Crawley-based cook to take part in healthy South Asian cooking class hosted by charity

The online cooking class will feature a menu of three healthy dishes: chickpea salad, boneless chicken curry and fruit chaat.

These simple and healthy dishes include wholesome ingredients suitable for all including people with diabetes.

Parveen Khan, who is based in the Broadfield area of Crawley will be doing the cooking while Sarah Alicea, an NHS Diabetes Specialist Dietitian, will be on hand to answer any questions and give advice on healthy ingredients.

Khan said: “I volunteer for various groups in the area including Diverse Crawley and Creative Crawley.

"I recently started volunteering for Diabetes UK because it’s a cause close to my heart as I have several friends and close relatives with type 2 diabetes.

"I really enjoy cooking and have also helped Diverse Crawley with some cookery classes.

"Cooking at home is important because you can use healthy ingredients that you and the family all like and you control how much salt or butter you put in.

"Since having children, healthy home cooking has become an important aspect of family life.

"Home cooking means the kids can have fun learning to cook and appreciate healthy home cooking - while helping the family’s budget.”

Sarah Alicea, a Diabetes Specialist Dietitian for University Hospitals Dorset, added: “Parveen is a great cook and her food looks delicious.

"We have lots of ideas for healthy tweaks and swaps you can make to South Asian dishes for quick weekday meals or special occasions.

"Whether it’s for managing blood glucose, appetite, weight, or eating on a budget, you’ll find answers to your questions during the session.”

Jill Steaton, Diabetes UK Regional Head in the South East, said: “This event is all about sharing healthy recipes for some amazing South Asian dishes.

"During lockdown we’ve all been cooking at home, so this seems a good time to master some new dishes!

"Thanks to Parveen and Sarah for helping us put on this cookery demo.

"Please join us on the April 15 and stay tuned as we hope to do some other live cooking sessions over the course of the year.”

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly.

If not managed well, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications.

With the right treatment, knowledge and support people living with diabetes can lead a long, full and healthy life.

The event will be held via Zoom on Thursday, April 15 at 6pm -7.30pm.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/DUKcookingApr21For further details please email [email protected]