Mastering Masala & More: Indian Classics 06/05/2026

Mastering Masala & More: Indian Classics
Hands-On | Full Meal
Friday 06/05/2026
6:30pm - 9:00pm
$95/person
Chef Sandy DiGiovanni
Adults 18+ 

Menu
Aloo Baingan
Cardamom Shake
Chana (Chickpea Salad)
Chicken Tikka Masala
Cucumber Raita
Masala Dal

Class Description
Warm spices, vibrant colors, and comforting dishes come together in this flavorful exploration of classic Indian cuisine. In this hands-on class, students will learn foundational techniques and traditional flavor-building methods that define Indian home cooking. Tonight's class is taught by our longtime instructor and consummate entertainer, Chef Sandy DiGiovanni.

Chef Sandy DiGiovanni grew up in the restaurant business, learning to cook alongside her restaurateur mother and baker father from an early age. With decades of experience owning restaurants and catering businesses, she later gained national recognition as a finalist on NBC’s America’s Next Great Restaurant. Today, Chef Sandy shares her passion for cooking through engaging, hands-on classes at The Culinary Center of Kansas City.

We’ll begin by preparing Aloo Baingan, a comforting vegetable dish featuring tender potatoes and eggplant simmered with toasted mustard and cumin seeds, turmeric, coriander, and aromatic ginger. Alongside it, you’ll create Masala Dal, a rich and nourishing lentil dish finished with fragrant spices and coconut for depth and creaminess.

To complement the warm dishes, students will assemble a refreshing Chana Salad bursting with chickpeas, mango, pineapple, and crisp vegetables, and prepare a cooling Cucumber Raita, a classic yogurt accompaniment that balances spice with bright citrus and fresh mint.

The centerpiece of the evening is the beloved Chicken Tikka Masala, where marinated chicken is grilled and simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce—an iconic dish known around the world for its bold yet comforting flavors. To finish on a sweet and aromatic note, we’ll make a traditional Cardamom Shake, a fragrant milk-based beverage blended with nuts, coconut, and warming cardamom. Come hungry and ready to explore the rich traditions, bold spices, and comforting dishes that make Indian cooking so unforgettable.

About Our Shared Cooking Experience
One of the things that makes our classes special is the community we build around every workstation. For most classes, each cooking workstation accommodates four people, and we thoughtfully pair individuals and couples together to create a collaborative, social experience. Over the years, we've watched countless friendships form over chopped vegetables and simmering sauces.
 
Most guests find that cooking alongside new people adds to the fun and creates unexpected connections. Whether you're signing up solo, with friends, or as a couple, you'll likely share your workstation with others who are just as excited to learn, laugh, and enjoy a great meal together. Please note that if you registered with other people on the same order, you will automatically be seated together. If you signed up as a party of four, you will automatically have your own workstation for most classes. If you'd like to sit with another registered guest and you haven't booked your seats together, please let us know in the "Comments" section when you sign up, and you will be seated together and placed at the same workstation.
 
We understand if you'd prefer a more intimate experience with just your own group. If you'd like to reserve an entire workstation for your party, simply purchase four spots and you will be given your own private workstation in most of our classes. This guarantees your group will have the space to yourselves. Please note that a few of our classes have six people per workstation. These include our Sourdough, Sushi, and Tamale-making classes. Questions about our class format? Feel free to reach out—we're happy to help you find the perfect cooking experience!

Dietary Restrictions & Allergies
If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, you must call 913-341-4455 before registering so we can discuss if a class is appropriate for your allergen issues. We’re happy to find a class for your needs if we cannot reasonably accommodate an allergen restriction.

• We are not a nut-free facility and cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.
• Some dietary restrictions may be challenging to accommodate depending on the class menu. Many chefs must prep and portion ingredients and demonstrated dishes and substitutions are not an option.

Our team is committed to making your experience as inclusive as possible, but we want to be upfront about our limitations. The more notice you give us, the better we can prepare. When in doubt, please reach out—we're here to help you determine if a particular class is the right fit.

Refund Policy
We provide a full refund if you need to cancel more than three (3) weeks prior to the start of a scheduled class. You will receive an Account Credit if you need to cancel at any time within three weeks but prior to the class start time. Please note that any refund issued for classes purchased using a Gift Certificate or Account Credit will result in reinstatement of the original Gift Card or Account Credit and will bear the same expiration date. Account Credits issued for cancelations within three weeks of a class will expire one year from the date of issuance. We reserve the right to cancel a class for any reason, at any time, in which case you will receive a full refund.

Other Notes

• Please enjoy a 10% discount on all items in our retail store during the full calendar day/night of your class or event. Our retail store will be open for browsing prior to class, during any breaks, and after class. 
• This class is for adults 18+. Children 14-17 years old are allowed if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please let us know in the "Comments" section of the sign up form if you plan to bring a minor. 
• Please click here for a full description of our FAQs and Policies. Finalization of your registration tells us that you have read and understand them. 
• Want to buy a Gift Card for you or someone else? They’re available here.