Potluck is Indian-themed

[Anonymous]

I think I would skip this one. It's a little greedy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Perhaps a distraction, but: are people who say this is silly reacting to the potluck or the Indian? I would be surprised to find a dinner party was unexpectedly potluck (though I enjoy potlucks), but if I were doing a theme potluck, Indian would be one of the first things I considered. Am I weird? I assume most of my friends who cook, cook Indian sometimes! (I’m ethnically Ashkenazi, as are most of my cookingest friends.) Doesn’t everyone have cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne on hand? Or do I exist in a weird foodie bubble?

weird foodie bubble (I say that with love - I want to eat your food haha).

Well that puts you one up on my children… My favorite Indian cookbook is At Home With Maddhur Jaffrey.

[Anonymous]

1) it's weird to set conditions like that on a potluck. A sign up sheet so you don't get all potatoes of whatever, sure. But if you want specific cuisine, don't host potluck.

2) I agree it's extremely weird to be supplying only rice and Naan. The host should be providing the main course, not the cheapest accouterments.

[Anonymous]

Order tandoori chicken in pieces from Indian buffet restaurant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Order tandoori chicken in pieces from Indian buffet restaurant.

Chicken at a vegetarian potluck?

[Anonymous]

Rajmal dal is basically Vegan North Indian chili. A lot of stores carry the spice blend. You just cook kidney beans with it.

Aloo gobi is also easy. It’s potatoes and cauliflower. Again, the spice mixture is widely sold.

[Anonymous]

Get big order of samosas from an Indian restaurant.

[Anonymous]

I'd pick up two orders of aloo gobi masala at an Indian restaurant. I wouldn't even bother putting it in my own container or bring a serving spoon for this party.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Host invited us and after we confirmed dates, told us it was going to be an indian-themed potluck. Host is making rice and naan and asked all the guests to bring a subji. I don’t make Indian food. What the hell am I supposed to do in this situation?

Did you know it was going to be a potluck just not themed? I think I might be a little bummed to find out about a potluck if I wasn't expecting it, but the theme isn't a big deal to me. Indian lends itself to potluck (although I am still uncomfortable with buffet, etc. COVID-wise) because you can sample lots of different dishes. Not that hard to learn a new dish or as others have said, bring takeout.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Incredibly rude and uncultured. The idea of potluck is to get a chance to sample everyone else's cooking and provide a variety in the menu. The host should still provide a complete (if simple) meal.

When I throw an Indian potluck dinner, I will first make a menu and will take on the easiest (rice, salad, yogurt, chutney, pickle), the more labor intensive and expensive dishes (paneer based vegetarian, non-veg curries, koftas etc). I also provide the daal (unless some friend will ask me the menu and suggest that they bring the daal). This way I can feed both vegetarian and non-veg friends - even if someone does not bring a dish. In fact a good rule of thumb is to check that you have a complete meal even if no one brings anything.

My friends will usually bring appetizers, veggi dishes, and desserts. Even for those I have store bought fall backs.

Well I'd definitely love to come to your dinner party.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:1) it's weird to set conditions like that on a potluck. A sign up sheet so you don't get all potatoes of whatever, sure. But if you want specific cuisine, don't host potluck.

2) I agree it's extremely weird to be supplying only rice and Naan. The host should be providing the main course, not the cheapest accouterments.

DP. This is my reaction too. I'm also Indian and thing the hosts are being very stingy to only supply rice and naan. I could understand if they are supplying a biryani and naan. But even that is a bit of a cop out. I also don't think that this has to be strictly Indian, maybe something inspired like a pumpkin soup with cumin. It's actually easy to make if you have a good blender. Obviously you need to transport it in a sealed container, and bring hot drink cups to serve in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:1) it's weird to set conditions like that on a potluck. A sign up sheet so you don't get all potatoes of whatever, sure. But if you want specific cuisine, don't host potluck.

2) I agree it's extremely weird to be supplying only rice and Naan. The host should be providing the main course, not the cheapest accouterments.

I agree with all this. Personally I'd probably politely decline and be "busy" that evening.

[Anonymous]

If you still want to go and are looking for something easy, here are a couple ideas:

-Slice tomatoes and cucumbers and sprinkle some chaat masala on them.

-Buy some tandoori spice and use it to marinate grilled chicken

-Go an Indian grocery and buy some chola (chickpea) mix. Add the spice packet to chickpeas from a can.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:1) it's weird to set conditions like that on a potluck. A sign up sheet so you don't get all potatoes of whatever, sure. But if you want specific cuisine, don't host potluck.

2) I agree it's extremely weird to be supplying only rice and Naan. The host should be providing the main course, not the cheapest accouterments.

This. I'm not indian but this is weird to me. It would be like saying 'I'm hosting a potluck barbecue, please bring all the meats and side dishes. I'll just supply a bag of empty hamburger buns."

[Anonymous]

I have never heard of a subji until I read this thread. Googled it just now.
I kind of think it is too much of the host to demand something that specific. Are you all vegan or vegetarian?
Also, Indian food is delicious and you should just order the dish you will bring.
However, what would a person like me, with a diary allergy eat there?
I would have to be the guest that is annoying and demanding, and I hate that. I hate being that guest.