Sometimes I just don't know where my ideas come from, but I got this one while I was falling asleep the other night. Last night Ryan's work had a dinner party and there was a Mardi Gras theme. It was also the judging on the moustache contest for Moustache March (don't ask). Anyway, for these dinners it is always potluck and we almost forgot about bringing something. So, I decided to create a vegetarian entree that I could bring so that I at least had 1 option to choose from.
So, this is somewhat Indian inspired, but not entirely and Indian dish. Here are my ingredients:
First I cooked the almonds in 1 Tbsp butter.
I made some basmati rice and as you can see, I made a huge mess. if you read my post yesterday you might remember I had to keep it short to avoid burning something down...well, I came close!
Then I added the chick peas and tomato sauce to the pan and covered it. I cooked it probably about 10-15 minutes until it thickened up a little. Oh, and I also added some chili powder for some heat.
Since it was potluck style, I used a disposable container. Filled the bottom with rice.
Then I topped it with my chick pea creation. The almonds added a nice touch of crunchy to this dish. It was actually really good. As far as I can tell, only a few people tried it, which doesn't surprise me. Most people go for the meat and do not seem too adventurous. I think sometimes meatless scares people away.
As you can see, many people brought desserts.
Then there was a parade before dinner. The floats came by and tossed candy at the kids.
They tossed out Mardi Gras beads too. I got a ton of these.
There was a lot of cornbread and I was happy to see this beautiful fruit tray.
I thought these were so cute.
Super Bock is a local beer here. Well, it is Portuguese so this is what is most often served on tap.
Here is my plate. I had to load up on kiwis and strawberries.
Happy Belated Mardi Gras!
Now for the moment you have all been waiting for...the Krema PB giveaway winners (using random.org for selection):
Sophia from Burp and Slurp
and
Tricia from Endurance Isn't Only Physical
Congrats to both of you. Please email me (melinda_seff at yahoo dot com) your addresses so that the PB can get sent out ASAP for you to enjoy.
QUESTION: Have you ever brought something to a party that was just a little too out of everyone's comfort zone?
11 comments:
I don't know if I ever have, but if it was something I liked, I would be more than happy to keep all of the leftovers :)
Are you coming back to the states for Passover? Not looking forward to this holiday :)
Those chick peas look great...and yeah, I'm always the one bringing the strange vegetarian dish. I used to feel awkward, but now I love sharing my originality...the people with the open minds typically end up liking my food!
I love potlucks! I would try your dish in a heartbeat. I brought an eggplant curry to an end of program celebration for this nutrition education program I was in, and literally no one ate it but me. It was so good, too - they were missing out (as least that's what I told myself :) ).
Your potluck dish is gorgeous!! If I was at a potluck, your dish would definitely be my favorite! :-) I did bring TVP veggie chili to a potluck once, and most of the people were a little skeptical... :-p Oh well... :-)
P.S. In the states, especially at Passover time, you can find kosher marshmallows that are made with vegetarian gelatin!! Yay! :-) They're the ones I always use... :-)
Melinda--I had a revelation last night about this marshmallow thing--what about meringue? I made meringue for these smores cupcakes I made, and although the meringue doesn't set up as much as standard marshmallows, it is a nice approximation, especially as an icing!
Your dish sounds and looks awesome! I would have been all over it! :) I do think that many people go for the "usual" dishes at potlucks however...
Congrats to the winners! :)
Wow. I'm so damn lucky!! Thank you, Melinda!!!
Once again I really wish you lived in my area! What a great potluck we'd have! I'll bet your dish was a huge hit!
I love seeing what people bring to parties. In NYC people rarely actually make something themselves, so you don't really see anything out of the ordinary. In fact, I can't even remember the last time we brought food to a party. hmm...
I am completely used to people not necessarily getting excited about trying my food. I think it has something to do with the fact that I am an RD and they are afraid I am "tricking" them with some special ingredient...secret ingredient that is. I don't normally do that at potlucks though, come on people!! I also think most people just aren't adventurous, like you said. If it doesn't look familiar to them, unless someone tells them EXACTLY what it is, they won't try it. Lame.
The cupcakes are very cute. And I want to try that Super Bock beer!!
Um, I am a potluck princess. A maven. I throw one at least once a month. My next one is dish and drinks, where you bring ingredients to show us all how to bartend, and something to sop up the alcohol.
And I served a banana avocado edamame rice salad no one touched last year. and was thinking, fine, more for me!
It is GOOD! The dressing is orange marmalade, red pepper, a miso or soy!
Good!
I am in Portugal around Memorial Day...let me know where I HAVE to go (within 2 hours of the PORTO area)
I would have tried it. I love chickpeas. :) I recreated some pumpkin curry chocolate chip cookies for a cookie exchange last Christmas - not well received. I was with a pretty unadventurous group. :)
To answer your question on my blog from a while back - we lived in Southern Brazil for 2 1/2 years. We just returned to the US last Nov. We were in a small town so very few people (aside from my husband's coworkers) spoke English. I studied Portuguese before and during our time there and learned enough to get around, but it just wouldn't click. I wish I would have been more fluent, but it was great experience regardless!
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