North Indian Flatbreads by Ekta Maheshwari

Master the versatile craft of traditional Indian flatbreads with chef, instructor, and Arth Toronto founder Ekta Maheshwari. In this intimate, hands-on masterclass hosted at The Depanneur, home cooks of all skill levels will discover how flour, water, spices, and heat transform into fragrant, flaky parathas and comforting accompaniments.

What You Will Make & Learn The session begins with the fundamentals of dough preparation, exploring hydration levels and textures by mixing two distinct batches: a classic dough for stuffed breads and an earthy, colourful beetroot dough. Participants will learn proper stuffing techniques to craft spiced potato-filled aloo parathas, layered triangular ajwain tawa parathas scented with carom seeds, and Rajasthani besan parathas—a speciality from Bikaner stuffed with seasoned roasted gram flour.

To round out the meal, Chef Ekta demonstrates how to prepare a comforting homestyle chole (chana masala chickpea curry) along with a cooling mint and cucumber raita and house-made pickles. After cooking, everyone sits down to savour the fresh breads together.

About Chef Ekta Maheshwari Ekta Maheshwari teaches culinary arts at George Brown College and runs Arth Toronto, an artisanal venture known at local farmers' markets for slow-cooked heritage dishes that blend authentic Indian cooking with seasonal Ontario ingredients. Her workshops emphasize practical technique, cultural storytelling, and accessible methods you can easily recreate at home.

Location & Practical Info The workshop takes place at 192 Spadina Avenue (Suite 501), conveniently situated near Queen and Spadina. Transit riders can hop off the 510 Spadina streetcar right nearby. Registration is $79 plus HST, with light refreshments included before class. Participants are encouraged to bring an airtight container to carry home extra freshly griddled breads, along with their favourite rolling pin if they prefer using their own.