Fragrant, colourful and tasty, Indian food ticks all the entertaining boxes. This menu roams mostly in the north and west of this huge and diverse nation, with judicious spicing that highlights the core culinary elements. Indian ingredients are essentially humble so this isn’t an expensive menu.
I appreciate the simplicity and resourcefulness of Indian cuisine, which amplifies flavours through clever techniques, such as the Tarka that dresses the Pilaf. I also love making food from scratch, so I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Pappadums.
Hot Tips
Indian food doesn’t need to be served piping hot, so you can put this menu together in relaxed fashion.
Do you have an Indian grocery in your neighbourhood or town? They are likely to have all the spices, nuts and dal you’ll need at very keen prices.
TO SERVE:
Setting the mood could be as simple as lighting some incense or a candle, bringing in touches of tin and colourful textiles, or cranking up a Bollywood music mix. Have Pappadums, Chutney and Relish on the table when people arrive, then follow with other savoury dishes as they come. The Shrikhand is a dessert, but can also be served with the curries.
Make Ahead
1 WEEK
Ghee for the Palak paneer
2 DAYS
Shrikhand
DAY BEFORE
Paneer, Pappadams, Tandoori marinade
SAME DAY
Chutney and Relish, Fish, Chicken and dressing, Palak curry, Naan, Pilaf
Hot Tips
Indian food doesn’t need to be served piping hot, so you can put this menu together in relaxed fashion.
Do you have an Indian grocery in your neighbourhood or town? They are likely to have all the spices, nuts and dal you’ll need at very keen prices.
TO SERVE:
Setting the mood could be as simple as lighting some incense or a candle, bringing in touches of tin and colourful textiles, or cranking up a Bollywood music mix. Have Pappadums, Chutney and Relish on the table when people arrive, then follow with other savoury dishes as they come. The Shrikhand is a dessert, but can also be served with the curries.
Make Ahead
1 WEEK
Ghee for the Palak paneer
2 DAYS
Shrikhand
DAY BEFORE
Paneer, Pappadams, Tandoori marinade
SAME DAY
Chutney and Relish, Fish, Chicken and dressing, Palak curry, Naan, Pilaf
SET THE MOOD FOR YOUR PROGRESSIVE DINNER EVENT WITH DANI’S SPOTIFY PLAYLISTS
Indian music is as vibrant and varied as the cuisine. I’ve collected some tabla (hand drum) tunes, classical flute music, perky Bollywood rhythms and some very insistent Indian pop-rock. Let me know what you think!
My friend Sam plays in Fine Blue Thread, a contemporary Melbourne trio with a multicultural outlook. Sam has devoted himself to the tabla and spends much time in India learning from masters. They’re great, and the music makes a lovely backdrop to your Indian feast.
