If you're looking for new easy-to-make recipes, a live interactive demonstration is teaching people how to make a popular Indian lentil dish.
The Timmins Public Library is hosting a virtual cooking workshop on Thursday, March 25, at 6 p.m.
Local chef Asif Shaikh will be talking about basic Indian cooking including how to make Dal Makhani.
"It's very famous back home in India. It takes time but easy to make. Not many ingredients are needed, just household spices and you're good to go," he said. "I love to introduce new things to people. When they get surprised, that makes me happy."
The event is being held in partnership with the Timmins and District Multicultural Centre and North Grocers: Indian Grocery and Convenience.
The Timmins library’s reference assistant Kayleigh Rideout said the participants will have a chance to ask questions or to interact with the chef about his love for cooking.
“It’s a great opportunity while we’re all inside. We might be getting bored with the dishes we’re used to preparing and we might want to do something outside of our comfort zone,” she said. “Even those who are familiar with Indian cooking or have grown with Indian cooking, it’s something where we can learn from a real professional chef, have a little taste of home or a taste of something brand new and exciting.”
Rideout said the plan is to host more similar events highlighting local cultures in the future.
Before the cooking demonstration starts, Tanvi Prajapati, a settlement worker at the Timmins and District Multicultural Centre, will be giving a short presentation about Indian culture, traditions and holidays.
“Being Indian, I have a chance to focus on Indian communities, so that’s great, I’m very excited,” she said.
To request a free spices kit and a recipe from the library, email the library or call 705-360-2623 ext. 8532.
To receive a Zoom link for the event, email [email protected].
