RadikalKitchen’s Radhika Howarth and MasterChef contestant Zaleha Kadir Olpin create an explosion of flavours at ASDA’s Diwali Flavours Fiesta
Imagine crostini layered with Mushroom Do Pyaza or Aloo Tikki served with a hint of honey yogurt? Sounds deliciously different doesn’t it? Inspiring you with an explosion of flavours, Asda organised a Diwali supper club hosted by food writer and nutritionist Radhika Howarth from RadikalKitchen and Zaleha Olpin who sparked controversy with her rending on Masterchef 2018.
Every Diwali you are constantly thinking, how you can make the festivities more special than the previous year and have a spread that would delight all. It’s not just about the ingredients but the inspiration, which is why Asda created a bespoke spread to surprise your family with an array of flavours and dishes which will leave your family and guests spellbound. But that’s not all! While you are busy cooking and prepping in the kitchen, sometimes you tend to miss out on the fun. Diwali Flavours Fiesta hosted by ASDA, held on the 25th of October was a scrumptious showcase of a tapas style dishes created with a lot of creativity and some smart planning, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the fun and time with friends and family.
Radhika and Zaleha were the perfect choice for creating Asda’s gourmet Diwali menu – with Radhika’s immense knowledge on Indian cuisine and experimental twists to recipes and Zaleha’s Malaysian heritage coupled with her love for spices brought together a combination that was different yet close to home.
Taking place at the Pill Box Kitchen, Asda’s Diwali Flavours Fiesta celebrated the festival of lights, with an array of Indian style Tapas like Sticky Rice Bon Bons, Mushroom Do Pyaza Crostinis, Achari Baingan delights served with mini Pooris, Pimento Con Paneer, Pai Tee, Chickpea and Grape Salad with Tahini dressing and Chandni Chowk ki Aloo Tikki with honey yogurt.
Guests were pleasantly surprised how the entire Diwali menu was created with quality ingredients bought under one roof from Asda – making it possible for anyone to recreate the gourmet style menu at home.
For the main course, the guests were treated to a Herby Paneer and Nuts Pulao accompanied by Malaysian Potato Curry, Palak Pachadi (spinach raita) and zesty Kachumbar salad tempered with curry leaves. To sign off on a sweet note, Radhika and Zaleha inspired all with a Chocolate Vermicelli Pudding, Malaysian Mess and Coco Choco Balls.
Speaking about the menu, Radhika said: “I am thrilled to be teaming up with Zaleha Olpin to create a bonanza of flavours to add to your festivities this Diwali. And most of all, I am grateful to ASDA for placing the trust in us and letting us come up with an exciting array of vegetarian canapes to give you and your family a gourmet Diwali.”
Inspiring both Radhika and Zaleha in the culinary process was the variety of ingredients available at Asda, which allowed them to create traditional Aloo Tikkis to cooking the perfect sticky rice. Talking about her experience, Zaleha said: “Walking through my local Asda inspired me into giving my Malaysian dishes a festive twist, which would be perfect for Diwali. From making a traditional Pai tee, which is a thin and crispy pastry tart shell kuih filled with a spicy, sweet mixture of thinly sliced vegetables to a Malaysian Mess, everything in the menu has been specially curated to help you celebrate Diwali in style.”
Savouring on the Diwali fiesta were some famous influencers like Sandhya Hariharan, Dina Begum, Natasha Asghar, Anita Kerai, Smita Tharoor, Jagruti Dhanecha and many more. Talking about the event, Anita Kerai said “When it comes to food during Diwali, I don’t believe in compromising. The Diwali Flavour Fiesta by Asda has been truly inspiring and has given me a lot of ideas as to what to cook this Diwali. For one the Pimento Con Paneer, is something I am definitely going to try and it is amazing to know that I can create a similar gourmet spread by just visiting an Asda store.”
