Cookery classes inspire new interest in cooking traditional foods

In addition to learning how to cook a selection of traditional dishes, participants received valuable tips from Auntyji Razia Laljee, such as what spices work well with particular foods. Courtesy of Farah Williamson

Recognising that a younger generation of Ismailis in the United Kingdom are less likely to know how to cook traditional foods, members of the Youth Cultural and Social Network – a committee of the Ismaili Council for the United Kingdom's Youth and Sports Portfolio – recently organised a series of cookery classes.

The classes were designed to be interactive and not overly complex. Simple dishes were selected that participants at any skill level would feel comfortable replicating in their own homes. A suitable venue was found, and prospective participants were invited to Come Cook with Auntyji.

Come Cook with Auntyji offered “a fun and relaxed way to learn how to make our food,” said Hussein Lalji. Courtesy of Farah Williamson

The response was fantastic – people loved the idea and wanted to be part of it. Participants had lots of different motivations for joining the class. One, who was recently married, felt it was now the time to learn how to cook. A young man, who never had the time to learn from his mum, jumped at the opportunity to get hands-on experience.

“You are what you eat,” said Hussein Lalani, who participated in one of the classes. “Our cuisine is an important part of our identity and these classes are a fun way to connect with it.”

Tasty kebabs that are ready to eat, together with a yoghurt dip. Nazma Lakhani

Participants cooked side-by-side with “Auntyji” Razia Laljee, who has a passion for cooking and was happy to teach her craft. She passed on years of knowledge and experience through simple tips such as what spices work well with certain foods, and how to adapt recipes to suit one's taste.

The menu consisted of kebabs, bateta saak (potato curry), chicken saak (chicken curry) and rice. Each participant was provided with all of the ingredients required for the dishes. Once the food was cooked, everyone sat together to taste and share their creations.

The recipes used in Come Cook with Auntyji have been analysed for the nutrient content, and are all available at The Ismaili Nutrition Centre.