4 Organic Appetisers that Perfectly Complement Classic Cocktails
Food pairing is a key aspect of designing a menu. After all, dining is an experience—all the courses are meant to complement one another, as well as preferably adhere to a single theme.
Over the millennium, food pairing has evolved from an art to a science. Sommeliers and chefs regularly study the chemistry behind food and drink pairings, and understanding the science allows one the opportunity to appreciate the gourmet experience. For instance, a plethora of organic appetisers, from tandoori corn to tapas, pair well with classic cocktails.
Here are a few recommendations for organic appetisers and cocktail pairings that you may want to try out at the next event you host.
Hoisin Glazed Veggie Balls
This contemporary spin on cocktail meatballs is not made with beef or pork, but with shredded cabbage, cauliflower, peas, onion and garlic, with an egg to bind everything together.
It also gets an Asian twist from garlic, ginger and hoisin sauce.
Once the meatballs are crispy and baked, brush them with a glaze made with ketchup, vinegar, soy, sauce, honey, sesame oil, and of course, the star of the show, Hoisin sauce. Finish the dish off with julienne spring onions on top. This light veggie dish marries well with the bold and briny flavour of a gin martini cocktail, with the herbal elements of the appetiser bringing out the botanical notes of the drink.
Kale Chips with Sea Salt
This spicy chip appetiser is perfect for cocktails like Margarita. First, this dish is incredibly simple to make and can be added last minute to any menu. The natural bitterness of kale complements the sharp lime and salty hit of a classic margarita, enhancing its acidity and brightness.
To make this snack, toss kale leaves in olive oil and sea salt first, then bake them in a 150 C preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway.
Take them out of the oven and wait till they come down to room temperature and crispen up.
Bruschetta with Organic Heirloom Tomatoes and Basil
Negroni is the ideal choice of beverage with this light snack. Fresh basil is earthy and heirloom tomatoes are known for their juiciness, which effectively rounds out the bittersweet and herbaceous notes of Negroni.
Making this dish is fairly simple. All one needs to do is dice heirloom tomatoes and toss them in minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, pepper and olive oil, and spoon the mixture on slices of baguette or any tougher bread variety locally available.
Mushroom and Thyme Tartlets
Organic mushrooms are earthy and rich in umami, and coupled with thyme, pair effectively with the herbaceous notes of Sazerac.
To make these tartlets, fill mini tart shells with sautéed organic mushrooms, diced garlic and fresh thyme, and grate parmesan on top.
Bake these tarts for 20 minutes, or till the sides are golden.
Drink responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
