While in Kochi, we did a cooking class with Maria. Some recipes given out, some discussion about what should and should not be mixed together. The best part was learning some of the techniques: waiting for the moisture to leave the mixture, and for the oil to form around, before moving on to the next step; adding the powders over the top of the mixture and folding it through, rather than just mixing, so the powders don't burn; searing the marinated meat before adding it to your mixture, so the raw flavours from the marinade don't go back in your sauce. The aloo dum is a North Indian Potato dish.