Asda celebrates Diwali, gourmet style

Asda recently organised a Diwali supper club hosted by food writer and nutritionist Radhika Howarth from RadikalKitchen and MasterChef contestant Zaleha Olpin, where the duo put up an spread that had traditional Indian cuisines, but with an interesting twist.

The Diwali Flavours Fiesta was held on 25 October and Howarth and Olpin were the perfect choice for creating Asda’s gourmet Diwali menu.

Howarth brought to the table her immense knowledge on Indian cuisine and experimental twists to recipes and Olpin's Malaysian heritage coupled with her love for spices made sure the dishes were a success.

The event took place at the Pill Box Kitchen and it celebrated the festival of lights, with an array of Indian style Tapas like Sticky Rice Bon Bons, Mushroom Do Pyaza Crostinis, Achari Baingan delights served with mini Pooris, Pimento Con Paneer, Pai Tee, Chickpea and Grape Salad with Tahini dressing and Chandni Chowk ki Aloo Tikki with honey yogurt.

The entire Diwali menu was created with quality ingredients bought under one roof from Asda.

For the main course, the guests were treated to a Herby Paneer and Nuts Pulao accompanied by Malaysian Potato Curry, Palak Pachadi (spinach raita) and zesty Kachumbar salad tempered with curry leaves.

To sign off on a sweet note, Howarth and Olpin treated everyone to a chocolate vermicelli pudding, Malaysian mess and coco choco balls.

Speaking about the menu, Howarth said: “I am thrilled to be teaming up with Zaleha Olpin to create a bonanza of flavours to add to your festivities this Diwali. And most of all, I am grateful to ASDA for placing the trust in us and letting us come up with an exciting array of vegetarian canapes to give you and your family a gourmet Diwali.”

Talking about her experience, Olpin said: “Walking through my local Asda inspired me into giving my Malaysian dishes a festive twist, which would be perfect for Diwali. From making a traditional Pai tee, which is a thin and crispy pastry tart shell kuih filled with a spicy, sweet mixture of thinly sliced vegetables to a Malaysian Mess, everything in the menu has been specially curated to help you celebrate Diwali in style.”

Savouring on the Diwali fiesta were some famous influencers like Sandhya Hariharan, Dina Begum, Natasha Asghar, Anita Kerai, Smita Tharoor, Jagruti Dhanecha and many more.

Talking about the event, Anita Kerai said: “When it comes to food during Diwali, I don’t believe in compromising. The Diwali Flavour Fiesta by Asda has been truly inspiring and has given me a lot of ideas as to what to cook this Diwali. For one the Pimento Con Paneer, is something I am definitely going to try and it is amazing to know that I can create a similar gourmet spread by just visiting an Asda store.”