Indian Party Menu - Sunset.com

James Carrier

Potato-Chutney Crisps (Sev-puri)

Throwing a party? Greet guests with appetizers of sweet-and-sour and spicy chutney and potatoes on crackers or chips.

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Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Karen Shinto

Cauliflower Panko Pakoras

Coat cauliflower in a light batter and breadcrumbs, then bake 'til brown and crispy. Serve with a cilantro and mint dipping sauce.

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James Carrier

Spicy Potatoes

Serve these sweet-hot garlicky potatoes with wedges of Indian flatbread or whole-wheat tortillas.

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Leigh Beisch

Shrimp Biryani

Layer shrimp, cashews, and Indian spices with fragrant basmati rice. Garnish with toasted saffron threads. Serve with raita.

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Monica Buck

Cumin-Mint Raita Salad

This easy make-ahead dish borrows from Indian raita, a cucumber and yogurt mixture designed to cut the heat of spicy foods. We add vegetables such as onion and radishes for a refreshing take on chopped salad.

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James Carrier

Papaya-Kiwi Chaat with Pistachios

Toss together papaya, kiwi, onion, chilies, and mint up to three hours ahead. When ready to eat, stir in orange and lime juices and salted pistachios.

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Thomas J. Story

Indian-spiced Salmon

Brush salmon with a mix of spices and brown sugar, then finish in the oven 'til bubbling and well browned. Garnish with cilantro and lemon.

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James Carrier

Indian Dal

Cook lentils with ginger, garlic, onion, chile, and spices. Serve with hot basmati rice, warmed naan, and cool raita.

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James Carrier

Frozen Mango Lassi

For a cool drink with heat-packed foods, serve a frosty shake made of mango sorbet and yogurt.

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Leigh Beisch

Curried Spinach and Fresh Cheese (Saag Paneer)

It's surprisingly easy to make this simple cheese at home. Its fresh flavor highlights the warm spices of this classic North Indian dish.

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James Carrier

Garbanzos Masala

Round out your party table with a tomato and garbanzo bean salad flavored with onion, ginger, and cilantro.

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Monica Buck

Creamy Basmati Rice Pudding

Finish the evening on a sweet note, no matter who wins the Oscar. Crunchy pistachios top this creamy cardamom-scented pudding made with tender basmati rice, mascarpone, and cream.

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Indian-spiced party menu

Potato-Chutney Crisps (Sev-puri)

Cauliflower Panko Pakoras

Spicy Potatoes

Shrimp Biryani

Cumin-Mint Raita Salad

Papaya-Kiwi Chaat with Pistachios

Indian-spiced Salmon

Indian Dal

Frozen Mango Lassi

Curried Spinach and Fresh Cheese (Saag Paneer)

Garbanzos Masala

Creamy Basmati Rice Pudding