Introduction

 

The New Year Special Platter, a delightful spread that brings joy and excitement to the start of a new year. Let me share a personal experience that highlights the significance of this special dish. As a tradition in my family, we always celebrate the arrival of the new year with a lavish feast, featuring an array of dishes symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, and abundance. One year, while brainstorming ideas for our New Year's menu, we decided to create a special platter that would encapsulate the essence of the occasion. Thus, the New Year Special Platter was born, featuring an assortment of delectable dishes curated to delight the senses and usher in the new year with positivity and joy.

 

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New Year Special Platter Recipe

 

Portions serving: 4-5 pax
Preparation time: 15 min
Cooking time: 25 min
Calories: Depends on serving size

 

 

Ingredients:

 

For Garlic Bread:

• 1 French baguette
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Chilli flakes
• 2 tbsp Chopped garlic
• 1/2 tsp Oregano

For Hummus:

• 2 cups Chickpeas (soaked)
• Water (as required)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 2 tsp Garlic cloves
• 3-4 tsp Hung curd
• 2 tsp Tahini
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Jeera powder
• 1/2 Lemon
• 1 tsp Pomegranate molasses
• 2 tbsp Olive oil

For Muhammara:

• 2 Red bell peppers
• 2 Tomatoes
• 8-10 Garlic cloves
• 5-6 Dry red chillies
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/2 cup Walnuts
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 Lemon

For Mint Mayonnaise:

• 1/2 cup Mint leaves
• 1 cup Coriander
• 2 Green chillies
• 3-4 Garlic cloves
• 1/2 tsp Roasted jeera powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 Lemon
• Water (as required)
• 100 gms Mayonnaise

For Garlic Toum:

• 1 cup Hung curd
• 1 tbsp Chopped garlic
• 1 tbsp Tahini paste
• 1/2 Lemon
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• A pinch of Jeera powder
• 1 tbsp Olive oil

 

 

Method:

 

For Garlic Bread:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Cut the baguette into thick baton shapes.
3. Place on a baking tray, drizzle olive oil, chopped garlic, chilli flakes, oregano, and mix.
4. Bake for 20-25 mins until crispy.

For Hummus:

1. In a pressure cooker, cook soaked chickpeas with water and salt for 4-5 whistles.
2. Strain and transfer cooked chickpeas to a mixer jar.
3. Add hung curd, garlic, tahini, salt, jeera powder, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and blend to a thick paste.
4. Add olive oil and blend to a smooth consistency.
5. Serve in a deep plate, garnish with olive oil and paprika powder.

For Muhammara:

1. In a baking tray, mix red bell pepper, tomato, garlic, dry red chillies, salt, olive oil, and roast for 20-25 mins at 180°C.
2. Toast walnuts in a heated pan.
3. Blend roasted ingredients, walnuts, olive oil, salt, lemon juice to a thick paste.
4. Garnish with olive oil, paprika powder, and pomegranate seeds.

For Mint Mayonnaise:

1. Blend mint leaves, coriander, green chilli, garlic cloves, roasted jeera powder, salt, lemon juice, and a little water to a smooth paste.
2. Combine green chutney with mayonnaise in a bowl.

For Garlic Toum:

1. In a bowl, combine hung curd, chopped garlic, tahini paste, lemon juice, salt, jeera powder, and olive oil.
2. Whisk until well combined.

 

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About the Recipe

 

The New Year Special Platter is a festive spread that celebrates the beginning of a new year with a burst of flavors and colors. This special dish comprises a variety of delicacies, each carefully selected to represent prosperity, happiness, and abundance. From savory appetizers to decadent desserts, the New Year Special Platter offers a culinary journey that is as delightful as it is memorable. Whether shared with loved ones at a festive gathering or enjoyed as a cozy meal at home, this special platter is sure to create cherished memories that last a lifetime.

 

Cooking Tips

 

1. Variety is Key: Include a diverse range of dishes in your New Year Special Platter to cater to different tastes and preferences.

2. Balance Flavors: Ensure a balance of flavors, textures, and colors in your platter to create a visually appealing and satisfying dining experience.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

• Beverages: Pair the New Year Special Platter with celebratory drinks such as sparkling wine, champagne, or mocktails for a festive touch.

• Accompaniments: Serve with a selection of dips, sauces, and condiments to complement the flavors of the dishes on the platter.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about New Year Special Platter

 

1. What dishes can I include in a New Year Special Platter?

   • You can include a variety of dishes such as appetizers, salads, main courses, and desserts that are festive and celebratory in nature.

2. How do I decorate a New Year Special Platter?

   • Decorate your platter with fresh herbs, edible flowers, colorful garnishes, and festive props to create an attractive presentation.

3. Can I customize the New Year Special Platter according to dietary preferences?

   • Yes, you can customize the platter to accommodate dietary preferences such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free options.

4. Can I prepare the dishes in advance for the New Year Special Platter?

   • Yes, many dishes on the platter can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Ensure proper reheating if needed.

5. How do I ensure a balanced flavor profile in the New Year Special Platter?

   • Pay attention to the seasoning, spices, and ingredients used in each dish to ensure a harmonious balance of flavors throughout the platter.

6. What are some traditional dishes that are commonly included in a New Year Special Platter?

   • Traditional dishes such as roasted meats, seafood, rice dishes, vegetable sides, and festive desserts are commonly included in a New Year Special Platter.

7. How can I make my New Year Special Platter visually appealing?

   • Use vibrant colors, decorative plating techniques, and attractive serving vessels to enhance the visual appeal of your platter.

8. Can I serve the New Year Special Platter as a buffet-style meal?

   • Yes, you can arrange the dishes on the platter in a buffet-style setup, allowing guests to serve themselves according to their preferences.

9. What are some dessert options for a New Year Special Platter?

   • Dessert options for a New Year Special Platter may include cakes, pastries, cookies, fruit tarts, puddings, or traditional sweets.

10. How can I incorporate symbolism into my New Year Special Platter?

    • Incorporate symbolic ingredients such as grains, legumes, fruits, and nuts that are associated with prosperity, abundance, and good luck into your dishes.

 

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