The biggest party food highlight is definitely appetisers. These bite-sized yummies are wholeheartedly welcome because most party hoppers skip dinner and weight watchers would rather munch on a few appetisers than have a heavy meal. Unfortunately, most party platters do not make for the healthiest ideas. But with the right ingredients, you can effortlessly make them low-cal and delicious.
1. Easy options
If you have the right appetisers in place and guests have loved them, don’t fret so much about an elaborate dinner. So what appetisers works best? Says Mumbai-based foodie, Nima Thadani, “Too many fancy and elaborate appetisers can actually kill a party. Keep platters of simple, toasted bruschetta, little kebabs, crostini with sauteed mushroom, olives on a toothpick or even even strawberries on chocolate.”
2. Bite-sized minis
Food has shrunk and how! Little foods, which are mini versions of the regular ones, are a huge new trend and entrees and desserts are fitting right into it. Say hello to mini cupcakes and tartlets, mini burgers or sliders, little pizzas (pizzettes), and cake pops (the new ‘little dessert’).
3. Wrap it up
Another simple way to serve appetisers is through hot and cold wraps. From vegetables to meats, and cheese, there’s a lot you can do. Hot ones can be made with sautéed garlic, pickled onions, meats and fish. Make these just prior to serving. Cold wraps could be made the night before the party. Go for cream cheese, smoked chicken with pine nuts or shredded carrot and beetroot wrapped in lettuce or Vietnamese cold rolls. Serve them chilled.
4. Appetisers around the world
Italians have antipasto, Spain and Portugal have claimed tapas, Greeks enjoy mezze and Russians love their zakuski. The good news is almost all of them are low-cal without compromising on the flavour factor. They come with an added label called exotic, allowing you to be an impressive hostess.
5. Nothing fried, please
Small bites and finger foods are apt for those watching their weight. Mumbai-based food technologist, Nirupama Raghavan suggests, “Appetisers are easy finger foods and help one manage hunger pangs at parties. So, you should try healthy options that completely avoiding any frying. Here are a few tricks and tips –
- Make the base with crackers, water thins, papads and rusks.
- Use fruits, sprouts and blanched vegetables as fillers.
- Generously use herbs, sesame and spices for taste.
- Steamed dumplings make for one of the best appetiser choices as they are healthy. Skip the heavy dressing and have them as they are.
- Use hung curd, honey and cold pressed oils for moistening your appetizers, rather than mayonaise or other sauces.”
6. Calorie count
Two tomato bruschettas weighing approximately 35g each will account for approx. 120 calories.
Two mini coin pizzas weighing 25g each will account for approx. 140 calories.
10 medium cucumber sticks with a low fat dip will not account for anything more than 20 to 30 calories.
7. Kids will love this
Make ‘ladybird’ appetisers. Cut tomatoes in half, place them on lettuce and a biscuit. Use mustard for the eyes and spots.
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