When you think about inviting someone over for dinner, what pops into your head first? Are you the type who says, ‘Let’s go out to eat,’ or do you lean more towards, ‘Why don’t you come to our place this weekend if you’re free?’ I can’t speak for everyone, but as a chef, my friends often want to gather at my house. Sometimes, I yearn for a break from the kitchen, but my love for those closest to me always pulls me back. It’s never anything too elaborate—just a simple pasta, a fresh salad, maybe some grilled meat. It’s these little acts of love that make it all worthwhile.
Back in college, I had a foolproof menu that became my signature. For smaller gatherings with my fellow Sri Lankans, I’d stick to a comforting rice, chicken or fish curry, cabbage stir-fry, or whatever the vegetable I have in the kitchen, a spiced dhal, and a cooling cucumber salad. As time went on, my menu evolved to go easy on my American friends, embracing Italian favorites like a hearty pasta, a fresh salad, and succulent grilled veggies and chicken.
How do we create a last-minute template for a get-together? I don’t scramble much because I don’t feel any pressure or maybe I am conditioned by pressure—this is my specialty. However, I must admit that aiming for gourmet results ready in less than an hour is my way of doing things, even if my efforts might make a food critic weep with confusion. If you’ve read my previous articles, you know by now that impressing others is my last priority. I want my friends and family around me and regardless of what I put on the table, it will always be loved. Here are some tips you can consider:
Stick to What You Know: Rice, bread or pasta? Choose dishes you’re familiar with to avoid last-minute hiccups.
Opt for Make-Ahead Dishes: Pick recipes that can be prepared in advance. Casseroles, slow-cooker dishes, and chilled salads can save you time on the day of the gathering.
Go for Simplicity: Aim for dishes with a short ingredient list. Roasted veggies, lemon vinaigrette for a quick salad, etc.
Mix and Match: Balance the menu with hot and cold dishes, proteins, and vegetables. Offer a variety that is complementary.
Use Versatile Ingredients: Ingredients that can be used in multiple dishes, like a roasted chicken, can simplify your shopping list and prep work.
Include a Crowd-Pleaser: Incorporate a universally liked dish: a baked item, favourite dessert, or a dip with unique veggies. Make sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Embrace the One-Pot Wonders: Dishes like soups, stews, curries, or skillet meals can be cooked in a single pot or pan, reducing cleanup time and simplifying prep.
Have Backup Options: Keep a few frozen or store-bought items on hand just in case. Pre-made appetizers or desserts can be lifesavers when time is tight.
Don’t Forget the Drinks: Prepare a simple drink station with a selection of beverages. Offer tea/coffee as well.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your gathering goes smoothly and that you have more time to enjoy your guests rather than stressing over the kitchen. In those early days, cooking was an extension of my love for entertaining, a way to share a piece of myself. These days, my foolproof menu has transformed into a simple, comforting repertoire of last-minute creations. These unhurried occasions have created a poetic canvas of empty plates and contended faces. As the final crumbs disappear in that yummy dessert and the last sips of wine enjoyed, there is this profound sense of fulfillment—always a reminder to myself that sometimes, the most memorable meals are those that come from the unhurried pleasure of simply being together. Sinking into the couch with a tea, after everyone has left is always my favorite way of reflecting on how blessed I feel. Who can relate to this?
(Follow more tips on Instagram @mind_full_eats)
By Udenie Wickramasinghe – Miami, Florida
