Appetizer Curries

We Americans are a “noshing” bunch, picking up foods on the run. The plethora of fast-food eateries, plus all those establishments that dole out small plates of delicacies, like the Spanish tapas joints, Chinese dim-sum cafes, and even upscale fine-dining restaurants with tasting menus (small portions of full-blown menu items) are all evidence of that trend.

Now, curries may not immediately jump out at you as satisfying munchies, but soon I’m going to have you thinking differently. So, when that chips-and-dip bell goes off in your head, it will be for something a little more exotic—like garlicky potato finger sandwiches in a bun with sweet-hot sauces, or skewers of chicken, beef, or lamb with flavorful sauces. Or spiced lamb chops, grilled and topped with a dollop of fenugreek-scented cream sauce—elegant enough to serve at fancy cocktail parties to guests draped in pearls and flowing evening gowns. If I have my way, you’ll be passing around tapioca fritters with coconut-sesame seed sauce at your next outdoor summer party. How convenient to set a pan of hot oil on the grill and fry them while chatting with friends between sips of Vouvray, Sancerre, or Côtes-du-Rhône! For an unusual tail-gating party serve grilled chicken with cashew-tomato sauce—it goes great with beer. Include these appetizer curries in your own noshing lifestyle.