Middle Eastern Inspired Dinner Party

Course Overview

In this Middle Eastern Inspired Dinner Party cooking course, you will master the preparation of a vibrant and flavourful menu featuring Chopped Salad, Beetroot Kebabs, Smashed Potatoes, Falafel, Mushroom Loaded Hummus, and Grilled Aubergine. Through step-by-step lessons, you will learn essential techniques such as marinating and grilling vegetables, crafting perfect falafel, creating savoury mushroom toppings for hummus, and achieving crispy yet tender smashed potatoes. Additionally, you will discover how to enhance your dishes with complementary flavours like whipped tahini. This course is designed to equip you with the skills to confidently host a delicious and memorable dinner party, celebrating the rich and diverse tastes of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Course Details

• Chopped Salad: A refreshing and crisp combination of diced cucumber, bell pepper, pickled cucumbers, and tomatoes, seasoned with salt and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
• Beetroot Kebabs with Whipped Tahini: Marinated beetroot slices grilled to perfection, served on a bed of creamy whipped tahini. The kebabs are rich with BBQ glaze, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup, offering a balanced blend of sweetness and tang.
• Smashed Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these baby potatoes are parboiled, smashed, drizzled with olive oil, and roasted with rock salt.
• Falafel: Golden and crispy chickpea falafel balls seasoned with fresh coriander, lemon zest, and aromatic spices. Perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own.
• Mushroom Loaded Hummus: Smooth shop-bought hummus topped with a savory blend of sautéed shallots and mushrooms, seasoned with paprika, cumin, turmeric, and a touch of maple syrup.
• Grilled Aubergine: Tender and flavorful slices of aubergine, brushed with olive oil and baked to golden perfection.

Course Objectives

• Understand and apply Middle Eastern flavor profiles.
• Learn to marinate and grill vegetables.
• Master the technique of making falafel from scratch.
• Create a balanced and flavorful meal with complementary dishes.
• Perfect the art of plating and presentation for a dinner party.

Cooking Times

• Chopped Salad: 10 minutes
• Beetroot Kebabs:
  • Preparation: 15 minutes
  • Marination: Minimum 3 hours
  • Baking: 1 hour
  • Grilling: 10 minutes
• Smashed Potatoes: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Falafel: 30 minutes
• Mushroom Loaded Hummus: 15 minutes
• Grilled Aubergine: 30-35 minutes

Total Course Duration

Plan to start preparation at least 4 hours before serving, considering marination and baking times.

Final Assembly and Serving

1. Chopped Salad: Serve in a large bowl or individual serving bowls.
2. Beetroot Kebabs: Spread whipped tahini on a platter and place the kebabs on top.
3. Smashed Potatoes: Arrange on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
4. Falafel: Serve on a plate with dipping sauce.
5. Mushroom Loaded Hummus: Spread hummus in a bowl and top with mushroom mixture.
6. Grilled Aubergine: Arrange on a serving platter.

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Serves: 2-4 people

This Middle eastern inspired dinner party is not just about following recipes; it’s about bringing your friends and family together and learning how to layer flavours, explore new ingredients, and apply simple techniques to create meals that are both nourishing and delightful. Dive into each recipe with detailed instructions that ensure your culinary success and enjoyment. Join this course to expand your understanding of plant rich cuisine and add exciting new dishes to your culinary portfolio.