Discover how to learn to cook Indian food online and in person with Indian food cooking classes. Learn which is the best oil for cooking Indian food.
Learning to cook Indian food is an exciting and flavorful journey. Indian cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and rich textures.
Even public figures like Kamala Harris have shared their experiences with cooking Indian food, sparking interest in the traditional dishes of her heritage.
For those looking for inspiration, there are also movies about cooking Indian food, such as The Lunchbox, that provide a glimpse into the passion and culture behind each dish.
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Learn to Cook Indian Food Online
If you’re eager to dive into Indian cuisine, there are several excellent resources for learning how to cook Indian food online. Taking a cooking class online helps you build confidence in preparing flavorful Indian meals.
One of the most renowned cooking experts, Madhur Jaffrey, teaches Indian cooking through her MasterClass. With over 30 award-winning cookbooks, she offers authentic recipes that explore a wide range of Indian dishes.
From vegetables to South Asian meats, street foods, and traditional Indian breads, she expertly guides students through blending and layering spices to create vibrant, flavorful meals.
Click here to preview this MasterClass
If you’re interested in online cooking classes for Indian food, Madhur Jaffrey’s MasterClass provides the perfect opportunity to learn to cook Indian food at home.
You’ll learn to cook Indian food at home with detailed video tutorials that break down each step, allowing you to master the art of Indian cooking without leaving your kitchen.
For those eager to experience this culinary journey, online cooking classes for Indian food make it easier than ever to explore the cuisine, even if you’re a beginner.
Madhur Jaffrey’s Indian food cooking class lets you explore various Indian dishes, perfecting your skills in making everything from curries to desserts.
Click here to preview this MasterClass
In-Person Indian Food Cooking Classes
Looking for a hands-on learning experience in learning to cook Indian food? In-person Indian food cooking classes offer immersive opportunities to explore local traditions. Here are a few highlights:
#1. Delhi: Five-Course Cooking Class & Meal
Learn to cook Indian food during this immersive five-course workshop in Delhi. Master traditional dishes, from curries to bread, and discover the secrets of Indian spices. Enjoy a meal paired with drinks after the class. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.
Book this Indian food cooking class here
#2. Delhi: Private Veg & Non-veg Cooking Class
Learn how to cook Indian food in this private Delhi class. Explore vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes such as chicken curry, lentils, vegetable pakora, and chapati. Experience authentic cooking techniques and local spices.
Book this Indian food cooking class here
#3. Delhi: Indian Cooking Class in Indian Home
Explore Indian cooking in a cozy home setting. Learn how to cook Indian food traditionally, using ingredients passed down through generations. Experience the culture behind the dishes and enjoy an intimate group session.
Book this Indian food cooking class here
#4. Mumbai: Private Vegetarian Indian Cooking Class
In this private cooking class in Mumbai, learn how to cook Indian food with vegetarian Punjabi cuisine. A passionate home cook will guide you through traditional recipes. Afterward, enjoy the delicious dishes you’ve prepared.
Book this Indian food cooking class here
#5. Bangalore: Traditional Cooking Classes & Dinner with Chef
Experience the vibrant flavors of Bangalore’s traditional cuisine with a local chef. Learn how to cook Indian food using fresh, locally grown spices. End the class with a delicious family-style meal.
Book this Indian food cooking class here
#6. Agra: Cooking Classes with Pick up & Drop
Join this Agra cooking class and learn how to cook Indian food traditionally with local hosts. Explore local flavors, cooking techniques, and the secrets of “Maa ke haath ka khana.”
Book this Indian food cooking class here
#7. Jaipur: Cooking Class with Indian Family
Experience authentic North Indian cuisine with a local family in Jaipur. Learn how to cook Indian food using family recipes passed down through generations. Enjoy a culturally rich, personal cooking class.
Book this Indian food cooking class here
#8. Jaipur: Interactive Cooking Class with a Family
Learn to cook Indian food with a local family in Jaipur. Master traditional Indian specialties, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, in a private setting. Recipes will be shared for you to try at home.
Book this Indian food cooking class here
#9. Jaipur: Market Tour & Vegetarian Cooking Class
Discover Jaipur’s culinary treasures with a market tour and a vegetarian cooking class. Learn to cook Indian food in a private home setting with a focus on local ingredients and cooking techniques.
Book this Indian food cooking class here
#10. Goa, Anjuna: Vegetarian Indian Cooking Class
Discover traditional Goan vegetarian dishes in this immersive cooking class. Learn how to cook Indian food with local women and understand the cultural importance of spices and Ayurvedic practices. Experience this unique cooking class in a village setting.
Book this Indian food cooking class here
#11. Pondicherry: South-Indian Cooking Class
Immerse yourself in South Indian cuisine with a hands-on cooking class in Pondicherry. Choose from over 30 dishes and shop for ingredients at a traditional market. Enjoy your meal on banana leaves, just like the locals.
Book this Indian food cooking class here
#12. Kochi: Authentic Keralite Cooking Class
Dive into the distinct flavors of Kerala with this hands-on cooking class. Learn how to cook Indian food in the traditional Kerala style with a local instructor. Enjoy a delicious three-course meal at the end.
Book this Indian food cooking class here
These cooking classes offer a fantastic way to learn to cook Indian food while experiencing the rich culture of India. Whether you choose a cooking class in India or a private class at home, you’ll be equipped with skills to recreate authentic Indian dishes in your kitchen.
Which Oil is Best for Cooking Indian Food?
Here’s a list of the best oils for cooking Indian food, ranked from most to least healthy based on their proven health benefits, and which cooking methods each oil is suitable for:
#1. Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)
- Health Benefits: Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil is known for reducing inflammation and supporting heart health.
- Best Use: Best for light sautéing, stir-frying, and drizzling over dishes like dal tadka, vegetable curries, and salads.
- Note: While it has a lower smoke point than other oils, it’s ideal for medium-heat cooking and making Indian dressings.
#2. Avocado Oil
- Health Benefits: A great source of monounsaturated fats, avocado oil supports heart health and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Best Use: Suitable for high-heat cooking, including frying, grilling, and deep frying. Great for Indian dishes like pakoras, tandoori-style cooking, and grilling meats or vegetables.
#3. Coconut Oil (Virgin)
- Health Benefits: Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which provide quick energy and help improve metabolism. It also has antimicrobial properties.
- Best Use: Ideal for curries, sautéing, and South Indian coconut-based dishes like coconut curry, dosa, and upma. It’s good for moderate-heat cooking and enhances the flavor of Indian dishes.
#4. Ghee (Clarified Butter)
- Health Benefits: Rich in butyrate, which supports gut health, and offers a high smoke point, making it excellent for high-heat cooking.
- Best Use: Perfect for tempering spices, making traditional Indian dishes like biryani, dal, and curries, or for cooking in the tandoor. Ghee adds a deep, rich flavor and is often used in Indian festivals and celebrations.
#5. Mustard Oil
- Health Benefits: High in omega-3 fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory properties. Mustard oil is also rich in antioxidants, which support overall health.
- Best Use: Common in Indian and Bengali cuisine, great for stir-frying, deep frying, and pickling. Excellent for dishes like mustard chicken or mustard fish curry.
#6. Peanut Oil
- Health Benefits: Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation.
- Best Use: Ideal for deep frying, stir-frying, and cooking snacks like vadas, samosas, and other Indian fried foods.
Non-Recommendable Oils
- Seed Oils (e.g., Sunflower, Soybean, Corn, Canola): These oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation when consumed in excess. It’s best to avoid them for health reasons, especially when making Indian food.
Choosing oils that support both health and cooking preferences — like olive oil for its heart-health benefits or coconut oil for its flavor and versatility — is a great way to align with your wellness goals while enjoying flavorful Indian cuisine
By opting for healthier oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and ghee, you’ll enhance the flavor of your Indian dishes and support better health outcomes.
Best Cookware for Cooking Indian Food
When cooking Indian food, the choice of cookware can significantly impact the final dish. Among the most highly recommended options is the cast iron skillet.
This traditional cookware is known for its exceptional heat retention and even distribution. Cast iron skillets are perfect for cooking Indian dishes like curries, stews, or grilled meats, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
The natural properties of cast iron help maintain a steady temperature and enhance the overall taste of the food, creating that sought-after depth of flavor that Indian cuisine is renowned for.
Whether you’re slow-cooking a rich, spiced curry or searing marinated meats, the skillet’s ability to retain heat ensures your food cooks evenly and consistently.
Another durable and versatile cookware option for Indian cooking is stainless steel. This material is known for its long-lasting quality and non-reactivity, making it an ideal choice for cooking various Indian dishes.
Stainless steel pots and pans are excellent for preparing dishes like biryani, where even heat distribution is essential for achieving perfectly cooked rice and tender meat.
Additionally, stainless steel is perfect for deep-frying traditional Indian snacks like samosas, pakoras, and kebabs. The sturdy construction of stainless steel ensures that high heat is maintained, allowing for crispy, golden results without compromising the quality of the food.
Both cast iron and stainless steel cookware provide superior performance, making them a solid foundation for preparing authentic, flavorful Indian meals.
Unlike non-stick cookware, which can leach chemicals into food over time, these materials are safe and free from harmful substances, promoting healthier cooking practices without sacrificing taste or texture.
Whether you’re cooking a simple weekday meal or an elaborate festive feast, investing in quality cookware like cast iron and stainless steel will enhance your cooking experience and elevate the flavors of your dishes.
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