Nige is a lifelong learner who is propelled forward by curiosity and necessity. Having taught himself English and how to cook during over six years spent in detention, he is constantly inspired by the kindness of the people he’s met along the way. Nige’s recipes come to him through memories; his mother’s Green Bean Carrot and Tomato Curry, the aroma of his aunt’s Butter Cake baking in the oven.
A fourth-generation fisherman, Nige is fluid and intuitive. These recipes have never been documented like this before, many have been living in his mind and heart and he is so proud and excited to teach them to you! If you love the idea of summer parties, curries that are like “hugs” and mastering the fundamentals of Sri Lankan cuisine, this is the cooking experience for you.
Vanakkam!
$99 + $20 FLAT FEE EXPRESS SHIPPING ANYWHERE IN AUSTRALIA
(shipping & GST is added at check-out)
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
SRI LANKAN FEAST ESSENTIALS KIT
A mindfully curated recipe kit delivered to your door. It’ll come filled with the harder-to-find Sri Lankan specialty ingredients needed to recreate Nige’s recipes.
Nige’s Roasted Curry Powder | Asafoetida | Samba Rice | Dried Anchovies | Dried Chillies | Dried Chilli Flakes | Green Cardamom Pods | Black Mustard Seeds | Coriander Seeds | Cumin Seeds | Fennel Seeds | Turmeric | Tamarind Pulp | Bamboo Skewers & a small spice dish made by Melbourne ceramicist & FTF volunteer, Anna Cuttriss.
All you’ll need to do is source the fresh & pantry ingredients using the handy Feast Shopping List we’ll provide!
Cooking Films
A collection of ten immersive and interactive films beautifully captured by friend of Free to Feed Timothy Melville, providing visual support through your cooking journey. Seven of them are filled with Nige’s step-by-step recipe instructions. In the other three, Nige generously explores conversational elements about his journey to Australia which make this cooking experience one of a kind.
RECIPE BOOKLET
A 52-page booklet filled with Free to Feed musings, Nige’s recipes, a shopping list for your fresh ingredients, suggested menus, a party planning guide, a glossary of all ingredients, the fundamentals of Sri Lankan cooking… SO MUCH!
It will act as your guide during your All Together Now experience and is our collective love letter to you. We hope you’ll keep cooking from it for years to come!
Conversation Cards
In an envelope, you’ll find conversation cards, each with a question relevant and important to Nige’s story and food that we hope will inspire you to reflect on his experiences and yours. Conversation is the reason we do what we do! We believe it helps to open minds, open hearts, open paletes.
What do you, at home, provide?
You provide the fresh ingredients, family, friends and an appetite to learn (and eat!)
“SHE WAS AN EXPERT, AN EXPERT... AN EXPERT! SIMPLE RECIPES AND THE BEST TASTE EVER. I HAVE NEVER TASTED ANY FOOD QUITE LIKE HERS SINCE. AS A CHILD, THE STREETS AROUND OUR HOME WOULD SMELL OF HER COOKING... I HOPE YOURS DO TOO!”
– NIGE COOKS FROM MEMORY, HIS MOTHER INFLUENCES MANY OF HIS DISHES
LEARN NIGE’S RECIPES | WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
Learn all the following recipes plus an extra special section where Nige will guide you through the fundamentals of Sri Lankan cooking! Learn the important basics like how to make tamarind water, coconut water, temper spices and more!
WANT TO COOK SRI LANKAN WITH NIGE?
$99 + $20 flat fee express shipping anywhere in Australia
(shipping & GST is added at check-out)
Do you want to purchase this experience as a gift?
How generous of you! When checking out, just make sure you add your contact information and your details in the BILLING section. Add the gift recipient’s address in the SHIPPING section.
Do you currently have a Free to Feed Gift Voucher you want to use toward All Together Now with Nige?
Email Ellie at alltogethernow@freeto.org with your original voucher number starting with ‘G’ and we’ll make it happen!
Your participation in All Together Now enables Free to Feed to share the culture and food of our incredible program participants, like Nige, and keep employing people seeking asylum and refugees (who have worked really hard behind the scenes to make it all happen).
From our very full hearts, thank you!
FAQ
Can I use my Free to Feed voucher towards All Together Now with Nige?
Yes! 100%! Email Ellie at alltogethernow@freeto.org with your original voucher number starting with G and we’ll make it happen!
Do you want to purchase this experience as a gift?
How generous of you! When checking out, just make sure you add your contact information and your details in the BILLING section. Add the gift recipient’s address in the SHIPPING section. If you would like a gift note written on the box, email Ellie at alltogethernow@freeto.org with your note as soon as you've purchased your experience!
Q. I’m nervous… I’ve never had Sri Lankan food before.
You’re in for a treat. Sri Lankan cuisine is so flavoursome and warm. The recipes Nige has shared with us are inspired by backyard BBQs and family gatherings. They are rich in spices, heat and aromas. Nige doesn’t feel satisfied unless there is at least a hint of chilli in every bite but you can just as easily omit the chili to suit your preferred tastes!
Q. I’m Vegetarian or Vegan or GF and/or also FODMAP. Can I take part in the experience?
Yes, of course. In the recipe booklet we’ve noted dietary requirements for every recipe so that you can choose a menu from the collection of recipes to suit you.
The Green Bean, Carrot and Tomato curry, Tamarind Rice & Pol Roti with Carrot Sambal is a standout for vegans.
If you have any very specific or tricky dietary concerns, just get in touch! Our team is standing by to help!
Q. Tell me more about Nige’s food?
Nige’s food and style of cooking is very intuitive and fluid. He changes steps and ingredients slightly every time he cooks, depending on who he’s eating with and what mood he’s in. Despite this, his dishes are outstanding every time. That is the magic of Sri Lankan cooking. You will have a hard time messing them up.
Q. Who and where should I direct a question regarding shipping / access to ATN page / payment / logistics / problems / concerns?
Please email us at alltogethernow@freeto.org. Whatever is going on, we’ll be there to help. This email will be checked daily Monday - Thursday so you can expect a response Monday - Thursday within 48 hours!
Q. Who and where should I direct questions about the menu? Or about equipment? Or share photos of my food?
We’d love for all this sort of joy inducing interaction to live inside The Curious Cooks Community group! A password to join the group will be sent to you on email once the experience has been purchased.
Q. What if I run out of my specialty ingredients in the Feast Essentials Kit?
You’ll have enough of every specialty ingredient in your Feast Essentials kit for a feast for four - six. Rest assured, we’ve also snuck in more than you need - where we could!
We do hope you’ll love the flavours and be encouraged to keep your pantry stocked with them. When the time comes, we can help you find the closest stockist to you!