Recently I tried some of Latasha’s Kitchens concentrated curry pastes and condiments and they really deliver. They’re products that are quick and easy to use but don’t compromise on taste. I’m not the only one to think so; they are recent award winners in the 2017 Australian Food Awards.
Many of you will remember Latasha’s Kitchen’s restaurant in Leederville. More recently, you may have seen her stall at various markets across the metropolitan area. Latasha has now turned her hand at creating her own brand of products so that you too can recreate her authentic versions of dishes, which hail from both South Asia and Southeast Asia. Luckily for us, she couldn’t make it any easier if she tried.
The first two products I made were Latasha’s Kitchen Vindaloo Masala Paste and Latasha’s Kitchen Biriyani Masala Paste. The Vindaloo Masala Paste was so simple to use. I used mince (I already had that in the fridge) so all I needed to do was stir-fry the meat, add the paste then slow cook it. A sprinkle of sugar was added towards the end of the cooking process and it was ready to eat.
Vindaloo is renowned for being hot, hot, hot. Latasha’s Kitchen Vindaloo Masala Paste (RRP $13.90) is no exception; in fact Latasha’s is a fire starter. I’m not too good with spicy food these days and this one, although tasty, had me reaching for the tissues to wipe my nose and the water was close by to quench the flames escaping from my mouth. My husband on the other hand thought it was fantastic and he loved the authentic flavour.
Latasha’s Kitchen Biriyani Masala Paste (RRP $13.90) was much more suited to my heat o’meter – mild and was a full of aromatic spices. This one required a few more ingredients but it produced a lovely creamy curry full of plump, juicy chicken pieces. This was enjoyed by the whole family and mixed with some rice; both my sons gobbled this one up.
Latasha’s Kitchen Red Chilli Onion Relish (RRP $13.90) is brilliant. Sticky, spicy and sweet, it’s so versatile and can be used on all kinds of meats, used as an accompaniment to burgers and sandwiches or mixed in with your meatball mix. I made homemade burgers so added it to the buns.
It’s packed full of caramalised onions, so it’s an essential to making the perfect burger and would also be ideal to add to a sausage sizzle. It added a gorgeous boost to the hamburger and I’m keen to try it with some pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
Chocolate anything is always popular in our household so Latasha’s Kitchen Cherry Chocolate (RRP $13.90) was highly anticipated! It’s a gold medal winner in the 2017 Australian Food Awards so I had high hopes. This sauce is thick, luscious dark cocoa with an abundance of cherries inside. Very rich, a little goes a long way.
This Cherry Chocolate can be used in a variety of desserts, so I mixed it in with some vanilla ice cream and fresh strawberries. It made a simple dessert so decadent and I know this jar won’t last long in the fridge.
You can tell Latasha has put a lot of thought into her products – she’s all about the quality of ingredients in her products so that no matter what your cooking ability, you can produce amazing food in your very own kitchen.
What I love about Latasha’s Kitchen is that they are Australian made using only the best local fresh ingredients and imported herbs and spices. And The Coeliac Society of Australia certifies every product that Latasha produces as gluten and wheat free. Preservative and MSG free, you really are getting the best of what Latasha has to offer.
Lastasha’s Kitchen can be found at selected independent food stores all across Australia or directly from her website: https://latashaskitchen.com/stockists
