The Foodening (ideas, please!)

[afroakuma]

Hello the Playground!

I'm planning a big sort of "one-person potluck" for my family as a good winter shakeoff, and I'm hoping to go with some dishes more diverse than the usual Canadian family get-together staples. Specifically, I thought it would be fun to throw together a multicultural feast with dishes from lots of different backgrounds. So far I've got:

• Chinese egg rolls
• French beef bourguignon
• Jamaican patties
• Lebanese mezze (tabbouleh and hummus)
• Moroccan tagine
• Thai pad tua

I'd love some other ideas from world cuisines to help flesh out the menu. In particular, India and something Scandinavian would be fun, but anything that anyone could think of adding would be really great.

tl;dr tell me about your favorite ethnic dishes! :smallbiggrin:

[Palanan]

Naan bread from India…it'll go magnificently with your hummus. Also samosas, pakoras, chana masala, all wonderful.

Are you cooking all these yourself? If so, I salute you.

[Gnomvid]

Here's something shockingly Scandinavian, Macaroni (yes Swedish staple food) boiled in milk with meatballs and brown sauce (gravy).
1 litre milk
5 Deciliter macaroni (what ever measurement of macaroni double that with milk)
1 tea spoon salt
1 tea spoon sugar
black and or white pepper to taste

4 tbsp fresh white breadcrumbs
4 tbsp water or milk
225 g pork mince
225 g veal or beef mince
2 tbsp grated onion (it is better grated than chopped)
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 or 4 whole allspice, crushed
salt and freshly ground white pepper
2 tbsp butter, for frying
500 ml beef stock, made with a bouillon cube or similar
2 tbsp corn flour (corn starch), mixed with a little water
½ tsp soy sauce
freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp double (heavy) or whipping cream

Mix vigorously and to not have them stick too badly when rolling dip your hands in cold water now and then, then fry till golden brown all over or bake in oven till golden brown

Or Brazilian tapioca can be sweet or savoury

tapioca flour and water just add water to the tapioca flour until it becomes liquid and then add more flour until it just stops being a liquid again then simply pour the moist flour on a hot pan 0.5 cm thichness or so it will quickly become like a pancake just flip it and give it some heat on the ohter side and then add savoury or sweet stuff and fold over.
Cheese, pulled chicken, ham slices, strawberry jam what ever ticke's you fancy it's very versatile.

Edit: if you like bread I can give you some swedish bread ideas as well.

[Jermz]

I'd also recommend some falafel balls to go with the hummus and dips. You can buy pre-made mix if you don't have the time/patience to do them by yourself, and they're a nice fried alternative to french fries and other deep fried goodies.

I've found that na'an bread is hard to make if you don't have the proper taboon-type of oven - for me it always kind of comes out like a foccacia. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I just haven't been able to make it as soft and fluffy as they come in India or from a proper taboon. You have any tips, Palanan?

Seconding Palanan's suggestion of chana masala. Easy and quick to make, tastes delicious. The only kind-of downside is that you're already planning to use chickpeas in the hummus, so maybe you'll want to diversify.

[afroakuma]

Chana masala sounds like a good thing to have on the side for people with a different main (or vegetary types). I don't think it'll conflict with the hummus, either.

[Tiffanie Lirle]

tl;dr tell me about your favorite ethnic dishes! :smallbiggrin:

I guess German food is ethnic if you aren't from Germany? :smallsmile:

If it has to be simple, nothing beats a Currywurst (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Currywurst). I'm not sure if it's a thing in other countries? For more formal events a Braten (roast?), specifically a Sauerbraten (http://www.diaeko-shop.de/184-thickbox/rheinischer-sauerbraten.jpg). Or, the classic answer is the Schnitzel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schnitzel) which is like a steak, but better.

I'm avoiding mentioning Bratwurst because it's literally cliche at this point. :smalltongue:

I never noticed until just now, but we eat a lot of meat..

[afroakuma]

I guess German food is ethnic if you aren't from Germany? :smallsmile:

All food is ethnic to/from somewhere. :smallsmile:

I'm actually verboten from doing German food, though; my sister is all about Germany and she called dibs for when she gets back from her school term in Hamburg. Not all that eager to try to stack up against her, either. :smallredface:

[JCarter426]

Soboro donburi (http://norecipes.com/recipe/soboro-don-chicken-rice-bowl/) is easy to make and delicious.

Shakshuka (http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2010/04/shakshuka/) is also delicious, though a bit more work. It's common throughout North Africa and the Middle East, so there are a lot of variations, too.

Kolokythokeftedes with tzatziki (http://www.closetcooking.com/2009/09/kolokythokeftedes-zucchini-and-feta.html) are great too. If you don't care for zucchini you could make ntomatokeftedes (http://www.closetcooking.com/2009/09/ntomatokeftedes-greek-tomato-and-feta.html) or some other type instead.

If I had to suggest one Italian dish it would be bolognese (https://culinariaitalia.wordpress.com/2008/06/29/ragu-alla-bolognese-authentic-recipe/), but it's a lot of work, so I wouldn't recommend it unless perhaps you prepare the sauce the day before. It does taste better after the flavors have had time to mix, anyway.

[afroakuma]

Oooh, Greek, didn't think of that. :smallsmile:

[enderlord99]

Boiled, Sigil-shaped bread. I hear it's Polish, somehow.

[Winter_Wolf]

Samosas are Indian food. Vegetarian, too, from my experience. H-absolutely tasty and I'd still be eating them if I wasn't on a dietary restriction. Also you could have any of so many curries or a nice spicy vindaloo. I'd exercise caution, though. Sometimes even an experienced digestive system can't handle the pure deliciousness.

According to my cookie cookbook, cookies were originally a Dutch thing, if you needed an excuse for cookies. :smalltongue:

[JDL]

Does anyone in your family enjoy spicy food? I'd recommend Korean Bibimbap if so.
http://www.muylejano.com/rafa/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/bibimbap-recipe-475x267.jpg
Bibimbap (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibimbap)
Ingredients:
Cooked medium grain white rice
Cooked beef mince
Lightly fried egg
Shredded lettuce
Sauteed mushroom
Boiled beansprouts
Grated carrot
Julienned cucumber
Diced kimchi
Sesame oil
Bibimbap sauce

Mix the above ingredients in a bowl, add sesame oil and sauce to taste, and serve with a metal spoon and chopsticks. This dish is an iconic staple of Korean cuisine and is enjoyed all over the world. The name loosely translates to "mixed rice" and it's one of my personal favorite dishes. Any of the above ingredients can be removed if desired (aside from the rice and sauce of course), the above list is just my standard list of favorites. Try adding a handful of brown or black rice to your white rice before you cook it to add some flavor and texture.

You can usually find bibimbap sauce at any asian grocery store. If you really want to get creative though, here's my recipe for making the sauce at home:

Bibimbap sauce:
Five tablespoons of gochujang
One teaspoon of lemon juice
One teaspoon of soy sauce
One teaspoon of plum sauce
One teaspoon of apple vinegar
One tablespoon of caster sugar

[afroakuma]

Does anyone in your family enjoy spicy food? I'd recommend Korean Bibimbap if so.

My immediate family all enjoy bibimbap, which I sought out after being a fan of Tower of God. I don't think it fits the more buffet style I'm going for, though, considering.

[JDL]

I'd disagree. I've been to bibimbap buffets in Korea where you have all the ready ingredients in individual bowls on the buffet table, and you simply select your own favorite mix and add the sauce. It's like a western style salad bar, but with rice!

[Jeff the Green]

I don't see anything American represented (as in properly American, not USAn), so here are some ideas:

Guacamole. It has a surprisingly old pedigree, being made in pre-Colombian Mexico. Be sure that you're adding pico de gallo, salt, and lime; otherwise it's just pureed avocado. Serve with the left-over pico with chips.
Grits. Also a surprisingly old pedigree, this time from the peoples of what would become the southeastern US. This is nice for a buffet because it can be served with a bunch of topping options.
Hot chocolate. Preferably very dark and spiced with chilies and vanilla. Sugar and milk are Spanish additions, but in this case purism is a bad thing.
Quinoa. Pretty damn versatile, so you can use it to fill holes in your menu.
Turkey tamales. Make a bunch of small ones and eat them with your fingers.

[Eldan]

Hmm. Honestly, traditional Swiss food is shockingly boring. Anything older than a few hundred years, at least. The country was appallingly poor, so all traditional meals consist of grain. Most often not even bread, just various preparations of grain. With some variation along the lines of "onions, cabbage, milk".

Nothing I can recommend.

[afroakuma]

Mexican is a good idea. Not guacamole, though; too many people in the family don't like avocado.

[Eloel]

If you can get your hands on some vine leaves; try stuffing them. They're an amazing Turkish food.

[Jeff the Green]

Mexican is a good idea. Not guacamole, though; too many people in the family don't like avocado.

Clearly the solution is to disown them and find a family with good taste. :smalltongue: An alternative dip is sikil pak, which is essentially guacamole but with the onion, tomatoes, and peppers roasted and with pureed pumpkin (or other squash) seeds instead of avocado.

I don't know how you feel about raw fish, but ceviche is pretty decent for a buffet-style meal.

[afroakuma]

Raw definitely won't fly.

[Eloel]

Raw definitely won't fly.

Fish probably will not fly when cooked either :smallbiggrin:

[afroakuma]

Fish probably will not fly when cooked either :smallbiggrin:

You never know. :smalltongue:

I feel like I'd like an Indian main in addition to the chana masala. Also maybe one more to round out the bunch. Anyone have any other ideas waiting in the wings?

[007_ctrl_room]

a meal is not a meal without some homemade gaucamole! (seriously)

[Bhu]

Does your family like spicy? There's always vindaloo.

[JDL]

If you'd like to include an Australian dish, try a pie floater!

https://lordsofthedrinks.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/pie-floater.jpg?w=652&h=488
Pie Floater (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pie_floater)
Ingredients:
Savory meat pie
Mushy peas
Tomato sauce
Beer (optional)

This is an iconic Australian dish and a sure-fire cure for a hangover. Serve as an entree or side dish by adding a party size pie served upside-down in a small bowl of peas. Top with your favorite brand of tomato sauce and wash it all down with a fresh beer for a hair-of-the-dog remedy for that headache. It's a staple street food of the late night Australian crowd, and the smell of peas is one of the best known ways to stop a bunyip dead at fifty paces.

[Jeff the Green]

Now I know why transportation was a substitute for hanging.

[afroakuma]

As useful as the dish might be to some members of my family, I think we'll pass on the pie floater. :smalltongue:

[Ifni]

I am a fan of this Ethiopian lentil dish (http://thespiceisland.blogspot.com/2010/05/mesir-wot.html). Maybe something with paneer, for an Indian dish?

[afroakuma]

Does look interesting... however, I'm trying to steer away from the tomato base given how many dishes already use it. Don't want to get monotonous.

[Archonic Energy]

Sliced beef Wellington from the UK.

You may need some prep work.

[afroakuma]

Sliced beef Wellington from the UK.

You may need some prep work.

Ohohooooo no. Haha... no. No. No, I've done that before and... no.

[Archonic Energy]

Care to elaborate?

[afroakuma]

Care to elaborate?

Not a fan of the prep work. And considering everything else I'll be doing... yeah.

[Ifni]

Does look interesting... however, I'm trying to steer away from the tomato base given how many dishes already use it. Don't want to get monotonous.

This (kik alicha) (http://lowfatveganchef.com/kik-alicha-ethiopian-yellow-split-pea-stew/) is a non-tomato-based alternative, with more subtle flavors - garlic, ginger, turmeric. I like the tomato-based one better as a stand-alone dish, for the stronger flavors, but this might do well in a buffet/potluck. (I usually make it with red lentils rather than yellow split peas - anything that turns mushy when cooked will work. Don't try it with something like chana dal that holds its integrity, the flavors won't blend properly.)

Other ideas... it's not Indian, but this moo shu veggies (http://chinese.food.com/recipe/moo-shu-vegetables-137090) recipe is easy and good.

[SowZ]

Latkes for your starch.

[Archonic Energy]

Fair Enough. Thought you might have something against British cuisine... everyone loves to poke fun.
also British without as much prep mini toad in the holes

a muffin tray
some good sausages
some batter
30 mins in an oven at about 150oc
done... ish (there's a bit more to it than that but it'll do for the point)

pomme de dauphinois
potatoes sliced thinly
cream
garlic
pour le francais.

[Eloel]

British cuisine...
What next? Unicorns?

[Jeff the Green]

What next? Unicorns?

They did give us apple pie, bread pudding, and chicken tikka masala. It doesn't make up for their crimes against vegetables, but it's not quite an oxymoron.

[afroakuma]

It occurs to me I could just do a proper pizza for Italy...

[SowZ]

They did give us apple pie, bread pudding, and chicken tikka masala. It doesn't make up for their crimes against vegetables...

Or sandwiches.

[Archonic Energy]

Sorry. While we can claim coining the word sandwich. Putting meat between 2 pieces of bread must have existed before the earl.

[SowZ]

Sorry. While we can claim coining the word sandwich. Putting meat between 2 pieces of bread must have existed before the earl.

Sorry, I mean the crimes the English have committed against sandwiches.

[Eldan]

It occurs to me I could just do a proper pizza for Italy...

Ooh. Kudos if you can do that. I've tried it and I can never get the dough shaped right.

[themaque]

It's a little similar to egg rolls but LUMPIA is a favorite in all military functions I've almost ever been to.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/filipino-lumpia-2/

From good ol texas I would suggest stuffed Jalapenos.

http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2014/09/25/bacon-wrapped-cheesy-stuffed-jalapenos/

Don't worry about spice levels. If you clean out the seeds you will just get a savory flavor without the heat. (Not that we consider them hot, but I don't know where you are from or your heat levels.)

and if your doing sandwiches, I suggest Bahn-Mi if it hasn't been mentioned.

http://www.chow.com/recipes/11211-pork-and-pate-vietnamese-sandwich-banh-mi

[afroakuma]

An update for you all!

The event happened earlier today. I still don't know how I pulled it off, but here's the final roll:

Cheeses

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/Flag_of_the_Netherlands.svg/22px-Flag_of_the_Netherlands.svg.png Beemster
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/03/Flag_of_Italy.svg/22px-Flag_of_Italy.svg.png Cocktail bocconcini on a bed of fresh basil, dressed with Tuscan herbs, sea salt and olive oil *
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Flag_of_Norway.svg/22px-Flag_of_Norway.svg.png Jarlsberg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/ae/Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg/22px-Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg.png Wensleydale

Appetizers

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/53/Flag_of_Syria.svg/22px-Flag_of_Syria.svg.png Baba ghanouj and pita (v) *
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9a/Flag_of_Spain.svg/22px-Flag_of_Spain.svg.png Chorizo, served as cold cuts to accompany cheeses and dips
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/59/Flag_of_Lebanon.svg/22px-Flag_of_Lebanon.svg.png Hummus and pita (v) *
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/Flag_of_the_People%27s_Republic_of_China.svg/22px-Flag_of_the_People%27s_Republic_of_China.svg.png Pork egg rolls, served with dipping sauces
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/Flag_of_Mexico.svg/22px-Flag_of_Mexico.svg.png Shredded chicken taquitos, served with salsa for dipping *

Sides

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/41/Flag_of_India.svg/22px-Flag_of_India.svg.png Chana masala (v) *
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Flag_of_Greece.svg/22px-Flag_of_Greece.svg.png Greek salad served with crumbled feta (v)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/71/Flag_of_Ethiopia.svg/22px-Flag_of_Ethiopia.svg.png Mesir wot (v) *
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/59/Flag_of_Lebanon.svg/22px-Flag_of_Lebanon.svg.png Tabouleh (v) *

Main Courses

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/22px-Flag_of_France.svg.png Beef bourguignon *
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a9/Flag_of_Thailand.svg/22px-Flag_of_Thailand.svg.png Pork pad tua *
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a9/Flag_of_Thailand.svg/22px-Flag_of_Thailand.svg.png Phak Thai manao (v) *
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Flag_of_Morocco.svg/22px-Flag_of_Morocco.svg.png Chicken tagine *
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Flag_of_Morocco.svg/22px-Flag_of_Morocco.svg.png Potato & squash tagine (v) *

Desserts

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/cf/Flag_of_Canada.svg/22px-Flag_of_Canada.svg.png Apple pie
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a4/Flag_of_the_United_States.svg/22px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png Cherry cheesecake
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/cf/Flag_of_Canada.svg/22px-Flag_of_Canada.svg.png Grapenut ice cream
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/ae/Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg/22px-Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg.png Mincemeat pie

* denotes dishes I personally prepared, (v) denotes vegan dishes.

All in all if was quite a success. Fourteen people served, copious leftovers, everyone trying - and enjoying! - everything they could. The vegan in the group was pleased with the number of dishes she could choose from and everyone left utterly stuffed. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread! Pics in spoiler.


http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq194/afroakuma/IMG_20150314_172205338_zpssdmdxhzl.jpg
On back counter: chana masala, tabouleh, Greek salad
In woks: pad tua and phak Thai manao
Front pot: menir wot; Back pot: beef bourguignon
Red dish: chicken tagine; white dish: potato & squash tagine
Also visible: egg rolls, chorizo, undressed bocconcini, store-bought crackers and dip someone brought, dipping sauces


http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq194/afroakuma/IMG_20150314_172219758_zpsq5fsjike.jpg
Chicken tagine is the first thing to go; phak Thai manao and pad tua are on their way

[Ifni]

That looks (and sounds) amazing. Glad it went well!

[themaque]

Would you move to Houston and be my friend? please?