Abergavenny’s Maria Stella is busy bottling her Borneo-inspired sauces and pastes ahead of her appearance at this year’s Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival which will take place over the Easter Weekend (17-18 April).
A long way from her tribal childhood roots in the Borneo jungle, Maria has made her home in the town where she has also established her artisan business, Sorai (directly translated as lemongrass) – producing a range of products inspired by the unique flavours of her homeland.
“Starting Sorai was a real leap of faith for me as it’s so different from any other career I’ve had but it’s just been the best thing and I’m loving being able to introduce the tempting tastes I grew up with to a whole new audience”, said Maria.
“The jungle was such an organic experience in every way; we literally picked what we ate – the fruits of the forest, vegetation, bamboos shoots, caught fish from the river to cook over an open fire – and it instilled in me a love of fresh, nutritious produce and healthy eating; I now very much aim to promote health, well -being and sustainability through my business.
“I’ve always loved cooking and experimenting with flavours – it’s a lovely thing to be in the kitchen with your family, tasting as you go along and making each dish your own to suit your own taste. Many of the recipes which incorporate the sauces are inspired by the hours spent cooking with my children when they were younger and I’m loving sharing this with others.”
All made at her home kitchen in the town centre itself, Maria’s versatile Bori Range of sauces can be used as dips, dressings, marinades or just for cooking in general.
Sorai has also recently launched all-in-one flavouring ingredient, the Baruk range of plant-based cooking pastes.
“I’ve been delighted with the reception I’ve received and had so much support locally which is wonderful,” added Maria.
“My aim with Sorai is to really feed those adventurous taste buds, spice things up a little and just bring a real sense of fun to the cooking experience.
“It’s been a tough two years – as for so many artisan producers in my position – we had to diversify and do more online which is working well but to be able to get back out on the festival scene again is great. I’m very busy bottling ahead of the Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival; I can generally make between 100-200 jars a day so there’ll be plenty for everyone to sample!”
Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival event organiser Polly Wilson added:
“We too have had a two-year gap with the festival so it’s fantastic to be back – as a festival we really do champion our regional, artisan producers and it’s great to have Sorai with us this year. We’re looking forward to a cracking event and sampling everything Maria brings along!”
Sorai will be at the Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival from 17-18 April.
Website: sorai.co.uk
For festival information, visit: cowbridgefoodanddrink.org
