I love getting emails from readers asking for menu ideas when hosting an Indian-themed party. Here’s one I received from Jen a couple of days ago:
Dear Meena,
I’m hosting our monthly book club and my selection is Interpreter of Maladies - a series of short stories that I absolutely love. We try to coordinate our meeting’s food with our book’s subject - usually just appetizers & dessert, but occasionally a full meal.
I’d love to make some great Indian dishes for our group to sample - and to have as much as possible prepared in advance so I don’t miss out on the fun. Even some spiced nuts or snacks would be great. Any ideas?
Many, many thanks,
Jen
I love putting casual buffet menus together where guests can just sit and chat while nibbling on some delicious food. For a book club meet, it’s always best to serve food that can be easily picked up with one hand and eaten while you use the other hand to navigate through your favourite passages and pages in the book. Here is what I think would go well at this particular meeting. Most of the items can be prepared up to a few days in advanced, stored in the freezer or fridge till D-day, and kept warm in the oven till it’s ready to serve. I hope you and your friends will enjoy this menu as much as the the party Jen! Happy hosting!
- Potato Parcels - prepare the parcels in advance and freeze them without frying. When ready to serve, either fry them up or simply bake in a 375 degree oven for 20-25 minutes till golden. For a slightly simpler, less effortless version, use large puff pastry sheets. They puff up like tiny pillows when done and look and taste marvellous!
- Tandoori Chicken Pops - Let the chicken marinate in the fridge overnight, and when ready to serve, simply grill in an oven instead of frying.
- Corn Chaat (recipe included) - Quick and simple to prepare, and delicious to the very last morsel! For an added flair, serve in mini tortilla cups.
- Shakkarpare - A perfect sweet treat that can be made many days in advance and stores well in an air-tight jar.
- Masala Chai - The perfect ending to a fun evening.
CORN CHAAT / SALSA
Prep time: 10 min | Cooking time: none | Serves: 4-6 as an appetizerIngredients:
2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeno, finely chopped
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander leaves
1/4 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp chaat masala powder
2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
salt, to tasteDirections:
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and serve with a side of tortilla chips.
April 18th, 2008
Great menu u put up Meena.. esp the Potato parcels and Masala Chai.. (I have a mug of chai in my hand right now!!.). I am happy to let you know that I am done reading ‘Serving with the crazy curry’ and absolutely loved it. It was a very nice read. thanks dear!!!..now, have to zero in which dish to make.. glad that I have some more time to chew on.
Siri
I just started the book over this weekend Siri, and am enjoying so far - funny how so many references in the book remind me of things I’ve done or that have actually happened to me or someone I know!
April 18th, 2008
love ur corn chaat..and the pics too
April 19th, 2008
Hi Corn chat luks really yummy..
April 19th, 2008
That looks delicious.
April 21st, 2008
Hi! This is my first time viewing your site! I love your pictures. I’ve never made Indian food before but I would love to try to. Your site is inspiring!
April 26th, 2008
Haven’t heard of this book,let me look for it in my local store:)
May 26th, 2008
I have been visiting your site for a two years and have tried many receipes. This chat was out of this world. Also, tried the shrimp and ginger dish - to die for!! When I want to try something new, I can always count on your site. It is wonderful! Keep up the good work.
April 17th, 2010
Hello, this is the best site that I’ve visited the picture is perfect and enchanting. Keep up the good work
May 29th, 2010
Thanks for sharing such delightful menu. From the ingredients given here, i assume that making this item will not be very tough. And the picture given of the item. YUMMY. I am definitely gonna try this one.
June 1st, 2010
Your recipes look absolutly gorgeous and im sure they taste wonderful too. Im planning a menu for an all girls evening, and i’m sure the salsa and corn recipe will be a great big hit! Will definately try and make this at home.
July 22nd, 2010
Wow your blog is so nice, the pictures so perfect that its so delicious even in the pictures. Looking forward to your next blog. Keep it up.
July 27th, 2010
I have made this twice. The first time I stuck to the recipe and the fish came out SUPER spicy. There was almost too much seasoning, and the fish couldn’t really shine. The second time I made this recipe, I cut the fish seasoning in half, and it came out MUCH better. The corn salsa was also very tasty. Make sure you use the jicama because it makes a difference.
January 8th, 2011
Thanks for the recipe. The pictures do look so delicious. I’m gonna try this at home, I’ll add this to my dish list. Thank you again.
October 13th, 2011
Sounds like a good recipe! I think I’m going to give this one a try. I love to cook and I’m always on the look-out for some good recipes.