Movie nights have a funny way of turning into full blown snack sessions. One minute, everyone is settling in for a film and the next, somebody is asking where the chips are. This is also true for house parties. Great music and company are nice, but it’s the table full of delicious snacks, cold beverages and a few dips that makes it all so much more enjoyable.
The key is not to display every single snack from the cupboard. A few well-chosen combinations can achieve a sophisticated presentation without going overboard.
Start With Classic Crunch
Chips are the go-to movie-night snack. Salted chips go equally well with everything from carbonated drinks to cocktails, but if you’re serving a spicy or citrusy beverage, the chips should probably not be too spicy or tangy. For an easy platter, all you need to do is place your chips next to a bowl of creamy cheese dip and a bottle of cola. The salty chips and creamy dip will surely make the perfect combination.
For guests who prefer something a little more traditional, namkeens bring plenty of variety to the table. Sev, bhujia, spicy peanuts and a variety of mixes can be served in little bowls as a buffet.Â
Match Snacks With Cold Drinks
Whatever the snack, it is likely that the beverage will have an impact on its taste. Spicy chips go well with any lemon-based chilled drink since the lemon cuts the spice of the chips. Cheesy chips can work well with any sparkling drink while lightly salted chips would go well with iced tea.
Juices are another easy option, especially for a gathering with different age groups. Mango juice goes surprisingly well with spicy namkeens, while orange juice can balance salty mixtures with stronger flavours.
Do Not Forget The Dips
A good dip can make an ordinary snack feel completely different. Sour cream and onion dip pairs well with classic chips, while salsa provides wonderful fresh and spicy taste for corn based snacks. Guacamole also pairs perfectly with plain tortilla chips.
When it comes to namkeens, dips may never cross your mind. However, there are combos that are worth trying. Mint-yoghurt dip helps with spicy snacks, and some tangy tamarind chutney is perfect when you want extra flavour.
Build A Spread Without Overspending
There is no need to buy huge quantities of everything. 3 to 4 types of snacks, a couple of drinks, and some dips are generally enough food for a casual gathering. Having the number of expected guests in mind while shopping means that there will be fewer leftovers hanging around for days.
For people who are organising a spontaneous movie night, being able to buy grocery essentials helps to make the task easier. Snacks and juices can also be ordered along with the rest of the groceries to avoid making another trip to the shops.
Try A Few Unexpected Combinations
It may be the case that the most successful pairings are not the most overly thought out ones. For example, sweet chilli chips along with a nice cooling dip made from yoghurt can be a combination that can work really well. Masala peanuts and an ice-cold mango drink can also be served at the gathering. If the party is held in an Indian style, several varieties of namkeens can be mixed together instead of using just one large bowl from which guests can take.
Make Hosting A Little Easier
The easiest parties are rarely the ones with elaborate menus. When the gathering only calls for relaxation, hosts can use simple snacks, drinks and dips for entertainment. It is also a good strategy to keep some extra snacks hidden instead of displaying all of them at once. This way, the table will remain neat and fresh food can be introduced later if the movie runs longer than expected.
Conclusion
A great spread of snacks comes down to the concept of balance. Having something salty, something spicy, something refreshing plus some great dip creates the perfect environment that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re having a cosy movie night or a house full of people, a little bit of planning can be a big help. The addition of namkeens allows for variety and presents you with a chance to buy grocery essentials online so that it becomes an even easier task for you.