The colours and aromas of Indian spices brought an oriental touch to St Stephen’s last Saturday morning (31 January). The church hall was the venue for an Indian Vegetarian Masterclass taught by local chef and curry master, Paul Babra, to help raise funds for the ‘Friends of Kingsmead Field’ group. Over 25 participants watched a cookery demonstration by Paul and enjoyed a lunch of channa masala (aromatic chickpeas), pilao rice and pineapple raita together afterwards. In the words of Sue Langdown, founding member of the Friends of Kingsmead Field: ‘The passion and enthusiasm with which Paul shared his love of spices and demonstrated his culinary talents was wonderful. It was a really enjoyable event.’
Commenting on the fact that the masterclass was hugely over-subscribed, Paul said: ‘It is fantastic to see this level of interest in Indian cuisine. I am delighted that we were able to bring a taste of spice to people’s lives and support the Friends of Kingsmead Field at the same time.”
The official launch of the Friends of Kingsmead Field will take place on Monday 9 March at 7.30pm in St Stephen’s Church Hall. The new group will take over from the Save Kingsmead Field campaign, and will work together with the Council to manage and enhance the field for the benefit of the broader community. Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting on 9 March if they would like to find out more about future plans for the field. Paul Babra will be providing canapés for the meeting, with a distinct Indian theme.
Saturday’s masterclass was the first in a series of events that Paul Babra is organising locally, including a Valentine Curry Buffet and Jazz evening in St Dunstan’s church hall on 14 February and a Curry Workshop on Wednesday 25 March. Paul is also planning to hold a number of pop-up Indian cafés around the city. For more information, contact Paul on: paulbabra@paulbabra.co.uk / 07568 064073
