Forget A Cheese Platter, Your Next House Party Needs A Chakna Platter
Are you the quintessential sophisticated kind who is all about the ‘wine and cheese’ and fancy looking starters with dips to pair your drinks with? Or, someone who just prefers something simple yet tasty to go with your McDowell’s whisky? For me, it’s a mix of both actually. While formal parties may call for a more urbane food choice, I feel we can drop our guards with our yaars in a more relaxed setting of a house party. And speaking of house parties, chakna becomes an important starters to munch on, isn’t it?
So, here’s presenting some chaknas ideas that you can mix and match to make your own snack platter for your next house party. This chakna-drink combination is worth trying.
Masala Papad
Could there *be* anything more perfect than the crispy amazingness of masala papad? Loaded with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, nuts and coriander it makes for a perfect accompaniment with your whisky. Plus, you can add more zing by sprinkling oregano or chaat masala on top! Or, pair it with some readymade or homemade exotic dips like yoghurt cheese dip or sweet chilli dip.
Also Read: How The Humble Masala Papad, Our Staple Chakna, Has Changed Over Time
Recipe Treasure
Salted Cashewnuts
This classic chakna item goes back generations and is quite the family favourite. When roasted to perfection and lightly salted its taste is further enhanced. So, the next time you are wondering what to make of the umpteen boxes of cashewnuts you got in the festive season, you know what to do!!
Whitley’s Peanut Factory
Masala Peanuts
Masala peanuts are our ‘sasta-sundar-tikau’ chakna that we all swear by. Hai naa? These crunchy little things are so addictive you just don’t know when to stop. Plus, they go so amazingly well with any drink you may be holding in your hand. So, that’s a definite plus.
The Indian Claypot
Chana Jor Garam
Do you know what's a sure shot party-pleaser? Chana Jor Garam that's right! The popular street snack is both wholesome and spicy making for an ideal combo. It organically feeds your hunger. If you want, you can take the flavour up a notch by sprinkling finely chopped onions and a dash of lime on top.
Ziyo
Bhujiya Sev
This savoury accompaniment is a go-to chakna for many of us (you know who you are). The crunchy snack is readily available and made by a variety of brands. It's also easy on the pocket so you can stock up all the flavours there are and spice up your house party.
Potato Chips
I know what you are thinking. This isn’t a birthday party! I agree potato chips were like the staple in our bachpan. No party was complete without it. But heck, it would be a shame to not have at least 5 varieties of these chips (which weren’t available earlier btw) on your finger foods served alongside fancy dips.
Got any more chakna platter ideas of your own that you want to add?
*Drink Responsibly
