We’ve made it through the first month of 2013 and it’s time to celebrate! We’re going to indulge and we’re going to do it healthily. I’ve prepared a vegan menu that is both filling and luxurious. We’ll start off with a light salad and soup that is bursting with Eastern flavours and Caribbean staples and pairing it with some silky smooth paratha roti. It’s all part of the guilt-free prep for our dessert. A rich kheer (East Indian Rice Pudding). We’re replacing the cow’s milk though with almond milk for a final result that is healthier all around.

With Carnival and Valentine’s Day around the corner there’ll be time enough for some true culinary decadence in February!

The Menu:(recipes at ow.ly/hh9Fo )
• Cumin Potato, Orange & Spinach Salad with Mango Chutney Dressing
• Curried Lentil Soup
• Kheer (East Indian Rice Pudding)

Wine Note:
2013 is the year that I’m going to get over my intimidation re: wine and food pairing. So far I have taken one class, and am now eagerly delving deeply into actual experimentation. The only way to really develop a palate so I am told

For this my first pairing I decided on a Concha y Toro Trio Chardonnay. The wine paired well with the citrus elements of the salad but was definitely overpowered by the spiciness of the potatoes. It was neutral in effect with the soup and fared slightly better with the rice pudding. If I was to try this wine again I would pair it with citrus/fruity elements that are light in texture and have mild savoury elements e.g. white fish fillet, grilled chicken or a light dairy component.

Next time with this menu I think I will try a Chenin Blanc. I really enjoyed the KWV one I had recently and it holds up well to spicy elements. I have also read that Shiraz (Syrah) and Grenache will complement the spices as well as lentils and potatoes, so if in the mood to try something completely new I’ll go with one of those!

Joining me on-air this time were:

• Ferenc Zelenak – a Hungarian wine expert who moves between Hungary, England and Trinidad.
• George Cohn and Marilyn Ritter – founders of Creation Ground Media and one of the coolest couples I know
• Julia Senesac – Internet Marketing Consultant
• Collis Duranty – rising reggae-soul star and my musical guest for the evening. Check out my 5 Questions with him!

Joining me at home was Jason Bodden, TriniGourmet’s Online Community Manager.

Visit the event page for more details/photos and watch the replay below!

For past episodes of “Sweet Han: Caribbean Cooking with Sarina” visit ow.ly/g10m1

About Sarina

Passionate foodie, founder of Trinigourmet and Caribbean Lifestyle Maven. Author of "Glam By Request: 30+ Easy Caribbean Recipes"