It has become increasingly clear that the modern Western diet, while generous in calories, is not necessarily great for overall health. There is a lot that can be learned from ancient culinary traditions that have had thousands of years to refine their use of ingredients to help promote health and wellbeing.

Join Abeda Oturkar as she shares her deep knowledge of South Asian culinary traditions, walks you through a few delicious recipes and introduces you to some incredibly healthy “superfood” ingredients. Special attention will be paid to the culinary and nutritional uses of Coriander (aka Cilantro) – leaves, stems, roots & seeds; the incredible versatility of fresh coconut, including coconut water, meat, milk and sugar, as well as the potent healing properties of fresh turmeric.

It’ll be a fun, information-packed evening with lots of action in the kitchen – tasting, combining, seasoning, grinding, blending to understand the balance of flavours and use of these healthy ingredients.

Golden Smoothie
Turmeric, Kefir, Papaya, Pineapple (optional Vegan)
Turmeric, in some places called The Spice Of Life – is a staple in many South Asian cuisines and an integral part of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. A potent rhizome and relative of ginger, this spice goes way beyond adding flavor to curries and giving yellow mustard its bright color. It’s packed with “curcumin”, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties.

Green Chutney – Cucumber Chutney Sandwich
Coriander Leaves, Coconut, Garlic
This aromatic herb is considered to be beneficial for digestion and detoxification, as well as being rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K which is a good for brain health.

Curried Shrimp & Potato Salad
Coconut, Fresh Turmeric, Baby Potato, Kaffir leaves, Spices (optional Vegan)
Coconut offers an impressive range of uses and benefits. Fresh coconut water is a pure, refreshing and hydrating drink. Coconut meat – delicious and nutritious in its own right – can be pressed for coconut milk, cream or oil, or dried and processed into flour or sugar, making it a versatile, healthy and eco-friendly alternative to cream or butter, refined sugar and wheat flour.

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$50 +HST

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Abeda Bihari Oturkar is a veteran food entrepreneur who is equally passionate about preparing delectable recipes and providing foods that improve well-being. Over more than 11 years her Dubai-based food business, Spice & Aroma Alimentary Food, grew to encompass a successful restaurant, catering business, cooking classes, consulting and culinary tours. All of Abeda’s endeavours are informed by a lifelong study of food, culinary history, spices and nutrition. She’s now running Abeda’s Kitchen in Toronto offering food catering, cookery workshops and holistic food coaching,
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Every Monday, The Depanneur invites TO’s best culinary talents to lead fun, hands-on workshops.

Learn more about Workshops at The Depanneur