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Please critique my first ever bbq menu

283 replies

Liud · 14/04/2025 11:58

Hosting my first bbq this weekend in my first home.
Sadly the weather looks a little iffy but we’ll have a laugh regardless.

This is my menu. We have a few vegetarians. I think it’s a very easy menu as I can give dh the skewers I’ve premarinated. And the rest can be prepared in advance.

The only thing that really requires effort is the focaccia (I don’t love making bread but I love the recipe).

Its probably a bit carb heavy but I’ve done it that way with the vegetarians in mind.

Pasta salad
Homemade focaccia
Greek salad
Bombay new potatoes (dishoom recipe)
Butter herb new potatoes (for ppl who don’t like coriander)
Halloumi skewers
Veg skewers
Tandoori style chicken skewers (tastes better than takeaways imo)
Mint lamb kofte
Corn on the cob

Homemade mint chutney
tamarind sauce
Mango chutney

Crisps and shop bought dips
Nuts

Key lime pie
Profiteroles

Wine
Beer

OP posts:
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ballettap · 16/04/2025 20:28

RampantIvy · 16/04/2025 20:19

That's what I do.

Also that way you know how long you're cooking it so that it's still tender - I ended up with dry chicken when I barbecued it because I was so worried about it being undercooked!

cryinginthechapel · 16/04/2025 20:25

The menu sounds nice. Although a lot of your flavours are quite spicy. Some folk like it plain so I would still ensure there are burgers.

RampantIvy · 16/04/2025 20:19

ballettap · 16/04/2025 19:52

I cheat and cook the chicken almost wholly in the oven, then 10 mins on the bbq to finish it off.

That's what I do.

ballettap · 16/04/2025 19:52

Headingtowardsdivorce · 15/04/2025 17:27

I love the sound of it, loads of side dishes to choose from is great!

But... my favourite thing at a BBQ is a big juicy homemade burger with cheese, coleslaw and chilli sauce, in a decent bun (not brioche). I also tend to stay away from chicken cooked on the barbie, just in case.

I cheat and cook the chicken almost wholly in the oven, then 10 mins on the bbq to finish it off.

Goldengirl123 · 16/04/2025 11:46

Perfect

DurinsBane · 16/04/2025 09:52

Very middle class! 😁

DriveMeCrazy1974 · 16/04/2025 09:03

Magnastorm · 14/04/2025 12:13

Surely most people when going to a bbq expect nothing more than burgers and sausages, and a bit of half-arsed salad on the side which nobody will touch?

You clearly don't know a good barbecue when you see one! I'm with Nessa from Gavin and Stacey on this one:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOsmvX8zUVs

RampantIvy · 16/04/2025 09:01

FarmGirl78 · 16/04/2025 08:19

No, I never said JUST burgers and sausages. BBQs for me would also included marinated pork, chicken, minted lamb, potato salad, bombay potatoes, spicy rice dishes, steak in different rubs, paprika cauliflower (great wrapped in tin foil and roasted amongst the coals), grilled halloumi, mustard mash, garlic mash even. But having a BBQ without burgers, sausages, steak basics is like having a birthday party without cake and presents.

Edited

OK. I do like a barbecued sausage though, but I wouldn't miss them among this delicious sounding feast. I'm not fussed about burgers.

threenaancurrywhore · 16/04/2025 08:46

The sausage crowd remind me of both the Wall’s dog and an OP from a while back who insisted on bringing a large bottle of Diet Coke everywhere she went, calling it “my fizzy”. Emotional support sausages.

FarmGirl78 · 16/04/2025 08:19

RampantIvy · 16/04/2025 07:11

Do you only ever eat boring food all the time?

No, I never said JUST burgers and sausages. BBQs for me would also included marinated pork, chicken, minted lamb, potato salad, bombay potatoes, spicy rice dishes, steak in different rubs, paprika cauliflower (great wrapped in tin foil and roasted amongst the coals), grilled halloumi, mustard mash, garlic mash even. But having a BBQ without burgers, sausages, steak basics is like having a birthday party without cake and presents.

RosesAndHellebores · 16/04/2025 07:21

FarmGirl78 · 15/04/2025 21:56

I've lived in various parts of the country, working class, snobby, all kinds, and never in my life been to a BBQ that didn't have Burgers and Sausages. Even some steak would do at a push. I'd be really really disappointed if I turned up to not no burgers and sausages, and I don't actually particularly like them! You can't have a BBQ without sausages..... It's just.....bizarre!!

I would probably provide a bit more meat than the op, but burgers and sausages tend to be served because there is a crowd to feed and they are cheap. There are plenty of better, and UPF free alternatives:

Steak, chicken, pork chops, lamb chops, (in various marinades) as well as fish: salmon, tuna and sardines are great on the barbecue.

RampantIvy · 16/04/2025 07:11

FarmGirl78 · 15/04/2025 21:56

I've lived in various parts of the country, working class, snobby, all kinds, and never in my life been to a BBQ that didn't have Burgers and Sausages. Even some steak would do at a push. I'd be really really disappointed if I turned up to not no burgers and sausages, and I don't actually particularly like them! You can't have a BBQ without sausages..... It's just.....bizarre!!

Do you only ever eat boring food all the time?

Enrichetta · 16/04/2025 00:03

Tandoori style chicken skewers (tastes better than takeaways imo)
Mint lamb kofte

Delicious, @Liud - and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!!

I'm guessing (hoping?) that your guests are a bit more adventurous than the 'burgers and sausages ' contingent here...

I mean - seriously??!!!!!

FarmGirl78 · 15/04/2025 22:04

OP: Critique my BBQ!
Posters: Erm....burgers and sausages?!
OP: You're being very critical!

🤷🏻‍♀️

Newtrix · 15/04/2025 21:59

Liud · 14/04/2025 11:58

Hosting my first bbq this weekend in my first home.
Sadly the weather looks a little iffy but we’ll have a laugh regardless.

This is my menu. We have a few vegetarians. I think it’s a very easy menu as I can give dh the skewers I’ve premarinated. And the rest can be prepared in advance.

The only thing that really requires effort is the focaccia (I don’t love making bread but I love the recipe).

Its probably a bit carb heavy but I’ve done it that way with the vegetarians in mind.

Pasta salad
Homemade focaccia
Greek salad
Bombay new potatoes (dishoom recipe)
Butter herb new potatoes (for ppl who don’t like coriander)
Halloumi skewers
Veg skewers
Tandoori style chicken skewers (tastes better than takeaways imo)
Mint lamb kofte
Corn on the cob

Homemade mint chutney
tamarind sauce
Mango chutney

Crisps and shop bought dips
Nuts

Key lime pie
Profiteroles

Wine
Beer

This all sounds amazing! I'd be very appreciative if I was one of your guests.

FarmGirl78 · 15/04/2025 21:56

I've lived in various parts of the country, working class, snobby, all kinds, and never in my life been to a BBQ that didn't have Burgers and Sausages. Even some steak would do at a push. I'd be really really disappointed if I turned up to not no burgers and sausages, and I don't actually particularly like them! You can't have a BBQ without sausages..... It's just.....bizarre!!

MyFavouritePlace · 15/04/2025 18:30

It all sounds lovely to me and you can never have too many potato dishes!
I'm sure your guests will love it.

CFB79 · 15/04/2025 18:29

As a vegetarian, I think it’s a lovely and considerate menu. I don’t get the carb heavy notes - just have a little bit. It certainly sounds more exciting than the usual quiche, lettuce and crudités!! I think it sounds lovely and your guests will have a fab time 🥂

ByQuaintAzureWasp · 15/04/2025 17:49

Looks great, plenty of salad and veggie skewers to balance a lot of cards.

Headingtowardsdivorce · 15/04/2025 17:45

MotherofPearl · 15/04/2025 17:40

@Headingtowardsdivorceallow me to answer for @whippy1981

Braai is usually made on a wood fire (ideally thorn tree wood). Purists would not dream of charcoal, and there is no such thing as a gas braai (shudder).

Typical braai foods include:

Boerewors (long beef sausage similar to Cumberland in appearance)
Lamb chops (compulsory, with the fat nice and crispy and salty)
Spiced chicken skewers
Steak if feeling fancy

No burgers or pork sausages

Thanks for answering! I've been to braais but had never noticed a wood fire, and they must have had steak else I'd have noticed the lack of beef. Love a boerewors, a superior sausage imo.

BeaRightThere · 15/04/2025 17:41

This sounds delicious but I would expect a bbq to feature more actual barbecued food, i.e. burgers, sausages as well as the chicken.

LoobyLott · 15/04/2025 17:40

so its potatoes with potatoes and pasta

I would drop one of those and make a tomato salad at the very least

LurcherMumma · 15/04/2025 17:40

Sounds delicious! But I agree drop the boring potato dish, keep the Dishoom recipe!
I'd maybe swap the koftes for some nice marinated lamb chops if I was tailoring it to me but pricey I know.
I get what people are saying about burgers and sausages but you know your audience (they are an easy enough thing to add)

MotherofPearl · 15/04/2025 17:40

@Headingtowardsdivorceallow me to answer for @whippy1981

Braai is usually made on a wood fire (ideally thorn tree wood). Purists would not dream of charcoal, and there is no such thing as a gas braai (shudder).

Typical braai foods include:

Boerewors (long beef sausage similar to Cumberland in appearance)
Lamb chops (compulsory, with the fat nice and crispy and salty)
Spiced chicken skewers
Steak if feeling fancy

No burgers or pork sausages

Headingtowardsdivorce · 15/04/2025 17:28

whippy1981 · 14/04/2025 19:43

My too but I have been brought up on braais not BBQs so spoilt by the range I've experienced.

I thought that a braai was a BBQ? What's the difference?

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