Masterclass: Plant-Based Thali

Plant-Based Thali Cooking Class with Chef Nishma Shah

Join award-winning vegan chef and educator Nishma Shah of Shambhu’s for an immersive culinary journey into the heart of authentic Indian home-style cooking. In this special class, Chef Nishma will guide you through a rich and flavorful plant-based Thali – a traditional Indian meal made up of several complementary dishes.

Experience the magic of spices, textures, and aromas as you prepare and enjoy:

Sample menu:

• Spinach and Banana Baked Pakora A wholesome twist on a classic fritter — spinach and banana combined in a spiced gram flour batter and baked to perfection. Crunchy on the outside, tender inside, with a hint of sweetness and spice.
• Coriander Chutney (contains peanuts) A zesty, refreshing green chutney made with fresh coriander, green chillies, lemon juice, and roasted peanuts for richness and depth.
• Chana and Aloo Curry A hearty and comforting curry made with chickpeas and potatoes, slow-cooked in a fragrant, spiced tomato base.
• Mixed Daal A nourishing blend of lentils simmered in a tomato-based sauce, infused with warming spices and finished with a gentle tempering.
• Jeera Rice Fragrant basmati rice delicately sautéed with cumin seeds for a subtly nutty and earthy flavour.
• Srikhand A luxurious, thick plant-based yogurt pudding, delicately sweetened and flavoured with cardamom, then garnished with almond slivers. A rich, cooling finale to the meal.

Expect an afternoon filled with deep, comforting flavours, cultural storytelling, and culinary techniques that have been passed down through generations. Chef Nishma will share not only her expertise in crafting vibrant, plant-based Indian meals, but also the traditions and inspirations behind each dish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, you'll gain valuable tips on spice blending, balancing flavours, and creating satisfying meals without the use of animal products.

This is more than just a cooking class – it's a chance to connect with the heart of Indian cuisine, celebrate the power of plants, and leave with the knowledge and confidence to recreate an authentic Thali experience at home. Come hungry for food and culture alike!

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