The supper club was held in Sabrina's own home in London and consisted of 12 guests. We all brought along our own drinks for the night whether it was alcohol or not. The smell of the fantastic food wafting temptingly at us as we entered. Whilst Sabrina was in the kitchen getting on with the last minute preparations and the cooking we were shown into her rather cosy lounge with some of the other guests who had already arrived. This was nice as we had a chance to get to know our fellow diners before our meal. It showed her great popularity in that not only had we travelled from outside of London but so had some of the other guests. One couple coming by bus from Cardiff and returning that night. As this had been the first supper club we had ever been to we were previously on the first visit unsure as to how we would feel dining with strangers but soon found that this is a fantastic way to meet people that you wouldn't ordinarily.
When all the diners were there we served a lovely cocktail to start (made non-alcoholic for those who were non drinkers) and then sat at the table to await 'The Feast'. I call this a feast as there always seems to be enough to fill you and then more.
Firstly out came one of my favourites Maast o Khiar -Yogurt and cucumber with dried mint, Iranian golden raisins and rose petals along with a plate of flatbreads to dip. This is so lovely I could eat it on its own . Then one by one the other dishes appeared from the kitchen. Lamb, Herb and Sour Cherry Meatballs served in a rich spiced tomato sauce (another favourite cooked at home). As last time these were in an ever so plentiful supply which was fine by us. The sauce is slow cooked and then the meatballs added and cooked some more so that the flavours are well developed to make it a delicious dish. Aubergine Chermoula a dish made from mainly aubergines with the addition of tomatoes, peppers and raisins with a sweet but savoury taste. A lovely vegetable dish again which is extremely moreish. We also had a fantastic treat in the Vine Wrapped Baked Feta with thyme, lemon and chillies. I think most of us agreed that this was one dish that we didn't want to end . As each person tasted it there was noises of appreciation. We were assured by Sabrina later that this was a very easy dish to make although the recipe wasn't in Persiana. It was most definitely one I shall consider making for the future even if only for Saturday night nibbles with wine. Last but by no means least on the starters was an Apple, dried Fig and Pomegranate Salad served with Mesclun Leaves and a pomegranate dressing. A lovely light dish that complimented the others.
After we had eaten as much as we could whilst leaving room for the main course (quite a difficult thing as the food was so good you just wanted to keep on eating the plentiful supply that was there) we sat and chatted for a short interlude whilst waiting for the mains.The mains well what can I say? If we thought there was a lot for the first course well the course was even more. First out was Khoresh e Ghormeh Sabzi which later we were informed later was a traditional Persian dish which we wouldn't find in the restaurants. Khoresh means stew and the sabzi refers to the herbs which were abundant in it. This was fantastic. The lamb cooked until tender in the stew packed with parsley,coriander and fenugreek along with sharp dried limes and kidney beans. It was a treat to be given this as its something that I really enjoyed. This was served with Chelow,Persian steamed Basmati rice complete with the delicious crispy tahdig crust. The lovely crispy base that occurs when cooking Persian rice. Which thanks to Sabrina's explanation my family now know about and I can no longer have it to myself as 'cook's perks'. But there was still more to come in the shape of a Courgette ,Potato and Saffron Kuku which is a baked frittata with potato,courgette,herbs and saffron (something that would equally be lovely made up and put in your lunchbox). Last but not least there was Mahi Shekampor which are whole roasted trout stuffed with a spicy,citrus-spiked herb and pine nut stuffing which went down very well not only with the vegetarian diner that was there but also with everyone else. This was my first taste of trout since starting to eat fish a few years ago. Previously I didn't like it at all but I found this dish extremely tasty and it would be one that I'd attempt at home.
After a brief interlude we were given some refreshing mint tea .This is a great after dinner drink when you have perhaps had just that little bit too much as it aids digestion . We were all then asked who would like their dessert now or who would like to take it home with them. There was only one person who opted to take it home with them .They made the good choice because although the Spiced Carrot, Pistachio and Almond Cake served with rose water cream was absolutely heavenly it was also the defeat of many of us. It really is a wonderful cake which has no flour and is delightfully moist and not at all dry and served alongside the lightly perfumed cream I remembered why last time I really didn't want to take it home but half way through after eating so much food I also remembered why I took it home last time too.
But why write a blog on a supper club that is no more you might say. Well although Sabrina will no longer be hosting supper clubs from her own home there will be chance to eat her wonderful food. She is not taking the restaurant route but is planning many pop ups both here and in Europe. She is also busily hosting new cookery classes where at some after being shown how to cook your new recipes you can then sit down and enjoy a lunch of them.
Also Sabrina will be at the terrifically foodie Taste of London this June demonstrating as a member of the Action Against Hunger charity.
