For many of us, the start of a new year is an opportunity to turn over a new leaf and refresh any poor health habits we’ve developed over the previous year (explaining why the gym is at its peak capacity in January!) Reviving your food habits can be a great way to jump-start this momentum, which is why we’re so excited about the cooking classes at Food Lab Boulder. Ranging from Moroccan cuisine to Thai and vegetarian, these classes are a great way to add some new, healthy recipes to your repertoire. Here are some that we’re excited to try in 2017:
Vegetarian Weeknight Meals
Tuesday, January 17, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Even if you don’t keep a strict vegetarian diet, learning a couple go-to veggie recipes can be a lifesaver the next time you’re hosting vegetarians for dinner or forgot to pick up meat at the grocery store. Plus, scientists have found that substituting fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can be beneficial for your health—even if it’s only one or two nights a week.
This class will teach you some delicious, healthy dishes that are easy to whip up on busy weekday evenings, but can also be dressed up for your next dinner party. Carnivores, fear not…you can always add in the meat item of your choice.
What you’ll cook:
- Harissa Coconut Vegetable Stew with Basmati
- Hearty and Spicy Bean and Vegetable Chili
- Ginger Sesame Soba Noodles with Cucumber and Carrot
Moroccan Nights
Friday, January 20, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Tagines, clay pots used for cooking North African stews, are a staple among Moroccan cooks, and for good reason. They’re eye-catching, and more importantly, help cook food evenly over the course of several hours without drying it out. In this class, you’ll learn how to cook using the tagine and also prepare a few traditional Moroccan dishes.
What you’ll cook:
- Chicken and Onion Tagine (stew)
- Charmoula (a Moroccan herb sauce)
- Moroccan Meatballs
- Preserved Lemon
Gone Fishing
Thursday, February 2, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
You’ve probably heard time and time again that you should be eating more fish—and why not? It’s a lean source of protein, low in calories, and many types deliver heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Fish can be tricky to cook, though. This class will walk you through what you need to know to prepare your own delicious fish recipes at home.
What you’ll cook:
- Seared Salmon w/ lemon caper brown butter
- Perfectly Roasted Potatoes
- Poisson En Papilotte
- Mahi Mahi with Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Sauce and Melted Leeks
Most classes are hands-on three-hour classes, where you will be cooking the first 2.5 hours and sitting to eat the yummy meal you just made for the last 30 minutes. Wine and beer are both available for purchase, and all classes are held at Food Lab Boulder, located on 1825 Pearl Street.
This new year, resolve to not only enhance your culinary skills, but also improve your healthy eating habits with a slew of new recipes to try at home. View a full list of Food Lab’s upcoming cooking classes and sign up by visiting its website.