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Ayesha D'Mello

Indian Cuisine evokes Mystery, Magic and Romance

There has been a growing popularity and desire for Indian food, not just for its magical flavors, but more importantly for the innumerable health benefits it brings to one’s mind and body.

Due to several requests and a high demand to offer my "in-person” classes online, I am so excited to announce the first of my series of Online Indian Cooking Classes. Like I always say – You are what you eat. So make the right food choices and you will thank yourself.

Read more

Indian Cuisine evokes Mystery, Magic and Romance

There has been a growing popularity and desire for Indian food, not just for its magical flavors, but more importantly for the innumerable health benefits it brings to one’s mind and body.

Due to several requests and a high demand to offer my "in-person” classes online, I am so excited to announce the first of my series of Online Indian Cooking Classes. Like I always say – You are what you eat. So make the right food choices and you will thank yourself.

Take your first step into Ayesha’s Kitchen as you start your online track to creating quick, easy, healthy and delicious Indian meals. Ayesha's Online Cooking Classes are perfect for people who want to learn new skills and/or spice things up in the kitchen without leaving the house.

Purchase this package to get a step by step procedure of every single recipe made separately, as well as feel the energy and excitement from Ayesha as she teaches all 6 dishes concurrently. Learn Indian cuisine at a whole new level as Ayesha teaches you the fundamentals of herbs and spices, and their health benefits/ techniques to create a well-balanced meal to make you feel energized.

Why Take Ayesha's Online Indian Cooking Classes?

Ayesha’s energy is contagious and her cooking style is quick, easy and simple to follow. By the time you are done with this online class, you will feel empowered to cook regardless of your skill level (beginners – advanced).

  • Rated #1 by the Miami New Times
  • Tested and proven recipes
  • Lots of tips and techniques
  • Emphasis is firmly on freshness
  • Conscious of healthy eating and lifestyle habits
  • Shows you the right blend of spices ground fresh in class giving unique character to each dish

What you will get?

  • Bundled Package consisting of 8 streaming HD video lessons:
    1. Introduction to Spices and their natural medicinal health benefits
    2. Six individual dishes with recipes (Chicken Vindaloo, Butternut Squash Veg, Basmati Pilaf, Kidney Bean & Veg Salad, Carrot Fudge and Masala Chai)
    3. One concurrent video (cook all 6 dishes concurrently to be efficient with time management)
  • Easy access anytime, anywhere from your computer and mobile devices
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What's inside

Learning objective

My classes and recipes reflect my philosophy to cook quick, easy, delicious and healthy indian meals that anyone can learn and cook in their own kitchen with locally available spices. i take the most difficult and complicated dishes and create ones that are quick and easy to prepare.

Syllabus

Introduction

Class Name: Dinner on the Spice Route

Menu:

  • Chicken Vindaloo – Boneless chicken breasts cooked in a spicy tangy sauce
  • Butternut Squash Vegetable – Butternut Squash cooked in exotic spices and herbs and topped with coconut milk
  • Muttar Basmati Pilaf – Fragranced long-grained Basmati rice delicately flavored with peas and aromatic spices
  • Kidney Beans Kachumbar Salad – Healthy Hearty Kidney Beans salad with mixed vegetables and a unique blend of herbs and spices
  • Gajar Ka Halwa – Irresistible shredded carrots cooked in milk and infused with aromatic spices and nuts. This warm dessert is served with Vanilla Ice Cream.
  • Masala Chai – Indian Tea infused with fresh ginger root and lemon grass.
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Spices are available in several forms: fresh, whole dried, or pre-ground dried. I always encourage my students to purchase whole dried spice as it has the longest shelf life. Some spices are not always available fresh or whole, for example turmeric which is often purchased in ground form. Always a good idea to store spices in anairtight container and in a cool dark place thus protecting them from moisture and oxidation. Keeping them away from light will keep their color from fading.

Once you watch my video on Spices, you will have a good overview of the Indian spices, you will enjoy cooking Indian dishes and get more creative with the spices.

For me, understanding the natural medicinal health benefits is far more exciting than the flavors it bring to my palate as that is a given when it comes to Indian Cuisine.

Vindaloo is a popular hot and spicy Goan dish. This dish was influenced by the Portuguese when they ruled Goa, a state on the West Coast of India. Their dish is called carne de vinha d'alhos which literally means "meat in garlic wine marinade". This dish can be prepared with meats and seafoods. It evolved into the localized and easy-to-pronounce dish "vindaloo". Thus, Indian cooks assumed that potatoes where part of dish, as aloo in Hindi means potato, and is now typically prepared with potatoes. I will teach you how to prepare the traditional Chicken Vindaloo and hence will not be adding potatoes.

Butternut Squash is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber. This graceful hourglass-like gourd is the perfect addition to any meal, especially the way you are going to learn to prepare it in this video. Quick, easy and full of flavor - this side dish will be one you will want to make on a regular basis. The combination of green peppers, curry leaves and exotic spices, finished with a touch of coconut milk makes the most delicious Butternut Squash dish.

Grown in India and Pakistan, Basmati rice aka "King of Rice" is long-grained and aromatic. It is fluffy and less sticky and is served with curries, biryanis and casseroles. Both the brown and white varieties have no cholesterol and almost no fat. The best way to enjoy basmati rice is to make it a component of a well-balanced meal. Those on low-calorie diets can benefit from incorporating this grain into their diets since it is so low in fat.

Those that have taken my classes, have expressed their frustration with preparing rice. After learning and following my easy to follow rice recipe, they are so proud of the outcome and invite guests to show off their success with cooking my recipe.

This super healthy Kidney Bean Kachumbar salad is a Powerhouse packed with Kidney Beans, sweet onion, tomatoes and cucumbers, a touch of exotic spices, cilantro and lime bringing to your body loads of proteins, fiber, iron, minerals and vitamins.

For me, this healthy and wholesome salad is a meal in itself.

When I share with my class that the dessert they will learn is made from carrots, the closest they can imagine is a carrot cake. If you have not eaten this dessert, let me tell you that you are in for a treat. It is heavenly!!!! The texture and the crunch from the nuts is irresistible. This warm dessert served with Ice Cream is divine.

Carrots are concentrated with Vitamin A, beta carotene and fiber, which work together to solve a number of maladies. Consuming them, will provide your body with its beneficial nutrients.

Chai is tea. Indian tea is prepared by boiling water, milk, black tea leaves, and sugar together. What makes it a masala chai? It is the spices that are added to the base tea giving the tea a distinct flavor and aroma.

This is my absolute favorite tea, as the combination of ginger root and lemon grass is divine. You will reap the innumerable benefits from this tea.

Cooking all 6 dishes concurrently to make the most of time management. Part 1 of 4 videos

Cooking all 6 dishes concurrently to make the most of time management. Part 2 of 4 videos

Cooking all 6 dishes concurrently to make the most of time management. Part 3 of 4 videos

Cooking all 6 dishes concurrently to make the most of time management. Part 4 of 4 videos

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Indian Cooking - Dinner on the Spice Route (Chicken Vindaloo. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Indian Cooking - Dinner on the Spice Route (Chicken Vindaloo will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Culinary Instructor
A Culinary Instructor teaches cooking techniques, food preparation, and culinary arts to students. This course is an excellent fit for someone aspiring to be a Culinary Instructor, as it demonstrates effective online teaching methods and a clear, step-by-step approach to complex dishes. The engaging style, combined with practical tips and techniques for fresh ingredients and healthy eating, provides a model for empowering learners of all skill levels. Understanding the cultural context and health benefits of spices, as taught in this course, enriches the educational content a Culinary Instructor can offer.
Executive Chef
An Executive Chef leads kitchen operations, designs menus, and ensures high culinary standards. This course is an excellent fit for an aspiring Executive Chef by providing a deep dive into authentic Indian cuisine, including classic dishes like Chicken Vindaloo and regional specialties. Understanding the fundamentals of herbs and spices, along with their health benefits and techniques for creating well-balanced meals, is crucial for crafting innovative and appealing menus. The course's emphasis on efficiency, such as cooking multiple dishes concurrently, helps develop time management skills essential for a busy kitchen environment.
Recipe Developer
A Recipe Developer creates, tests, and refines recipes for cookbooks, food brands, or culinary publications. This course offers immense value for a Recipe Developer by providing a strong foundation in Indian cuisine, featuring tested and proven recipes for quick, easy, and healthy meals. The detailed instruction on spice blends, their unique character, and natural medicinal health benefits is essential for innovating and adapting dishes. Understanding how to simplify complex preparations, like Chicken Vindaloo, while maintaining authenticity and flavor, directly applies to the creative process of a Recipe Developer.
Online Cooking Content Creator
An Online Cooking Content Creator produces videos, live streams, and digital media demonstrating cooking techniques and recipes for a virtual audience. This course is an ideal model for an Online Cooking Content Creator, as it is itself an online video series. It showcases how to present step-by-step procedures, convey energy and excitement, and teach cooking methods effectively. The focus on quick, easy, healthy, and delicious Indian meals, complete with tips, techniques, and the cultural context of dishes like Kidney Beans Kachumbar Salad, provides rich material and inspiration for creating engaging and informative culinary content.
Private Chef
A Private Chef prepares customized meals for individuals or families in their homes, often catering to specific dietary needs. This course is highly relevant for a Private Chef, offering expertise in cooking delicious, healthy, and authentic Indian meals. The emphasis on utilizing locally available spices and creating well-balanced dishes, such as the Kidney Beans Kachumbar Salad, is critical for personalized menu planning. The skill of preparing multiple dishes concurrently, as taught, is invaluable for efficient meal service, ensuring timely and fresh delivery of diverse culinary experiences in a private setting.
Restaurant Owner
A Restaurant Owner manages all aspects of a dining establishment, from concept to daily operations. This course is an excellent foundation for a Restaurant Owner specializing in Indian cuisine, offering tested and proven recipes for quick, easy, and healthy meals, including classics like Chicken Vindaloo. The deep understanding of spices, their health benefits, and techniques for creating well-balanced dishes is crucial for menu development. Furthermore, learning efficient time management for concurrent cooking, as demonstrated in the course, provides practical operational skills essential for a successful kitchen and business.
Food Blogger
A Food Blogger creates engaging content about recipes, culinary experiences, and food culture for an online audience. For a Food Blogger, this course provides a treasure trove of authentic Indian recipes, including popular dishes like Chicken Vindaloo, along with insights into the "mystery, magic, and romance" of Indian cuisine. The detailed breakdown of spices and their health benefits offers unique angles for blog posts. Learning structured, easy-to-follow meal preparation, coupled with tips and techniques for fresh ingredients and healthy eating, directly equips one to generate informative and appealing content.
Nutrition Coach
A Nutrition Coach guides clients toward healthier eating habits and lifestyle choices. This course is particularly helpful for a Nutrition Coach due to its strong emphasis on the "innumerable health benefits" of Indian food and spices. Understanding how to create quick, easy, and healthy well-balanced meals, incorporating ingredients like butternut squash and kidney beans for their beneficial nutrients, directly supports advising clients on practical and delicious dietary improvements. The course's philosophy of "You are what you eat" aligns perfectly with promoting conscious and healthy eating and lifestyle habits.
Holistic Dietary Aide
A Holistic Dietary Aide supports individuals in managing their diets with a focus on whole person wellness, often preparing meals or offering guidance. This course is a strong fit for a Holistic Dietary Aide, as it emphasizes creating quick, easy, healthy, and delicious Indian meals, deeply rooted in the philosophy of "You are what you eat." The detailed exploration of the natural medicinal health benefits of herbs and spices, along with techniques for well-balanced meals, provides practical knowledge for promoting conscious eating and supporting overall well-being through food.
Culinary Tour Guide
A Culinary Tour Guide leads groups through gastronomic experiences, sharing cultural and historical insights about local cuisine. This course offers a fantastic foundation for a Culinary Tour Guide specializing in Indian food. The course provides not only practical cooking skills for iconic dishes like Chicken Vindaloo but also delves into the cultural history and origins of meals, like the Portuguese influence on Goan Vindaloo. Understanding the "spice route" theme, the significance of fresh ingredients, and the health benefits woven into the cuisine enriches the narrative a Culinary Tour Guide can provide.
Catering Manager
A Catering Manager oversees food service operations for events, from menu planning to execution. While focused on cooking, this course may be useful for a Catering Manager by providing in-depth knowledge of Indian cuisine, allowing for diverse and authentic menu offerings. Understanding the health benefits of ingredients and creating well-balanced meals can appeal to health-conscious clients. The techniques for efficient, concurrent cooking of multiple dishes, like the Chicken Vindaloo and Butternut Squash Veg, are practical for managing large-scale meal preparation and ensuring timely service for events.
Wellness Program Coordinator
A Wellness Program Coordinator designs and implements health-focused initiatives for organizations or communities. This course is highly relevant for a Wellness Program Coordinator due to its strong emphasis on healthy eating and lifestyle habits, highlighting the "innumerable health benefits" of Indian food and spices. The knowledge gained about creating quick, easy, and well-balanced meals, coupled with insights into natural medicinal health benefits of specific ingredients, can directly inform the development of educational workshops or cooking demonstrations as part of a comprehensive wellness program.
Spices and Herbs Specialist
A Spices and Herbs Specialist focuses on sourcing, quality control, and application of spices and herbs in various industries, from culinary to wellness. This course provides foundational knowledge directly relevant to a Spices and Herbs Specialist. The detailed introduction to spices, covering their forms, storage, and natural medicinal health benefits, is invaluable. Understanding the right blend of spices, ground fresh in class, and their unique character in dishes like Chicken Vindaloo, enhances expertise in flavor profiles and quality assessment, ensuring proficiency in this specialized field.
Food Product Developer
A Food Product Developer researches, develops, and improves food products for commercial markets. This course may be useful for a Food Product Developer by offering deep insights into Indian flavor profiles, authentic spice blends, and the principles of creating quick, easy, and healthy meals. Understanding the role of fresh ingredients and their natural medicinal health benefits, as highlighted in the course, can inspire innovative and appealing product lines, such as ready-to-eat Indian dishes or specialty spice mixes. The course's focus on tested recipes also supports product development methodologies.
Food Marketing Specialist
A Food Marketing Specialist promotes food products, services, or brands to target consumers through various campaigns. This course may be useful for a Food Marketing Specialist by providing an in-depth understanding of Indian cuisine, its "mystery, magic, and romance," and growing popularity. Knowledge of the specific dishes, their ingredients, and especially their "innumerable health benefits" offers unique selling propositions. This foundational understanding allows a Food Marketing Specialist to craft compelling narratives and targeted campaigns that resonate with consumers interested in authentic, healthy, and delicious culinary experiences.

Reading list

We've selected 23 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Indian Cooking - Dinner on the Spice Route (Chicken Vindaloo.
Published in 2022, this book aligns perfectly with the course's emphasis on healthy, soul-nourishing meals and the medicinal benefits of spices. It focuses on the simplicity of home cooking, making it an excellent prerequisite for beginners who find traditional Indian recipes daunting. The author's reputation as a world-class chef adds significant authority to the learning experience.
Is particularly useful for mastering the concurrent cooking techniques mentioned in the course syllabus, as it teaches how to balance multiple dishes in a single meal. It provides additional depth to the preparation of Basmati Pilaf and vegetable sides like Butternut Squash. It serves as a modern reference for creating well-rounded, healthy Indian platters.
Acts as a technical manual for understanding the 'Mystery and Magic' of Indian flavors through the lens of science. It is highly valuable as additional reading for students interested in the chemical reactions of spices and herbs discussed in the course. It is frequently used by industry professionals to understand how to balance the five basic tastes in complex dishes like Vindaloo.
Mirroring the course's philosophy of 'quick, easy, and delicious' meals, this 2022 publication is ideal for busy learners. It provides modern techniques for time management in the kitchen, specifically useful for the concurrent cooking lessons. It great resource for those looking for healthy, vegetable-forward Indian recipes that use locally available ingredients.
Direct supplement to the course's focus on the health benefits and lifestyle habits associated with Indian cuisine. It offers a variety of low-fat, high-nutrient recipes that complement the Kidney Bean Salad and Butternut Squash lessons. It is highly recommended for students who are taking the course specifically for professional development in health and nutrition.
As one of the most popular Indian cookbooks of the last five years, this provides a culturally rich background that enhances the course's 'Romance and Mystery' theme. It includes highly reputable recipes for Masala Chai and various pilafs that serve as excellent benchmarks for students. The book useful reference tool for understanding the social history of Indian dining.
Authored by the preeminent authority on Indian cooking, this book focuses on speed and efficiency, matching the course's goal of cooking multiple dishes in under two hours. It provides a modern way to prepare traditional dishes like Kidney Beans (Rajma) and Chicken Vindaloo. It is an excellent current reference for learners who want to adapt traditional techniques to modern kitchen appliances.
Is an ideal entry point for beginners, providing prerequisite knowledge on essential Indian spices and pantry staples. It emphasizes the 'quick and easy' approach mentioned in the course description, using accessible ingredients. The 'fit' is high due to its popularity and its focus on healthy, vegetable-centric Indian-American fusion.
Serves as a comprehensive textbook for anyone wishing to turn the course's lessons into a professional skill set. It offers step-by-step masterclasses on spices and rice preparation that add significant breadth to the course's syllabus. It vital reference tool for understanding the regional differences between Goan Vindaloo and North Indian Pilaf.
Is highly relevant to the course's sections on Butternut Squash and Kidney Bean Salad. It focuses on the health benefits of a plant-based Indian diet, which major theme of Ayesha's Kitchen. It is widely regarded as one of the best modern resources for healthy Indian cooking.
While slightly older than five years, its status as a definitive reference tool for spice chemistry makes it indispensable for this course. It provides the 'why' behind the medicinal benefits and flavor pairings taught in the 'Introduction to Spices' lesson. It is particularly useful for students who want to get creative and develop their own spice blends.
This is considered the 'bible' of Indian cuisine and is commonly used as a textbook by culinary students. It provides an exhaustive list of recipes that can replace or supplement every dish in the course, including Gajar Ka Halwa and Vindaloo. Its authority and breadth make it a essential reference for serious learners.
Is more valuable as additional historical reading than as a recipe reference. It provides the academic background for the course's mention of Portuguese influence on Goan cuisine and the origins of Vindaloo. It is perfect for students taking the course for intellectual curiosity regarding the 'Spice Route'.
For students interested in the health and lifestyle aspects of the course, this book provides excellent dairy-free alternatives for dishes like Gajar Ka Halwa. It emphasizes the use of whole spices and healthy legumes, aligning with the Kidney Bean Salad lesson. It popular and reputable guide for modern, health-conscious Indian cooking.
Is the definitive reference for the Chicken Vindaloo portion of the course. It provides the traditional Goan perspective and the authentic 'carne de vinha d'alhos' preparation that the instructor references. While not published in the last five years, its subject matter relevance to the specific menu is unparalleled.
Focuses on the 'vibrant and healthy' side of Indian food, matching the course's tone. It offers great tips on spice grinding and storage, which supplements the course's introductory video on spices. It useful tool for learners who want to master the 'right blend of spices' mentioned in the syllabus.
Explores the intersection of spices and health, providing a more personal and creative approach to the course's themes. It is highly valuable for its depth in spice techniques and its focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients like Butternut Squash. It adds a layer of professional artistry to the home-cooking skills taught in the course.
Offers a modern, high-energy take on Indian cuisine that mirrors Ayesha's 'contagious energy.' It provides professional-level insights into spice blends that can elevate the course's recipes to a restaurant standard. It great reference for students looking for 'bold' and 'magical' flavors.
Useful reference for the 'time management' aspect of the course, offering a different approach to concurrent cooking. It is particularly strong on legume-based dishes like the Kidney Bean salad/curry. It supports the course's goal of making Indian cooking accessible to those with busy lifestyles.
Provides a specific focus on South Indian techniques and the use of coconut milk, which is relevant to the Butternut Squash recipe in the syllabus. It emphasizes freshness and healthy eating, which are core pillars of the course. It is an excellent resource for students wanting to expand their knowledge beyond Goan and North Indian styles.
This massive volume premier reference tool for any student of Indian cuisine. It provides hundreds of variations of the dishes taught in class, allowing for immense breadth of study. It is commonly used as a foundational text for understanding the vast landscape of Indian spice pastes and sauces.
Is an excellent reference tool for the 'Introduction to Spices' lesson, providing detailed profiles of every spice mentioned in the course. It helps students understand the medicinal and flavor profiles of ginger, lemongrass, and turmeric. It is highly regarded by professional chefs for its expertise in blending.
Provides a wide-angle lens on the regional diversity of India, which helps place the 'Spice Route' and Goan Vindaloo in a larger context. It valuable reference for students who want to explore more 'exotic spices and herbs' beyond the course's six dishes. It comprehensive guide that complements the course's introductory level with significant breadth.

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