POCATELLO — The semi-annual south India dinner prepared by First Congregational United Church of Christ is set for Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $6 in advance and $7 at the door and may be purchased at the church office, 309 N. Garfield Ave., Pocatello, between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.This event is a fundraiser for a Global Ministries’ child sponsorship, and the public is invited to attend. The meal will include tomato rasam (soup), sambar (spicy stew) and rice, mashed potato poriyal, curd rice, green bean poriyal, mixed vegetable salad, pickles and chutneys, and sweet pongal. “To-go” boxes are also available. 

In 2005, church member, Cyndy Kelchner toured India. When she returned she was eager to share the food and culture she had experienced. South Indian meals are different from those served in most Indian restaurants in the United States, although truly authentic cookbooks feature similar recipes.

 The church’s first south dinner was served in April 2006 and was so well-received by the community that it is now prepared twice a year. 

For tickets or more information, please contact the Congregational Church office, 232-3056 or office@uccpocatello.org.