Here at Shires we are delighted to announce that we will be running a
Thai cookery day on Saturday 24 April.

Like all the world’s great cuisines, Thai food is a conglomerate of several distinct regional traditions. But one thing they all have in common is a passion for fresh ingredients and the subtle blending of spices and aromatics.

This indigenous heritage is enriched by Thailand’s tropical neighbours – each bringing its own addition to the rich, spicy mix.

So you get lots of Malaysian-style coconut milk and turmeric dishes in the south, with the Lao-reminiscent lime flavours of the north-east. Predominant is the influence of China – especially in the use of the wok with its deep and shallow frying dishes based on rice and noodles.

 Fish and all kinds of seafood appear everywhere – usually freshly caught but also in the universally famous Thai fermented fish sauce which adds a piquant twist to favourite dishes. Add to this lemon grass, galangal and ginger, kaffir lime leaves and coriander, and you have the authentic taste of Thailand in a nutmeg shell.

 But to many in the west Thai food has a harmonious freshness, lightness and integrity of flavour unequalled in other eastern culinary traditions. These days it is eaten with a spoon and fork rather than the fingers – chopsticks have never been part of its etiquette – and generous hospitality is the name of the game.

 Dishes are designed to be shared, so when you plan your Thai meal bring out all your biggest platters and serving dishes – more is definitely more here. You will also need lots of little dishes for the sauces and spicy condiments that are an essential accompaniment. Fish and sweet chilli sauces, sugar, peppers, cucumbers and garlic are all staples of the dinner table, along with the essential sticky rice and noodles of every shape and style.

 The flavours, textures and aromas of Thai cookery have a timeless appeal – and with its heavy-on-fresh, light-on-fat ingredients, full of vegetables, fish and fruit you can’t go wrong.

Come along and join us for what promises to be a healthy, flavoursome and aromatic day.