Can I just tell you that Dinner Club -India Night was a roaring success! It was a complete dive into another culture without ever having to leave the country. It started by researching recipes and continued at Bombay Grocers getting ingredients my local supermarket didn’t carry, and things I had never even heard of like fenugreek leaves, jaggery and cardomom pods. And can I just add, that the man who greeted me from behind the counter and assisted me throughout the store was absolutely fantastic. Hands down the best service I’ve ever received shopping for groceries.

Between the first Dinner Club and this, we decided it might be fun to incorporate some decor into the assignments. So setting up for the evening was fun too. Although I have to ask you to keep in mind that this is my “Mommy Night,” and doing a ton of dishes is not my idea of indulgence. This experience is about exploring new foods and recipes, getting together with friends and enjoying ourselves. So, remember this was about fun, not perfection in trying to recreate the Taj Majal… and please don’t judge the paper products.

The evening started with the not-so-traditional iced chai latte. From brewing the fragrant tea concentrate to tasting the light notes of almost an egg nog like beverage, the whole thing was delightful.  http://www.biggirlssmallkitchen.com/2011/06/working-with-what-you-have-iced-chai-tea-latte.html

Next we partook in an Indian Feast. Oh my goodness, I had no idea I liked Indian food so much! Wow, where have I been hiding? Indian food is great! I dare say, it even changed my perspective on cilantro. I don’t know, somehow it worked.

Cauliflower Fritters with Cilantro-Ginger Sauce, http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alexandra-guarnaschelli/cauliflower-fritters-recipe.html

Indian Quinoa Salad with Golden Raisins

 

Did you know that by weight saffron is worth more than gold? It also has amazing health benefits like cancer fighting properties, increasing circulation, positive effects on eyesight, anti-aging properties, etc. Crazy, right? We should sprinkle it in our morning coffee! Saffron Rice, http://vegrecipesofindia.com/saffron-rice-or-kesar-rice/

Naan (Indian Flat Bread)

The main course was an assortment of simmered chicken in a variety of six different sauces; Butter Masala, Madras Curry, Tikka Masala, Korma Curry, Mango Curry and Kashmini Curry. Unbelievably good. I couldn’t pick a favorite.

Not pictured, but not to be left out, a delicious fried potato and pea cake called aloo tikki served with a mango chutney. Also a great and flavorful potato dish that I would love to make again in the fall, aloo gobimatar, http://www.sharmispassions.com/2014/12/aloo-gobimatar-recipe-easy-potato.html?=1

We finished up the night with a lovely ice cream, almost sorbet type dessert called Malai Kulfi, yes please!!  http://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/210541/easy-malai-kulfi/

I think this Dinner Club is the best idea I’ve ever had. And maybe it was the saffron talking but I thought the night was great, and the food was delectable. Next time it’s Israeli food… I’ll let you know what happens!