Indian Party Menus
Looking for an Indian Party Menus, then look no more! Here are some basics to help you host a great dinner party most efficiently. The tips I will share today are straightforward, simple, and inexpensive. They need a bit of planning, and you are sorted for a well-executed event.
A flawless and fun-filled gathering is easy to host if a few guidelines are followed. And here comes meal planning.
Please read all about Planning a party 101 here
Is it a sit-down party, an informal buffet dinner, or plated? The type of party will further help you decide on the Indian party menu. For instance —
Sports party — At a sports party, people usually stand around the TV screens and prefer to munch on some finger foods. So, plan for a variety of different kinds of finger foods or plan for a potluck.
Help yourself parties — Buffet-style or BBQ parties are the perfect examples here. They have an easy set-up where —
- All the food is displayed, and guests can help themselves with the servings.
- It also saves time since you don’t have to run around removing the dishes after the appetizer is done, to bring out the main course, and so on.
- This layout offers less work than the sit-down formal dinners and gives you much flexibility to enjoy and mingle with friends.
Sit-down parties — Sit down format is more formal and demands more elaborate planning, hence more effort and time.
Please read all about Planning a party 101 here
For a Sit Down party —
1 drink + 2 appetizers + 3 main course (2 curry dishes + 1 dry veg) + 3 R’s + Salad + 1 Dessert
Drinks — I start my dinners with soup for the winter dinner party, and the rest is store-bought soda/ juices besides water.
Appetizers — I usually serve 2 – 3 appetizers along with a dip or a salad.
Accompaniments — They are standard- a green chutney and a tamarind chutney that goes well with almost everything.
Main Course — My choice for the main course includes 3 -4 planned dishes, keeping the color scheme in mind.
The 3 R’s — The 3 R’s are Rice + Roti + Raita. You can opt for naan instead of roti and Dahi Bhalla instead of raita biryani or pulao for plain rice. Indian party menus
Desserts — And since Indian dinners always end on a sweet note and your guests secretly expect you to say- kuch meetha ho jaaye, dessert is not to be missed for sure! I try to keep desserts pretty light because everyone is usually full by the time they are done with an Indian dinner. However, you can always serve ice cream to kids if the weather allows. Indian party menus
Fruit Salad — Adding fruit salad to your menu will be perfect for those who avoid sweets at night. It will be a refreshing and nutritious option.
For a Sports Day Party —
As people will be hanging around the TV at a Sports Day party, it is best to serve some pick-me-up kind of easy food items. A few examples of some lip-smacking delights are —
Small bites —
- Burgers
- Kebab
- Meatball Indian party menus
- Puff pastry snacks
- Pinwheels
- Salsa
- Nachos
- Muffins
- Brownies Indian party menus
Drinks —
- Alcoholic Drinks — wine, beer, or vodka.
- Non-Alcoholic Drinks — Punch, sangrias, or mocktails. Make large pitchers of drinks so that people can help themselves.
Please read all about Planning a party 101 here
For a Potluck dinner —
If you are planning a potluck party, then the following might just be very helpful. After the date and guest list are decided —
- Create a group on your phone
- Add all the invitees
- Publish your menu in the chat
- Allow the guests to pick what they want to get
- Keep the curries and gravy dishes to yourself as they may leak during transport
- Transfer the dishes to the warm oven
- Enjoy your party.
Once the menu is finalized, you may have to see what needs to be stacked up in your pantry.
So, create your comprehensive grocery list to know the stuff that needs to be purchased and also to get an idea about the corresponding stores you may have to visit to buy the stuff.
This is how you should proceed — Indian party menus
The key to hosting a successful dinner party lies in meticulous planning, organization, and attention to detail ndian party menus
A thoughtful preparation in advance can ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for both you and your guests.
Hi Ruchi,
I need to make a paneer dish for 100 people.
There are other vegetables also but it will be one of the main dishes.
How much paneer do you advise and which paneer dish do you recommend. I need to make it at least one day before the function. Thanks for your help.
Hello Veemita, for this gathering, you should plan to make a gravy dish. Your options are - Paneer butter masala or Shahi paneer, Palak paneer, Kadai Paneer with a bit of gravy, or Paneer Kali mirch ( Pepper paneer). You can prepare the gravy a day in advance (as it tends to thicken by the next day) and assemble it with paneer the following day. You will need somewhere between 5.5 kgs to 6 kg paneer to cater to 100 people.
Thank you,
Have a great day!
Hi Ruchi
I loved reading your blog post. Have a doubt, if you could pls reply.. I had made dal makhni for a self hosted dinner party. However, when I tried to reheat the dish it became really thick and so I added some warm water and allowed it to simmer. Now when we tasted it, it was somewhat clumpy and tasteless. Could you pls suggest how do I reheat rich gravy based dishes like dal makhni and shahi paneer ? Thank you
Thank you, Gia!
Lentils often become quite thick during cooking or storing. If it gets a bit too thick, simply thin it out with a little water.
To reheat, boil 1/2 cup of water along with 1/2 a teaspoon of salt and spices of your choice. Add three tablespoons of lentils to this water and bring it to a boil. This should take care of the bland taste.
Hi Ruchi,
I am having a Birthday party with 10 adults and 10 children in evening around 5
Pink pasta
Bread Panner pizza
White Dhokla
Then we will have cake and some dry snacks.
I have never cooked for such a large group of people Pl guide me about quantities will really appreciate your guidance.
Thank you
Happy to help, Veena.
For 10 adults and 10 kids, you will need -
Pasta -
4 Lb or 500 gms. Pasta
3 Roughly chopped Onions
4 teaspoons Minced Garlic
3.75 cups Sliced Mushrooms
2.5 cups Fresh Baby Spinach leaves and
7 cups of marinara sauce
Pizza -
Are you making the paneer pizza in a round disc shape? Then you will need at least 40 pieces of this snack.
Dhokla -
2.5 cups Rava/Semolina/Sooji
1.25 cups Sour Curd
0.63 teaspoon Citric acid (optional)
2.5 teaspoons Sugar
2.5 teaspoons Ginger paste
2.5 teaspoons Chopped Green Chillies (optional)
2.5 teaspoons salt
2.5 teaspoons Lemon Juice
5 tablespoons Oil (divided 1 tablespoon for batter + 1 tablespoon to grease the bowl)
1.88 cups Lukewarm Water (adjust accordingly)
2.5 teaspoon Eno
Hope this helps.
Have a great party.
Hi Ruchi,
I am planning to make yellow moong and masoor dal mix for 40 people adding onions, garlic and ginger. Can you please tell me how many cups of yellow moong plus masoor dal should I take and also number of onions, tomatoes and green chillies
Hello Usha,
For 40 people you will need-
Yellow Moong Dal
10 cup moong dal or 2.00 kgs
12 medium-size finely chopped onions
12 medium-size chopped tomatoes
8-9 green chilies, chopped (adjust according to the spice level)
35 cups water
Masoor Dal
6 cups of masoor dal or 1.15 kgs
14 cups of water
10 medium-sized chopped onion
8-9 green chilies, chopped (adjust according to the spice level)
10 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
Hope this helps!
Hi Ruchi
I have a Pooja at home followed by snacks
Since weather is freezing I need suggestion for menu. Need to cook JAIN food.
I was thinking of making idli and Medu vada
Can u help me with suggestions for drinks and sweets and some alternative for idli too.
Thanks in advance
Hello Pri,
For drinks, you can make Mango lassi or Gulkand drink.
For sweets - there are many options like peda, ladoo, Rasmalai, or halwa.
The closest substitute for idli would be Dhokla or Khatta dhokla.
Hope this helps.
Hi Ruchi,
I am having a Lunch party with 30 Adults and 10 Kids, the menu is
Panchmukhi Dal
Chole
Shahi Paneer
Aloo Gobhi Mutter
Paranthe
Jeera Rice
Boondi Raita
Salad
Kheer
I have never cooked for such a large group of people and am a little unsure of the quantities to cook.
I will really appreciate your guidance.
Hello Swati, below is the
Panchmukhi Dal - you will need :
7.25 cups of dal boiled in 33 cups of water
1.5 cups Arhar Dal
1.5 cups Green Moong Dal
1.5 cups Black Urad Dal
1.5 cups Chana Dal
1.25 cups Masoor Dal
Chole-
You will need 12-13 cups (appx. 2.5 kg) of raw chole.
Shahi Paneer -
You will need somewhere between 2.5- 3 kgs of paneer.
Jeera Rice-
I usually keep a measurement of 1/2 cup (uncooked) rice per person. That equals 15 cups of rice for 30 adults plus 2 cups extra for kids. A total of 17 cups of rice.
Boondi Raita
11 cups of Yogurt
5.5 cups od soaked boondi
5-6 cups of milk
Salad - What kind of salad are you looking for is it a sprouts salad or a plain cucumber/tomato salad?
Kheer-
7 liters full-fat milk
1.75 cups of rice
2 and 2/3 cup + 2 teaspoons of sugar
Plus cardamom and dry nuts.
I guess I have covered everything you have asked for. Let me know if you need any additional help.
Have fun and enjoy the party. 😊
Can you pls tell me how much chhole for 100 people .
Poorvi, are they all adults?
Considering that the count you mentioned is all adults, you will need appx. 6.0 – 7.0 kg of raw chole + the added masala and gravy.
Hi can u please help me.i am planning to have pooja in a home around 80 to 100 people used to come .so for sahi paneer what would be d quantity of paneer ,tomato,kajupaste or masala...plz guide me
Sujata, you will require:
PANEER-
6-7 kg of raw paneer for 100 adults
FOR THE GRAVY –
3.5 kgs tomatoes, pureed
60 tablespoons cashews, grind it to paste
SPICES
6 teaspoons Haldi
6 -8 teaspoons Garam Masala
9 teaspoons Red Chili Powder
18 teaspoons Coriander powder
10 teaspoons Cumin seeds
Salt to taste
Hope this helps!
Hi Ruchi,
I am planning to host an event for 30 adults and 7 kids.
My menu is as mentioned below.
Rice
Dal
Puri
Batata bhaji (Potato Dry veg)
Chole
Shrikhand
Papad
Mung bean salad
Cucumber - curd raita
Can you please guide me with the measurements? I appreciated your help 🙂
Thanks,
Anu
Hello Anu, please find your menu below-
Rice -
I usually keep a measurement of 1/2 cup (uncooked) rice per person. That equals 15 cups of rice for 30 adults. Since you have puris too on the menu, you can do 12-13 cups of rice altogether.
PLAIN DAL –
7 cups of dal boiled in 18-19 cups of water
FOR TEMPERING –
10 medium chopped tomatoes
Hing
Turmeric
Mustard seeds
Kasoori methi
Cream
Ghee
Red chili powder
Coriander powder
Chopped Cilantro leaves for decoration
POORIS -
You can easily do 4-5 pooris per person. That equals - 160-180 pooris.
FOR BATATA BHAJI –
20 Large Boiled Potatoes
FOR TEMPERING
7 large onions thinly diced (since it’s a prasad you can omit it)
Mustard seeds
Turmeric
Green chilies
Ginger
Curry Leaves
Salt
Cilantro for Garnishing
tablespoon Lemon juice Optional
CHOLE-
You will need 12-13 cups (appx. 2.5 kg) of raw chole.
SHRIKHAND-
6 kg of Yogurt
450 grams of Powdered sugar
3/4 cup warm milk
Cardamom powder
Dry fruit for garnishing
Saffron Strands
PAPAD
You will need a total of 30-40 pieces. It's up to you if you want to serve them full or in half.
FOR CUCUMBER RAITA –
9 cups chopped or shredded Cucumber
Sugar
Cilantro leaves
Salt to taste
12 cups of beaten curd.
MUNG BEAN SALAD-
4 cups sprouted mung beans,
2 cups finely chopped red onion,
6 cups tomatoes, finely chopped,
Green Chilies, finely chopped,
5 cups cucumber, chopped,
4 cups corn kernels,
Lemon juice,
Salt & pepper
Hope this helps. Have fun!
That's Great thanks Ruchi for your help.
How many kg's atta (flour) should be required for 150/180 puri's?
Appx. 3 to 3.5 kg of atta.
Hi Ruchi,
I m planning a party on Wednesday
My menu is
Ragda patties as starter
Chhole
Paneer butter masala
Roti
Pavbhaji
Veg Pulav
So can u guide me how much row quantity should I have to take for dinner preparation?
Vaibhavi, please state how many adults and kids?
Hi ruchi.. I have to make chhole for 40 people. Please help me regarding quantity.
Divya, you will need 16 cups (4 kg) of raw chole.
Hi
I am hosting Diwali party
Can you suggest indian vegetarian menu
I have decided following items
Need one dry curry and one more dessert
More suggestions are welcome
Khaman dhokla
Puff pastry
Matar paneer
Dal fry
Roti
Jeera rice
Raita
Rasmalai
Hello Pri,
For the dry curry, you can do - Dum aloo, palak aloo or malai kofta.
Dessert - Peda would go great or gajar ka halwa will fit your menu perfectly.
Hi Ruchi
Thanks for the reply
Can you also suggest some quick starters to go along with menu
And also quantity suggestion for 15 people
And one drink too..
For starters, you can do - Baked potatoes, veg spring rolls, Puff pastry chili paneer puffs.
For drinks, try something refreshing like - orange sherbet punch or a strawberry mint lemonade.
Do you need quantity suggestions for the above recipes?