Food
Appetising Adventures: 15 Festive Finger Foods Around The World
Slide Nr 1Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or celebrating quietly at home, these finger foods and appetisers from across the globe – from Spanish tapas to Peruvian bar snacks and Chinese bao buns – will lend your holidays a worldly flavour.
0/15
Food
Appetising Adventures: 15 Festive Finger Foods Around The World.
Slide Nr 2Empanadas – The origin of these tasty pastries is one of Latin America’s biggest ongoing debates. Chile, Argentina, Colombia… every country seems to have its own version of these scrumptious, filling finger foods. Salty or sweet, they’re as versatile as it comes: enjoy them fried, baked, filled with cheese, or meat and olives, or why not, a sweet treat such as fruit or chocolate hazelnut spread. And make sure to have a couple of dips or sauces handy to accompany them.
1/15
Food
Appetising Adventures: 15 Festive Finger Foods Around The World.
Slide Nr 3Bruschetta – Italians will go postal if you mispronounce the name of this delicious antipasto at your next gathering, but they’ll instantly forgive you when you offer them a taste. Bruschetta is extremely easy to make (and vegetarian!): just grab some crusty bread, tomatoes, garlic and olive oil, and follow this effortless recipe for a show-stopping party treat.
2/15
Food
Appetising Adventures: 15 Festive Finger Foods Around The World.
Slide Nr 4Falafel Bites – Depending on your background and country of origin, falafel might just give you flashbacks to late nights during your college days, but there’s a reason why it’s a favourite midnight snack of party-goers: falafel is the perfect grab-and-keep-talking treat. Traditionally from the Levantine area in the southern Mediterranean, falafel – a fried patty of ground chickpeas or fava beans – has spread throughout Europe and the world. Pair it with some hummus or tahini sauce, and you’re all set.
3/15
Food
Appetising Adventures: 15 Festive Finger Foods Around The World.
Slide Nr 6Bao – These cloud-like, melt-in-your-mouth steamed buns are very popular in Chinese cuisine. To make them especially party-friendly, prepare them in mini sizes and arrange a set of dipping sauces (soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, chili paste, etc.) so your guests can season theirs as they like. Or stuff them with all manner of fillings, from tofu to duck breast, or red bean paste to nutella.
5/15
Food
Appetising Adventures: 15 Festive Finger Foods Around The World.
Slide Nr 9Croquetas – Spanish people know how to enjoy life – so it shouldn’t be surprising that they know their stuff when it comes to crowd-pleasing finger foods. Croquetas are definitely a national favourite and a staple at any Spanish tapas bar or kitchen. A poor man’s meal, these breaded béchamel fritters are usually made with either chicken or cured ham; either way, you won’t be disappointed. Pass them around with some manchego cheese and olives, and there you have it – your own tapas bar at home.
8/15
Food
Appetising Adventures: 15 Festive Finger Foods Around The World.
Slide Nr 10Kuku Sabzi – Kuku sabzi is a Persian herb frittata typically served at Nowruz, the Persian New Year, and said to symbolise fertility and rebirth. Bursting with flavour and spiced aromas, kuku sabzi recipes tend to call for fewer eggs than your regular frittata, and can be made either slightly sweet, with dates and dried rose petals, or savoury, like the one in this New York Times recipe. [Photo: superscheeli/Flickr]
9/15
Food
Appetising Adventures: 15 Festive Finger Foods Around The World.
Slide Nr 11Arancini – A staple of Sicilian cuisine, arancini (or ‘arancine’ as they’re known in the island’s western regions – a point of friendly contention among Sicilians) are tremendously addictive balls of rice, usually filled with ragù meat sauce, peas and mozzarella, then breaded and deep fried. A favourite dish amongst locals and tourists alike, they’re sure to be a palate pleaser. [Photo: Edsel Little/Flickr]
10/15
Food
Appetising Adventures: 15 Festive Finger Foods Around The World.
Slide Nr 12Coxinhas – Coxinhas are dough balls stuffed with shredded or minced chicken, shaped into a teardrop, and deep fried. These deliciously filling fritters are the most popular street food in Brazil, as well as a classic dish served at parties and celebrations around the country – it’s a savoury samba in your mouth!
11/15
Food
Appetising Adventures: 15 Festive Finger Foods Around The World.
Slide Nr 13Dolmades – Dolmades consist of rolled-up grapevine leaves usually filled with rice, herbs and prices, or sometimes with meat and vegetables. That might not sound like the most enticing dish, but trust us on this one: You’ll have your first and will be reaching for seconds before you can even think twice. Set this mouth-watering Greek dish down at the table of your next gathering, and watch it disappear within minutes. [Photo: Lesya Dolyk/Flickr]
12/15
Food
Appetising Adventures: 15 Festive Finger Foods Around The World.
Slide Nr 14Vol-au-Vent – Well, ooh la la! Any celebration automatically becomes a fancy one when these start getting passed around. A French classic, vol-au-vents consist of a hollowed puff pastry that can be filled with a variety of savoury and sweet ingredients, ranging from creamy chicken to spiced egg and chocolate mascarpone. Take your pick, and watch them fly off the plate!
13/15
Food
Appetising Adventures: 15 Festive Finger Foods Around The World.
Slide Nr 15Maíz Cancha – Here’s one that requires little to no effort on your part: maíz cancha. Popular across Latin America, particularly in Peru and Ecuador, it’s basically just roasted or deep-fried corn kernels. Maíz cancha makes for the perfect snack or salty treat to pair with wine, beer or whichever cocktail you’re shaking up. Find it at Latin grocers, or make it yourself at home. [Photo: ProjectManhattan/Wikimedia Commons]
14/15
Food
Appetising Adventures: 15 Festive Finger Foods Around The World.
Slide Nr 16Brigadeiros – An absolute must-have at any festive occasion across Brazil, brigadeiros are similar to chocolate truffles, except they’re made with condensed milk and cocoa powder. Deceptively simple and utterly delicious, these fudgy treats are shaped into balls and traditionally rolled over chocolate sprinkles, but why not get creative? Cover them in shredded coconut, dust them with cinnamon or dip them in white chocolate. However you serve brigadeiros, they’re sure to provide a sweet finish for your celebration.
15/15
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.