Home Chef with Vegetarian & Plant-Based Cooking

Overview:

Elevate your plant-based cooking skills by mastering innovative techniques that highlight natural flavors, textures, and nutritional balance.

Objectives:

• Develop essential vegetable preparation and cooking techniques.
• Master the use of plant-based proteins in diverse dishes.
• Create well-balanced and visually appealing plant-based meals.
• Learn to prepare flavorful stocks and broths using plant-based ingredients.
• Perfect classic and contemporary sauces for plant-based cuisine.
• Develop well-balanced soups with proper seasoning and consistency.

Outcomes:

• Participants gain confidence in cooking and plating vegetarian and vegan dishes.
• A deep understanding of texture, seasoning, and presentation for plant-based meals.
• The ability to create rich, flavorful stocks, sauces, and soups.
• Mastery of emulsification and thickening techniques for plant-based cooking.

Assessment Criteria:

• Prepare a plant-based dish that showcases creativity and balanced flavors.
• Demonstrate proficiency in preparing and utilizing plant-based proteins.
• Create a well-balanced vegetable stock or broth with depth of flavor.
• Develop a sauce with proper consistency, flavor balance, and professional presentation.

What to Expect:

• Hands-On Cooking: Active participation in preparing dishes.

• Small Class Sizes: Personalized learning experiences.

• Cultural Storytelling: Learn the history and traditions behind each cuisine.

• Group Dining: Enjoy the dishes you’ve created with your classmates.

• Purpose-Built Kitchen Studio: Experience cooking in a modern, spacious environment designed for optimal learning.

Key Features of the Program:

1. Hands-On Workshops: Participants actively prepare dishes under the guidance of expert chefs.

2. Cultural Storytelling: Each session includes stories of Melbourne’s multicultural communities and their influence on the city’s culinary identity.

3. Locally Sourced Ingredients: Highlight Victorian produce and multicultural traders from Victoria Street.

4. Networking Opportunities: Encourage community building and connections among participants.

5. Take-Home Recipes: Provide a professionally designed recipe booklet.

6. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Cook in our purpose-built kitchen studio, designed for comfort and efficiency.

Daily Schedule:

Class Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• 10:00 AM: Meet the chef at Otao Kitchen to begin your cooking class.

• 10:15 AM: The chef highlights today’s special cuisines and presents the day’s menu. Prepare to roll up your sleeves for hands-on preparation of a glorious meal in our purpose-built kitchen studio.

• 2:00 PM: Enjoy the fruits of your labor with an epic feast you’ve created, complemented by local wine.

• 3:00 PM: Conclude the day with a full stomach, a recipe book, and unforgettable memories to share with your family and friends.

Enrol Now: Visit our website or contact us to reserve your spot in the next available module!

10 Dishes for Home Chef with Vegetarian & Plant-Based Cooking

1. Grilled Eggplant with Miso Glaze – A Japanese-inspired dish featuring umami-rich miso-marinated eggplant.
2. Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff – A creamy, dairy-free take on the classic dish, using mushrooms and cashew cream.
3. Chickpea and Spinach Curry – A fragrant and protein-rich dish infused with Indian spices.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Herbs – A nutritious and colorful dish featuring protein-packed quinoa.
5. Crispy Tofu with Ginger-Sesame Sauce – Master the art of achieving perfectly crispy tofu with a flavorful sauce.
6. Jackfruit Tacos with Avocado Salsa – A delicious and meaty-textured plant-based alternative to pulled pork tacos.
7. Spaghetti with Roasted Tomato and Cashew Pesto – A vibrant, dairy-free pesto pasta using roasted tomatoes for depth of flavor.
8. Vegan Thai Green Curry – A rich, coconut-based curry loaded with seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs.
9. Lentil and Walnut "Meatballs" with Marinara Sauce – A hearty and satisfying alternative to traditional meatballs.
10. Silken Tofu Chocolate Mousse – A decadent, creamy dessert made with plant-based ingredients for a guilt-free treat.

These dishes will help participants explore essential techniques such as grilling, roasting, braising, and emulsifying, ensuring well-rounded plant-based cooking skills.

Home Chef Program Overview

Melbourne is a world-class culinary destination, renowned for its rich food culture shaped by diverse communities over decades. The city’s gastronomic diversity offers a tapestry of flavors, unique specialties, and authentic recipes that tell the stories of generations. Here at Otao Kitchen, we believe that food isn’t just to be admired—it’s meant to be experienced, savored, and mastered!

The Otao Kitchen Home Chef Development Program is designed for food lovers who aspire to take their cooking skills to the next level. Whether you’re a home cook, an aspiring chef, or simply passionate about food, our program provides an immersive and flexible learning experience. Participants can join at any stage or select specific modules that align with their culinary interests. This hands-on course integrates in-person chef-led training with access to a digital learning platform, featuring step-by-step recipes, instructional videos, and supplementary resources.

Our Intensive Full Cooking Program offers a deep dive into Melbourne’s rich culinary traditions. Each full-day, in-person training session is led by expert chefs and is supplemented by ongoing digital learning. Participants engage in guided demonstrations, hands-on practice, and structured assessments to track their progress. Additionally, every module begins with a one-hour foundational session on food safety, knife techniques, and essential cooking methods to ensure a strong culinary foundation.