Zoroastrianism is the World's oldest monotheistic religion established by the Prophet
Zoroaster around BC 2000-
At its peak of practice the Kingdom Under Cyrus The Great
of Persia spread far and wide from the Indus Valley in North India & Pakistan today
to the south of Spain, influencing in its wake the major cuisines of the Middle East
and Europe.
During the Arab Invasions of the 3rd and 4th Centuries several Zoroastrians led a
mass exodus to India and since they were the people from Pars they got to be called
or known as Parsees.
Our cuisine is now largely influenced by the various Indian Cuisines
that we grew up around though Parsees remain largely carnivorous and vegetarian food
appears but only as an accompaniment under appeal more often than not.
Our greatest
influence has been from the state of Gujerat and Parsees love seafood, poultry and
lamb. Whilst the religion did not forbid the eating of beef or pork the Parsees avoided
these in their cuisine primarily to appease our hosts who would be either Hindus
& in later days Muslims.
It can however be easily said that The Parsee lives Solely
to Eat rather than the reverse and today the community showcases some great all time
classics which have been much sought after by Indians for generations.
None more popular than The typical Sunday Roast of DHAANSAAK a lentil pot-
The class should touch upon various nuances of the
cuisine, its culture, its influences, its customs and provide a general over view
which will help attendees to understand the actual difference between truly Indian
and British Indian names of dishes.
Cyrus will provide some historical background
and relevance to the dishes, try and finish a Dhaansaak as to make one takes nigh
over eight hours and some seafood dishes as well as his own childhood favourites.
Friday 12th November -
A PARSEE MASTER CLASS
(THE ZOROASTRIAN CUISINE OF INDIA)
