The sultry, hot weather of Riyadh calls for a super summer soiree with friends and family. School is off for the holidays and everyone is looking to spend the vacation eating and making memories. Certain memories are connected to the palate and stay lifelong.
Compiled here is a 5-course meal of sumptuous delicacies that you could easily whip up and charm your friends and family with.
APPETIZER: MANGO SALSA WITH TORTILLA CHIPS
This delicious dip uses a ripe mango, chopped red onion, jalapeno, chopped fresh cilantro and lime juice. The zesty dip can be paired with store-bought tortilla chips or tacos. It’s a crispy, fresh and delicious appetizer to start your meal with.
SOUP: MEXICAN CORN SOUP
A gorgeous combination of tomatoes, corn, oregano, turkey bacon and cream, this bright summer soup will bring a smile to your face as you anticipate the dinner’s main course. It is seasoned with salt and pepper and garnished generously with parsley, crisp turkey bacon and parmesan. Serve it hot with a side of garlic croutons or tortillas.
SALAD: SHRIMP CAESAR SALAD
Caesar salad is an all-time favorite salad for dinners and parties. It can be dressed to taste accordingly: gourmet/casual. This particular Caesar salad features delicious shrimps!
The freshly made dressing is made by whisking together an egg, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, anchovy sauce, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Crunchy squares of Romaine lettuce are tossed into the prepared dressing. The salad is then topped with grilled shrimp and shredded parmesan.
ENTRÉE: SUMMER KEBABS
No cookout is complete without the quintessential kebabs be it chicken, lamb, beef or vegetables and even fruit!
Spiced Chicken Kebabs
Marination is paramount in the preparation of succulent, tender kebabs. Whisk together paprika/red chilli, garlic in yogurt and immerse cut, cubed boneless chicken in the marinade. Skewer them and grill for 4 to 5 minutes each side until golden. Serve with pita bread, fresh spinach and hummus.
Vegetable Kebabs
This is another summer classic made by skewering button mushrooms, red bell pepper, red onion and zucchini in a balsamic based marinade. The seasonings that give the kebabs a beautiful spiced flavor are oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, salt with sprinklings of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Halloumi and Meat Kebabs
Make meatballs using minced meat with parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, honey and salt. Halloumi is a type of salted cheese that tastes heavenly when grilled. Skewer the meatballs and halloumi and grill on both sides till golden.
DESSERT
Fruit Skewers
Fresh fruits make for enjoyable and colorful summer delights post a heavy meal. These can easily be assembled a night before and stored. You could use a combination of different fruits and assemble them in an aesthetic way- strawberries, grapes, blueberries, pineapple, watermelon, orange segments and more. Skewer, chill them, and enjoy!
Lime Tart
This tarty tart will definitely tantalize your taste buds. For the crust, grind graham crackers, almonds, butter and sugar. Press down the coarse mixture in a pie dish and prepare the lime filling. The lime filling is made of egg yolks, condensed milk, lime juice and lime zest. For the topping, we’ll whisk some whipped cream, sour cream, icing sugar and lime zest. Assemble the components and top them off with your berries of choice and lime wedges. Chill and serve.
DRINK
Watermelon Lemonade Slushie
The above mentioned come together to form a delicious concoction of lemon-watermelon goodness! Freeze cubed watermelons and make a sugar-mint syrup on the stove. Cool the syrup for at least an hour. Strain and press the mint leaves for maximum flavor. Blend the watermelon cubes, sugar syrup and crushed ice to make a smooth slushie. Serve in tall-stemmed glasses with mint on top.
