from a garden on the roof. There’s a full bar with cockktails including the Dot and a wide selection of draft beer.

Umbria Prime in the Financial District has added a Happy Oyster Hour featuring dollar oysters at the bar from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday until May 31. The oyster selection will change weekly.

The South Street Diner celebrates National Eggs Benedict Day Wednesday (April 16) from 8 a.m. till 11 p.m. with 16 variations including lobster Benedict, hot dog Benedict, California Benedict avocado.