Traditional Rajasthani Cooking Class in Raj and Gita's Udaipur Home

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Host Bio: Raj grew up on a farm outside of Udaipur and has dabbled in everything from hotels to modeling to film (ask him about his role in the Bond film, "Octopussy"). He learned to cook from his mother-in-law, and with his wife, Gita loves to share traditional Rajasthani cuisine. Meal Description: Your experience will start with a welcome drink of fresh homemade lime juice before you share a traditional Rajasthani meal with the entertaining Raj and Gita at their dining table in a rustic home. Rajasthani food has textures and includes the use of grains that may be unfamiliar to you – with an emphasis on desert ingredients, dishes tend to be drier. You may enjoy soolas, a charcoal grilled meal that is a battlefield specialty, ker sangri (a Rajasthani dish of dried beans and berries cooked in yogurt), and bajri roti, unleavened bread made from millet and serve with homemade butter. Cooking Description: In Raj and Gita's kitchen, you will learn to prepare two or three traditional Rajasthani dishes, including Rajasthani bread, along with help from their staff. You will then share the meal you helped prepare with the family at their dining table. In addition to learning to cook Rajasthani food, you'll learn about the history of the food that you cook - for instance, why soolas was a battlefield specialty and how the resourcefulness of the desert people led to the creation of ker sangri. Market Tour Description: Raj will help you explore one of the farmer's markets of the city, known locally as the 'Mandi', where you will discover regional Rajasthani produce and spices. Purchase spices with Raj's help for your Indian pantry at home. If you've signed up for a cooking lesson or meal, return together to Raj's home to enjoy a local Rajasthani meal.