Our February 2026 cooking class with VCAI was a truly soul-warming experience, blending the art of plant-based cooking with a thoughtful reflection on how we perceive the world around us. This month, our participants explored hearty, authentic flavours that brought a sense of comfort and community to the kitchen.
Adelaide Pasties
We began by crafting a modern, plant-based take on a classic handheld meal: Adelaide Pasties. These golden, flaky parcels are filled with a savoury mixture of lentils, diced potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin. To give the filling its deep, umami-rich flavour, participants used a combination of thyme, vegetable stock, and a special homemade vegan Worcestershire sauce. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or a satisfying meal, these pasties proved to be a versatile favourite.
Javanese Fried Noodles
Our second dish transported the class to Indonesia with Javanese Fried Noodles. This vibrant stir-fry features fresh yellow noodles tossed with vegetarian meatballs, tofu puffs, and a crunchy medley of cabbage, carrots, and choy sum. The secret to its authentic taste lies in the aromatic paste made from crushed candle nuts and chilli, all richly coated in sweet soy sauce. Topped with tender shreds of omelette, this plant-based dish was bursting with traditional Javanese flavour.
A Moment of Reflection: The Story of the Lost Axe
As we sat down to enjoy our creations, we shared the story of the lost axe. It tells of a woodcutter who lost his axe and immediately suspected his neighbour’s son. Through the lens of suspicion, the woodcutter convinced himself that the boy’s every action, including the way he walked and spoke, was exactly how a thief would behave.
However, when the woodcutter eventually found his axe right where he had left it, his perspective shifted instantly. The next time he saw the boy, he realised that the “thief” he had been watching so closely had completely vanished.
The story sparked a wonderful discussion amongst the group as we explored two key questions:
- What can we learn from the story?
- Can we identify ourselves in any aspects of the woodcutter?
It was a powerful reminder of how our own biases can shape the reality we see. Just as we learn to balance flavours in the kitchen, we also practised the importance of balancing our judgements with patience and clarity.
Thank you to everyone who joined us this February! We look forward to seeing you at our next class for more delicious food and meaningful conversation.
Recent Comments