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Ranjana's Indian Cooking Classes
Categories: Education Specialty Schools Cooking Schools Restaurants Indian Cooking Schools, Indian [Edit]
6730 S Euclid Ave(between 67th St & 68th St)
Chicago, IL 60649
Neighborhood: South Shore
(773) 355-9559
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Alcohol:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Allan M. said: "Not bad, decided to try it out when I was down here a few weeks ago after years of hearing about this place. Tandoori Chicken was pretty good, and so was the samosa and curry(can't remember what it was called) that came with it. I'd…" read more »
20 reviews for Ranjana's Indian Cooking Classes
Review Highlights
"She made us feel right at home in her kitchen."
(in 3 reviews)
"Also: chai tea, yogurt, toasted spices."
(in 2 reviews)
"...our aprons, Ranjana explained how to make a delicious chai."
(in 5 reviews)
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20 reviews in English
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Review from Jeka M.
11/8/2011
*Basic South Indian
One tradition of my family's that I really enjoy is that we try to get each other activities as gifts, or something functional. My little sister is a vegetarian, but the kind that survives primarily on Boca Burgers and such. I wanted to take her somewhere fun and that would be interesting to her. So we signed up for one of Ranjana's classes. :)
Delicious! I want to go back for more. :) She is friendly and makes truly delicious food; she also helps you to see how the spices from each area are different, the basics of ingredients for any recipe (must have color, heat, etc.) and while I was outspiced sometimes (I can do up to medium), I couldn't stop eating because it was delicious.
We had a great time and Ranjana really loves to get to know people. I highly recommend for a gift, for fun, for a date, whatever! My sister is 16 and we came away with ton of recipes and food. :) -
Review from O A.
Chicago, IL
5/8/2011
We just took a private cooking class with Ranjana. She was very friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. She thoroughly explained the numerous recipes we were cooking that day - not only the techniques involved but the overall principles of Indian cooking that were applicable to that dish! Additionally, Ranjana was extremely efficient - cooking, managing the kitchen, teaching all at the same time. This class is an INCREDIBLE value and I highly recommend it to anyone - both beginners and experts in cooking would find value in learning from Ranjana.
P.S. I am of South Asian descent, so I am familiar with Indian cuisine. The recipes she taught us were some of the best I have ever had. -
Review from Lexi-Lou A.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 6/15/2011
Wow, I've now completed all of my four classes and I am cooking delicious and flavorsome Indian dishes at home. It's fabulous. Ranjana has not only taught me how to cook using traditional Indian techniques, she also dispersed so much knowledge about Indian spices and the tradition of the food that I have already started to create my own spice mixes and dishes based on the food I have in the fridge and pantry at the time of cooking. Thank you Ranjana. I'll be coming back for more cooking classes.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/14/2011
Thursday night, my stepson and I went to Ranjana's 'Basic Northern Indian" cooking class and it was… Read more »
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Review from dominique s.
Chicago, IL
8/10/2011
Ranjana's class in one of the best experiences I have had in Chicago. The class is insightful, cultural, and creative. It allows every attendee to explore both the simplicity and intricacies of Indian cooking. As a talented chef and teacher, Ranjana creates such a beautiful and comfortable space for learning that it is impossible to leave without a smile and fully belly
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Review from Meredith B.
Pittsburgh, PA
4/6/2010
I just had an amazing cooking class at Ranjana's lovely home last night. What an amazing experience! Where do I begin?
My boyfriend and I went to her beginner level Northern Indian cooking class. We're both pretty good cooks already, but Ranjana really challenged us. Everybody gets involved in a very hands-on way, and the tasks are great fun! We were making chutneys, frying samosas, and watching rotis puff up on the burner. All the food was delicious, and we were all so proud because we made it, with Ranjana's gently firm guidance the whole time.
She really teaches you about Indian spices, and the components of Indian cooking. She encourages you to be creative at home, and gives you enough knowledge that you can improvise without following recipes. In addition to the recipes we expected to learn, she also taught us a few "extra" treats because she had leftover ingredients.
She's also had an incredible life, and will tell you such lovely stories while you work. You really feel like a guest in her home. I hope very much to return for more classes. I literally cannot imagine a better cooking class - most cooking classes just teach you really basic, noncreative food that you could probably figure out yourself. Ranjana's class was exciting and challenging, and the food was delicious. Can't wait to fry up some samosas later this week, on our own! We've got to come back for a second class! -
Review from Marils R.
San Francisco, CA
1/12/2009
Since I'm first to review Ranjana's cooking classes, I will give you a bit of background on what they are all about. Ranjana is originally from India and moved to Chicago about 40 years ago. She's cheerful and sweet, and has a motherly quality which makes you feel right at home. Based in Hyde Park, she gives cooking classes out of her kitchen, which is equipped with with an industrial stove. The classes accommodate 8 people, so the environment is intimate. You can choose to attend classes one at a time (on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.) or in a 4 class series.
This past Saturday we made 9 different dishes from Northern India including Matar Paneer, Pakori, Coriander Chutney, Pulav, Paratha, Chole, Aloo Gobi, Kheer and Chai Tea. Being a newbie to Indian food, Ranjana did a great job of taking us through all the spices and how they are used, where to shop for the items, and how to prepare each of the dishes. Everyone got a bit of hands-on cooking time, but mostly we sat, watched, took notes and learned, which was just my speed.
One thing I find when we eat at the different restaurants on Devon is the food can be really oily. Ranjana showed us how much oil the restaurants tend to use, and it was great to see because it just reaffirmed it's probably kinder on the waistline to make Indian food yourself! The best part of the class was the end where we all shared the meal around her dining room table. It was fun meeting new people and learning a new way to cook. I can't wait to go to Devon street to buy the spices so I can try the dishes at home. -
Review from Job E.
Sunnyside-Tahoe City, CA
3/25/2009
I'll see how much I actually learned when I give some cooking a shot. The recipes were nice, and overall a well designed nine course meal.
I would have preferred a bit more of the 'science' behind what works and what doesn't but that is probably a bit too much to ask for a introductory class. A bit disorganized at times, but that's also a reflection of her attitude that cooking is a constant experiment. -
Review from Chris L.
2/9/2010
For an early Valentine's day present, my boyfriend and I signed up for a private cooking lesson with Ranjana. I have to say it was definitely a great idea and I left having learned a lot of techniques that I could apply to my cooking style in general.
I didn't participate in much of the planning of the course but I do know Ranjana was very flexible in accommodating picky eaters like us with no problem (Keep in mind that we did book private lessons). Ranjana's classes only include vegetarian dishes but she is great at telling you how you can tweak them to accommodate meat.
Recipes are provided but she also does a great job at having you watch and take notes yourself so you can retain the information a lot better.
Dishes we tried included two chutney dishes, several main courses, kulfi (ice cream), lassis (smoothies), and several breads.
Ranjana is an excellent instructor overall. She has taught in the past and you can tell she puts a lot of work in accommodating different learning styles.
I definitely learned a lot and would highly recommend her classes to anyone. -
Review from Lisbeth D.
Chicago, IL
3/15/2010
What a fun class! I contacted Ranjana about signing up for the Northern Indian cooking class one Saturday. She was already booked but emailed me the next day saying that she could accommodate us later that same Saturday as there were other people that wanted the same class. Perfect!
Our class consisted of my husband and I plus one other couple. Ranjana started the class by demonstrating how to make Masala Chai and went over some of the different Indian spices, how to use them, and which ones to add before cooking or after cooking. It was very informative and a topic that I didn't know much about.
In all, we made several chutneys, samosas, daal, roti, paneer, an okra dish, an eggplant dish, plus dessert. Each person contributed to the cooking and some dishes (roti and samosas) were demonstrated by Ranjana and then each person was able to make their own.
What I liked best about the class was Ranjana's flexibility. She asked what our favorite Indian dishes were and gave us general instructions on how they are prepared. She also gave us many suggestions on ways to modify different dishes either for dietary reasons or lack of time. I felt the class was really more about understanding Indian cooking techniques and ingredients rather than just sticking to a recipe. Ranjana had us taste as we were cooking to see if the food had enough salt, spice, etc... which is invaluable if you are going to be cooking on your own and want everything to be balanced.
After completing the class, I was confident that I could cook Indian food at home. In fact, the next week after the class my husband and I made Masala Chai, chutney, and roti at home. I can't wait until we attempt samosas!
If you have any interest in Indian cooking at all, Ranjana's classes are an excellent way to learn this cuisine. I'm really looking forward to taking another class with her. -
Review from Elaine H.
Chicago, IL
5/18/2009
See those five stars I gave? Multiply each of them by two. This is a 10-star cooking class. How do you review an experience that indulges all of your senses and leaves you with a sense of peace and joy, a new set of skills, and a full, happy tummy with just five stars??
Ranjana holds small classes in her sparkling professional kitchen at her home near Hyde Park (take the Metra Electric Line down and enjoy a 4- or 5-block walk through one of the most beautiful parts of Chicago to get there).
Not only do you learn to make the 9 or so dishes included on the menu, but Ranjana explains the general patterns of flavor and spice mixing involved in Indian cooking which will take you much further if you plan to branch out beyond the dishes taught in class. In addition to the dishes, she'll also show you how to make your own chai, your own yogurt, and roast and grind your own spices to be used as is or in garam masala - all easily achieved in your own kitchen as well. And surely nothing has taken me back to those childhood moments of delight and wonder as seeing my own chapati inflate like a balloon over an open flame. Everything we made was delicious, and there was plenty of hands-on practice.
Dishes we made in the basic North Indian class: Samosas, eggplant with tomato, okra, chapati (bread), daal, green chutney, mango chutney, tamarind chutney, halwa. Also: chai tea, yogurt, toasted spices
But even better than getting to eat your own crispy, spicy samosas right out of the pan is the chance to learn from the remarkable Ranjana. Patient, clear, and expert at her craft, Ranjana radiates warmth, peacefulness, and hospitality and is simply spellbinding when she speaks. Interspersed with cooking instructions are history lessons, stories of her own fascinating life, a prompt to smell the black cardamom and green cardamom to experience the difference, and gentle questions to get to know you as well.
From the flavors, scents, textures, and colors of the food to the warm hug you get as you leave Ranjana's house to the wonderful helpful followup emails she'll send you, this is a magical experience from start to finish. Do not miss this! -
Review from Aurore L.
3/17/2009
Groupon, you are my hero.
I spent one of the best Saturday mornings I have had in a while at Ranjana's house. I had no idea what to expect but was glad to have changed my mind and chosen to accompany my friend who had found the $35 class deal on the aforementioned Super Site.
Yay!!
In a little more than three hours we learned the basic of Northern Indian vegetarian cooking and a grand total of 9 dishes. Me likey! The atmosphere is totally relax and casual and we, the students are all around the "master" cook (not intimidating at all) who carefully explains every little thing she does while chatting about her background, childhood and Indian traditions. The smell of spices is intoxicating and it is pretty hard to wait 'til the end to dig in (or to retrain oneself from just stealing the piping hot samosas from the dish in the rudest of ways). I was lucky enough to be part of a very curious group who kept asking questions as well as sharing their various experiences and that made for a wonderful culinary adventure in the land of rajahs.
We shared our delicious meal in the dining room and promised ourselves to make the next paneer (home-made cheese - ridiculously easy to make) that would pass our lips.
With a trip to Devon, the next best thing to do if you want to immerse yourself in the magic fragrances of the East but are to broke to fly to Mumbai.... -
Review from Alexis B.
Chicago, IL
9/27/2010
Our wonderful cooking class was a cultural and culinary tour of India! We enjoyed our class very much and like the other reviewers we walked away well fed, recipes and notes in hand and with an interest to pursue Indian cooking in our own kitchens. Ranjana demonstrated and gave us a tasks in preparing several chutneys, chai, samosas, rotis, raita, an eggplant dish to die for, an okra dish and a dessert! In one evening! Because we participated in making these dishes, we all gained confidence and experience. Ranjana is very helpful and sweet.
Highly recommended! -
Review from Chris C.
Chicago, IL
2/25/2010
She does both private lessons and group classes - did a private lesson for two and it was great. She accommodated some non-standard customized requests for menu selections, and is a good teacher.
With this type of thing I think the best judge of how good the experience was is when I try to do it myself after the class is over. We were obviously taught well, as the items/meals we try afterward taste great (even when Ranjana is no longer there to help).
Highly recommended as a date for 2, as a group outing for a group, and as anything in between you can come up with. Useful and well worth the price - -
Review from Lauren H.
Elmhurst, IL
8/1/2011
My husband and I took Ranjana's Indian vegetarian cooking class this summer. She made us feel right at home in her kitchen! After donning our aprons, Ranjana explained how to make a delicious chai. We enjoyed a cup of tea as we started cooking. Ranjana identified each of the commonly used spices in Indian cooking and demonstrated how to make samosas. After her demo, we had a chance to make our own samosas followed by several more fantastic dishes. By the end of the class, we had a wonderful collection of recipes from daal to cucumber raita to spicy chutneys and own new set of Indian spices that were available for purchase. Before leaving, Ranjana gave us a tour of her garden and offered us tips on how to cook various vegetables that we've received in our CSA box (never knew what to do with kohlrabi). We highly recommend Ranjana's cooking classes. You'll learn a lot not only about Indian cuisine but also about Indian culture and Ranjana's personal story. Enjoy!
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Review from Cristin M.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 11/30/2009
Ranjana won me over again! I signed up for a second class with her after I received a discount offer for taking a previous class. This time I went with the regional cooking class, which meant South Indian. I was pretty excited to learn how to make some South Indian dishes because I had never tried my hand at it at home. It ended up being just my friend and I in the class because the other students canceled. What luck?! It was like having my own private cooking class! We made a TON of food again, even though it was only the three of us (Ranjana included). The best part of all? I LEARNED HOW TO AND WAS SUCCESSFUL AT MAKING MY OWN DOSA!! Amazing, if you ask me. We also made some fresh coconut chutney (we're talking take-the-coconut-outside-and-bust-it-open fresh), sambhar, rasam, idli, vada, lemon rice, upma (a side recipe that wasn't even part of the plan), a couple of different masalas, and payasam. Seriously, a ton of food! Don't even ask me how we managed to eat a good portion of it.
Ranjana was as friendly as ever, sharing plenty of life stories, and teaching us a lot of shortcuts and new methods for cooking. If you're looking for a good way to learn some real, authentic cooking, take a class with Ranjana, she's the best! You learn to make a lot of different things, and feel comfortable enough to take your recipe book home and dive in in your own kitchen. Take a class with a group of friends to make it even more fun. Have a birthday party or a holiday party here if you're looking for a good group activity!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/25/2009
This is probably the best cooking class that I've ever taken. Ranjana was so friendly, and made you… Read more »
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Review from Kristi S.
Chicago, IL
2/15/2010
My boyfriend bought me Ranjana's class for Valentine's Day. It was wonderful! I have some experience cooking Indian food, so I was familiar with some of the basics, but still learned several new things as well. We made 9 dishes with Ranjana, including bread, somosas, curry, stuffed vegetables and two desserts. A great value.
I also enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of being in her home. She took her time, answered all our questions and made sure we all had ample opportunity to roll up our sleeves and cook. Ranjana is a gentle hostess and a very interesting person.
My boyfriend's gift was truly selfless, as he doesn't even like Indian food. However, he enjoyed every single dish we made with Ranjana. Thanks, Ranjana, or opening my boyfriend's eyes to the delight of Indian cuisine. -
Review from Lissa B.
Manhattan, NY
1/23/2010
I had a fantastic experience with Ranjana's Basic Northern cooking class. From the moment you enter her home, she and her husband welcome you with open arms and make you feel at home. The class was a combination of demonstration and hands-on. Each member of the class was given a task and contributed to the meal we prepared. Ranjana is extremely personable and makes the rather labor intensive process look simple! She corrects you until you can make your Roti look and taste like it came from your favorite restaurant. Not only is Ranjana dedicated to teaching you how to cook indian meals, she educates you about life in India and broadens your culutral horizons. She is an amazing woman. Her sweet husband will take pictures to commemorate the class! It was a great experience- one I would highly recommend!
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Review from n z.
Chicago, IL
4/13/2010
I don't want to needlessly repeat the enthusiastic reviews below, and their accurate details about Ranjana's warmth, enthusiasm, grace and storytelling, as well as the intimate setting of cooking in her own home kitchen. So I'll just add another five-star recommendation for her cooking class as a wonderful, educational and delicious gift experience for anyone interested in cooking and Indian culture and cuisine.
Please support Ranjana and take her classes! I know I will return for another before I leave Chicago! -
Review from Jaideep P.
New York, NY
5/13/2009
Ranjana's cooking class is a fantastic Chicago experience. We were invited into her home for a 10 course + Indian cooking bonanza.
She demystified spices that I remember seeing used at home since I was a kid and taught us how to make nutritious, inexpensive and delicious Indian food.
Seeing the simplicity with which she is able to prepare dishes gives you the confidence to cook regularly.
An amazing part of the sessions are the stories of her life in Chicago and India she is able to weave into her different recipes. It makes for a fun experience to enjoy with a group of friends.
One of the best underground food activities you can imagine finding in Chicago.. -
Review from Haplo G.
Lake, IL
1/16/2010
The flavors of Ranjana's kitchen do not come only from the many recipes she will teach you. You will also savor her memories of her mother's many bracelets jangling as she made paratha, of the shared labor of making pappadams for the town, and even of the diplomatic skills necesary for a young girl facing an arranged marriage. In short, you will learn many new aspects of taste which will stay on your palate a long time. Five stars for the cooking, five more for the stories, and five still more for her gracious and welcoming hospitality. Go.
