We love hosting friends and family over for dinners and long lunches but we also don’t want to be slaving away in the kitchen and missing out on spending quality time with loved ones.
We understand the delicate balance between putting together a delicious spread and being able to enjoy the company of your guests. That’s why we’re all about dishes that not only impress but also allow you to prepare ahead, ensuring that your time is spent with your guests, not just in the kitchen.
Here are five of our go-to dishes we like to make when hosting.
Mexican Pork Tacos, with Coriander Lemon Salsa, Corn and Avocado
Tacos are one of our favourite dishes to make when entertaining or having family around for dinner as everyone can get involved and build their own taco. It’s also perfect for fussy eaters or when people have dietary restrictions as it’s easy to pick and choose what you want.
Prep ahead
- Roll the meatballs.
- Prepare the coriander and lime salsa.
- Put all of the condiments and filling ingredients in bowls, ready to serve.
RECIPE
Salmon and a Creamy, Sesame Dressing
This is the best way to enjoy all the flavours of sushi but made in a fraction of the time with no fiddly rolling (or eating) in sight.
Prep ahead
- Cook the rice.
- Cut and marinate the salmon, ready to pop in the oven.
- Make the dressing.
- Prepare the toppings.
RECIPE
Pumpkin and Ricotta Vegetarian Lasagne with Crispy Sage
This vegetarian option is an all-time favourite- it’s rich and creamy but lighter than your usual lasagne as it’s made with a pumpkin sauce and ricotta filling.
You can make the entire dish beforehand so you can sit back and relax!
RECIPE
Salsa Verde Chicken and Veggie Enchiladas
These green enchiladas are creamy, cheesy and delicious. The filling is full of spiced chicken, corn, zucchini, sour cream and a homemade green enchilada sauce – all wrapped up in tortillas, topped with cheese and baked until golden and delicious.
This can also be made and assembled beforehand so all you need to do is pop it in the oven when your guests arrive.
RECIPE
Eggplant Involtini with a Simple Garden Salad
This tasty dish combines the best of spring: roasted eggplant, a zesty, creamy ricotta filling, all baked in a rich tomato sauce. Paired with a fresh garden salad – perfect for al fresco dining.
The beauty of this dish is that you can assemble it entirely ahead of time, leaving you free to spend time with your guests and no last-minute fussing in the kitchen!