Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:chicken shawarma with all the fixings -- include falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush for the vegetarian

Here we go with chicken shawarma: everybody take a drink! Just pace yourself with this particular DCUM gem, because if you take a drink every time you see it recommended, you’ll be sloshed in an hour.

It’s enough with the chicken shawarma, people.

Lol. I have to agree . Why does everyone recommend this one recipe? I understand that it's simple but it's not the answer to every dinner party.

Except that it is, sometimes.

I would go french-like roasted grapes and duck or duck l'orange or greek/middle eastern. You could also do steak with sauce and smashed potatoes with a leek soup and salad quite easily. Tirimisu or baklava for desert are easy. Plenty of vegetarian dishes or variations these days as well.

It depends a lot on the guests, too. For informal get togethers lately there has been a lot of stew, chili (ins.white) and even dorito chicken. You can certainly dress up chicken pot pie and stew for a dinner party, too.

For the recent poster who is okay with dairy but has one vegetarian….
I’ve done a baked garlic chicken with risotto on the side (mushroom is good or pea risotto) -/ just use vegetable broth for the risotto Or you can do a risotto style farro with mushrooms. You can roast or grill asparagus for the side (douse in olive oil and garlic then cook at high heat until it starts to crisp on edges). And maybe a side salad or caprese salad.

Here’s the very easy baked garlic chicken:
Beat an egg with lots of chopped garlic. Dredge chicken breasts in egg mixture, then the progresso Italian bread crumbs and some finely grated parm. Bake at 350 until done but be sure not to be overcook. When it’s almost done cooking put a tiny pat of butter or drizzle of olive oil across the top. Pretty much everyone likes this chicken.

I agree with PP that in large group, you will have at least one who doesn’t like fish. It’s polarizing. I like it but know lots of people who don’t and those who don’t REALLY don’t.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:chicken shawarma with all the fixings -- include falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush for the vegetarian

Here we go with chicken shawarma: everybody take a drink! Just pace yourself with this particular DCUM gem, because if you take a drink every time you see it recommended, you’ll be sloshed in an hour.

It’s enough with the chicken shawarma, people.

Lol. I have to agree . Why does everyone recommend this one recipe? I understand that it's simple but it's not the answer to every dinner party.

Anonymous wrote:chicken shawarma with all the fixings -- include falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush for the vegetarian

Here we go with chicken shawarma: everybody take a drink! Just pace yourself with this particular DCUM gem, because if you take a drink every time you see it recommended, you’ll be sloshed in an hour.

It’s enough with the chicken shawarma, people.

I’d make a stew a day ahead and a salad. For the vegetarian, I’d do a shakahuka (sp) making the sauce ahead. It’s simple and quick. Then you don’t have to spend all your time worrying about cooking.

Anonymous wrote:Bumping this topic- similar situation, 8 people total, we CAN serve dairy. One vegetarian, but she says don’t change the menu for her.

Other ideas for a big dinner party? What would you make in this scenario?

I've done a vegetable and shrimp tagine. Right before I add the shrimp (which needs to be added last anyway) I set aside some for the vegetarian. Serve with a couscous and roasted carrots or cauliflower in yogurt sauce.

A large mezze board for appetizers with hummus, baba ganoush, grape leaves, halloumi, veggies and pita bread.

Anonymous wrote:Indian? No dairy at all?? For everyone? It rules out Paneer, cream, yogurt...oh boy!!

Appetizers -

- Kebabs
- Dhokla
- Samosa (V)

Main -

- Whole wheat parantha (keeps well, warms up well) (V)
- Peas pulao (V)
- Salad - kuchumber (V)
- Panchratna daal (V)
- Chicken curry
- Fried Okra (V)
- Vegetable kofta curry (V)
- Eggplant bharta (V)

Dessert -
- Gulab Jamuns
- Rasmalai (Dairy)

I'm Indian and I love to cook but would not attempt this meal for 10 people when I only have one day to shop, prep and cook. Just the kofta curry alone is a multi step recipe.

Roasted chicken and potatoes, stuffed portobello mushrooms, big green salad with a tart vinaigrette, and good crusty bread with cultured butter. Pitcher of a batched cocktail + red and white wine.

Indian? No dairy at all?? For everyone? It rules out Paneer, cream, yogurt...oh boy!!

Appetizers -

- Kebabs
- Dhokla
- Samosa (V)

Main -

- Whole wheat parantha (keeps well, warms up well) (V)
- Peas pulao (V)
- Salad - kuchumber (V)
- Panchratna daal (V)
- Chicken curry
- Fried Okra (V)
- Vegetable kofta curry (V)
- Eggplant bharta (V)

Dessert -
- Gulab Jamuns
- Rasmalai (Dairy)

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don’t invite me over and cater it. You need to cook a meal.

Interesting. I feel the complete opposite. If you can't even figure out a menu for a dinner party, please get some help. Don't invite me over for a sad home cooked meal of you can't cook.

Holy high maintenance. Do either of you ever get invited anywhere?

I find Thai food easy and fun to make. For 10 people, you will look at something that can be premade and you don't have to do too much last minute work.

Appetizer and soup -
- Mushroom medley salad
- Tom yum soup.

Entree -
- Chicken and potatoes in yellow curry
- Pumpkin and cashews in panang curry
- Rice

Dessert -
- Mango icecream or sticky rice with mangos.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bumping this topic- similar situation, 8 people total, we CAN serve dairy. One vegetarian, but she says don’t change the menu for her.

Other ideas for a big dinner party? What would you make in this scenario?

Pasta, with sausages or meatballs on side.

Screams "I'm cheap" ^^

And messy. Who wants to deal with drippy noodles and marinara.

As an Italian American, I am deeply offended by this. Pasta is cheap? What in the world?!