Cooking for friends this weekend - what would you choose as your ultimate indulgent dishes?

[SlowSigh]

There will be four of us. I am vegetarian, they are not. I am happy to cook meat, but would like a harmonious meal rather than separate food.

So, for example, I would cook Moroccan spiced roast veg, with cous cous, feta, pomegranate and pistachio. Then serve with some roast lamb. Maybe with bread and dips as well.

What sort of food would you like to have cooked for you, along these lines?

Happy to spend all day preparing, but would prefer something that requires little effort once they are here.

I don’t think you need cook meat when you don’t eat it. Veggie food is fine!

It’s Jan so people are often more interested in calorie counting than indulgence.

Your idea sounds lovely, without the lamb.

I’d go for a curry with lots of things like bhajis, pakoras, naan, pickles, raita, daal etc.

There’s absolutely no need to cook meat.

But I agree, your Moroccan spread sounds delicious.

As a fellow veggie I often do what you describe. I like to make a 'spread'. I've found the following work well:

• Italian
• Greek
• Indian
• Tapas
• Fake Nando's (do this for kids a lot)
• Mexican

I know that I don't need to cook meat, and I often don't. This time I plan to.

Lovely, healthy, fresh food can be very indulgent. Especially if there is spinach.

Oooooo. Spanakopita, with lots of garlic! What would go with that?

Spanakopita, with lots of garlic! What would go with that?

Greek mezze-pitta, dips, feta salad, tabbouleh, etc... I’d look at at menu for The Real Greek online.

Can I be your friend?

@PurpleDaisies I tried and tried to make authentic Indian food, including bhajis, but never get it quite right. I live in an area with a large Indian population, so have all the best restaurants.

Gigandes!

What time will you be over @TheHumansAreDefinitelyDead?

I'm an omnivore - I love trying veggie dishes and don't expect our veggie friends & family to cook meat just for us. I don't like lamb but would devour the rest of your menu. Should I bring the ouzo?

Spanakopita

Sounds wonderful.
Please do cook the lamb!!

If I'm going down the Greek route, what about lamb kleftiko or beef stifado?

Oooh beef stifado for me please with lots of lovely crusty bread.

I'm in heaven reading this thread!

I'm feeling that lamb is the best match for spinach. How does this sound?

Spanakopita, but little triangles
Lamb kleftiko
Gigandes
Pitta (the good puffy ones, not supermarket) houmous and tzaziki
Greek salad
Lentils and beetroot
?? One more dish ??

What about pudding?

Do some honey and chilli drizzled halloumi and buy baklava where you get the good pitta. Sorted.

Not sure about baklava as it would be more filo after the spanakopita.

Mexican! Do carnitas for the meat eaters, black beans, guacamole, salsa, tortillas, margaritas. You could even do a tres leches rice pudding for dessert

Omg I’m up feeding DS and now I’m hungry myself
Saving this thread for inspiration when I actually have gone to cook again

I'd stick to the mediterranean and do a mezze / tapas style that way you get time to talk to your guests.

All the prep can be done ahead with somer being put in the oven for a few mins.

So add to your already fab idea

Italian bread, olives and live oil
stuffed vine leaves (or cabbage if you can't get vine)
spiced meat balls
feta with dried herbs, cubed and put in oil
shot glasses of gazpacho

I'd do a citrus based dessert with that, something lemony. Your friends are in for a treat with that menu