Cook With Wasantha

Nestled within the vibrant Dutch Market of Galle, Sri Lanka, ‘Cook With Wasantha‘ offers an immersive culinary experience. Participants explore the market’s rich history and diverse offerings, handpicking the freshest ingredients under the guidance of a knowledgeable local chef. Through hands-on preparation of authentic Sri Lankan dishes, the workshop promises a deeper appreciation for the island’s flavorful cuisine and cultural traditions. As the aromas of curries and coconut milk fill the air, the stage is set for a memorable gastronomic journey that culminates in a shared buffet-style lunch.

Key Points

• Hands-on cooking experience with a local chef, Wasantha, to learn authentic Sri Lankan cuisine and techniques.
• Exploration of a vibrant Dutch market in Galle, sourcing fresh local produce and seafood.
• Guided instruction on the use of traditional spices, their flavors, and how to release their aromas.
• Participation in preparing a variety of Sri Lankan curries, coconut milk, and rice.
• Immersive dining experience to savor the authentic flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine in a traditional setting.

Exploring the Dutch Market

The cooking class begins with a visit to the vibrant Dutch Market in Galle, where travelers learn about the market’s rich history and explore the array of fresh produce on offer.

The host guides them through the bustling stalls, sharing insights into the market’s origins during the Dutch colonial era. Visitors wander past vendors selling everything from leafy greens to aromatic spices, taking in the sights, sounds, and scents that fill the air.

This hands-on experience allows participants to get up close with the local ingredients that will feature prominently in their culinary adventure. With the host’s expertise, they gain a deeper appreciation for the fresh, high-quality ingredients that are central to Sri Lankan cuisine.

Purchasing Fresh Ingredients

Wasantha then leads the group to the nearby fish market, where they select the freshest catch of the day to incorporate into their culinary creations. The group carefully examines the vibrant displays, discussing the different varieties and their unique properties. At the vegetable stalls, they handpick an array of colorful produce, from fragrant spices to crisp greens, all sourced locally.

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Snapper	2 lbs	Main Protein
Curry Leaves	1 bunch	Flavor
Tomatoes	4	Acidity
Eggplant	2	Texture
Coconut Milk	2 cans	Richness

With their basket of fresh ingredients in hand, the group is now ready to embark on their culinary journey under Wasantha’s guidance.

Learning About Spices and Techniques

With their fresh ingredients in hand, the group now turns its attention to learning about the spices and cooking techniques that define Sri Lankan cuisine under Wasantha’s expert guidance.

He introduces them to the vibrant array of spices – cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, curry leaves, and more – explaining their distinct flavors and how they’re used in traditional dishes.

Wasantha demonstrates chopping, grinding, and blending techniques, ensuring the spices release their full aromatic potential. The travelers eagerly take notes, eager to replicate these authentic methods in their own kitchens.

Through hands-on instruction, they gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and nuance of Sri Lankan cuisine, preparing them for the flavorful cooking ahead.

Cooking the Five Curries

Eager to put their newfound knowledge into practice, the travelers jump into cooking the five curries under Wasantha’s expert guidance.

Wasantha leads them through each step, explaining the importance of spices and techniques as they prepare the curries. The group works quickly, chopping vegetables, grinding spices, and simmering the rich, fragrant sauces. Wasantha offers tips and tricks, ensuring everyone understands the process.

The kitchen fills with the tantalizing aromas of turmeric, cinnamon, and chili. Soon, the five curries are complete – a vibrant array of flavors and textures. The travelers eagerly plate their creations, ready to savor the fruits of their labor and experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine firsthand.

Preparing Coconut Milk and Rice

Next, the group turns their attention to preparing the coconut milk and rice, an integral part of Sri Lankan cuisine. Using freshly grated coconut, they carefully extract the rich, creamy liquid, following Wasantha’s step-by-step guidance.

Alongside the coconut milk, the travelers measure and cook the fragrant basmati rice, ensuring it’s prepared to perfection. Wasantha explains the importance of properly cooking the rice, as it’s a crucial component in many Sri Lankan dishes.

The group listens intently, eager to learn the techniques that will allow them to recreate this authentic meal back home. With each step, the aroma of the coconut milk and simmering rice fills the air, whetting their appetites for the delicious feast to come.

Enjoying the Buffet-style Lunch

Finally, the group settles around the table to savor the buffet-style lunch prepared by Wasantha and her team.

They eagerly fill their plates with the fragrant rice, accompanied by an array of vegetable curries and a choice of fish or chicken curry, all to be enjoyed in the traditional Sri Lankan manner – using their fingers.

Wasantha explains the unique flavors and cooking techniques as the participants dive into the delectable spread.

The mix of spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients creates a symphony of tastes on their palates.

Savoring each bite, the group relishes the authentic Sri Lankan culinary experience, gaining a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich food culture.

Eating the Local Way

After savoring the delectable spread, the group eagerly explores the local way of eating, using their fingers to pick up the rice and curries, just as the locals do.

This hands-on approach allows them to fully enjoy the traditional Sri Lankan dining experience, engaging all their senses as they savor the complex flavors and textures of the meal.

The facilitator encourages the participants to embrace the cultural norms, explaining that eating with one’s hands is an integral part of the Sri Lankan culinary tradition.

As the group dives in, they discover how this tactile experience enhances their appreciation of the carefully crafted dishes and the overall enjoyment of the meal.

Inclusive Transportation and Pickup

The experience begins with the convenient inclusion of private transportation and meeting/pickup services, ensuring a seamless start to the culinary adventure. Participants are met at an agreed location and transported comfortably to the cooking class venue. This inclusive transportation alleviates any logistical concerns, allowing attendees to fully enjoy the cultural experience.

Benefit	Description
Convenience	Pickup and drop-off service provided
Flexibility	Meets at location of your choice
Comfort	Private transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
Ease	Eliminates need to navigate unfamiliar areas

This thoughtful addition to the cooking class demonstrates the organizers’ commitment to providing a hassle-free, enjoyable experience for all participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Cooking Class Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans?

The cooking class appears suitable for vegetarians and vegans, as it includes the preparation of five different vegetable curries and the use of coconut milk. The menu can likely be tailored to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Can I Take the Recipes Home After the Class?

According to the information provided, participants can take the recipes home after the cooking class. The cooking class includes instruction on preparing various curries, coconut milk, and rice, which participants can recreate later using the recipes learned.

What Is the Minimum/Maximum Number of Participants Allowed?

The cooking class has a small group experience, with a maximum of 10 travelers allowed to participate. The minimum number of participants is not specified in the overview, but it’s likely a minimum group size is required for the class to run.

How Much Time Is Allocated for the Entire Cooking Experience?

The entire cooking experience is a small group activity with a maximum of 10 travelers. It typically takes around 3-4 hours from start to finish, including the market visits, learning about ingredients, and preparing and enjoying the various curries and rice.

Is It Possible to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?

Yes, the cooking experience can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. Travelers should notify the host in advance, who will work to adjust the menu and ensure an enjoyable experience for all participants with special dietary needs.

Recap

The ‘Cook With Wasantha’ experience provides an immersive introduction to Sri Lankan cuisine. Participants explore the vibrant Dutch Market, learn from a knowledgeable local chef, and prepare an authentic multi-course meal.

Enjoying the fruits of their culinary journey, they savor the flavors and cultural traditions of the island’s cuisine. With inclusive transportation and a shared buffet-style lunch, it’s a well-rounded experience for discovering the rich tastes of Sri Lanka.