Plant Based West African Cooking Masterclass

Join vegan chef, TV personality and author, Nena Ubani to make a mouth-watering and authentic West African meal that’s a taste sensation

At this masterclass you will learn:

• Starter: Toasted Pumpkin Seed Soup

We'll begin by crafting a luxurious, creamy Toasted Pumpkin Seed Soup. You’ll learn how to toast pumpkin seeds to bring out their natural nutty flavor and incorporate them into a rich soup base. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, offering a comforting start to our meal.

• Jollof Quinoa: Next, we'll dive into the heart of West African cuisine with Jollof Quinoa. This dish is a healthy spin on the traditional Jollof Rice, substituting quinoa for rice, which brings a nutty flavor and fluffy texture. You’ll master the technique of cooking quinoa in a deeply spiced tomato sauce, creating a vibrant and aromatic dish that's both satisfying and nutritious.

• Grilled Spicy Mushrooms (Suya-Marinated): To complement the Jollof Quinoa, we'll prepare Grilled Spicy Mushrooms marinated in authentic Nigerian Suya spices. Suya is a popular West African street food known for its smoky, spicy flavors, typically used on meats. Here, we'll apply it to mushrooms, showing how versatile and flavorful plant-based cooking can be. You’ll learn the art of marinating and grilling to achieve perfectly charred, succulent mushrooms.

• Duchess Nena's Special Green Salad: We'll also prepare Duchess Nena's special green salad, a vibrant and refreshing side that balances the heat of the mushrooms and the richness of the Jollof Quinoa. This salad is a medley of crisp greens, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing, providing a perfect counterpoint to the bold flavors of the main course.

• Sweet Cinnamon Roasted Plantain: No West African-inspired meal is complete without plantains! You’ll learn how to make Sweet Cinnamon Roasted Plantain, where ripe plantains are caramelized with cinnamon, creating a sweet and spicy side that pairs beautifully with the rest of the meal.

Finally, we'll toast to our culinary creations with a Palmwine Mimosa. This refreshing drink combines the traditional African palm wine with the effervescence of champagne and a splash of citrus juice. You’ll discover how to balance these flavors to create a unique and celebratory drink that’s perfect for any occasion.

What You’ll Learn:

• The fundamentals of West African spices and ingredients.
• Techniques for toasting seeds, marinating, and grilling.
• How to adapt traditional dishes with modern, healthy alternatives.
• Presentation skills to make your dishes look as good as they taste.

By the end of this class, you'll not only have created a complete, delicious meal but also gained valuable culinary skills that you can apply to your everyday cooking. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next dinner party or simply enjoy a flavorful home-cooked meal, this class will leave you inspired and equipped to explore new tastes and techniques in the kitchen.

About the chef: Nena Ubani

Nena Ubani (also known as Duchess Nena) is a self-taught vegan chef, television & radio personality, author, and master herbalist. She developed an interest in cooking over 20 years ago while working as a sous chef in a restaurant. Her interest in cooking and creating recipes were revived when she became vegan four years ago. Nena believes that food is medicine and incorporates healing herbs in her cooking.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Liberty Hall - Made in Hackney, 128 Clapton Common, London, United Kingdom