Here's inspiration to host a fun, casual get-together at home. Food Network Kitchen created an abundant Middle Eastern-inspired dinner for six — complete with an appetizer, a drink, a main dish, a salad and a dessert — for just 30 bucks. No reservations required.
Chickpea-Potato Dip
This easy-to-make dip is reminiscent of hummus, but instead of using tahini, we called on the humble potato to add creaminess and stretch your dollar.
Little things can make a dinner party a success, like serving a refreshing flavored water. This cucumber-mint sipper is a breeze to make in the blender. Chill and then strain before serving (letting the liquid sit with the cucumber-mint mash for as long as possible helps build flavor). It's also a perfect base for a cocktail; let your guests add gin or vodka to taste.
In this dinner party-friendly, Middle East-inspired dish, think fattoush (Lebanese bread salad) meets tabbouleh. We finely chop the lettuce and vegetables to stretch the serving size, then add bulgur for bulk. The lemon-honey combo in the dressing mimics sumac — a berry with a fruity, astringent flavor that's found throughout the Middle East and often used in fattoush.
These flatbreads are ideal for those who like to entertain but are on a budget. Both the flatbreads and the topping can be made in advance. Onions, peppers and tomatoes bump up the flavor and volume of the ground-chicken topping. (If you have a couple of extra bucks, spring for ground lamb!)
These creamy, delicate custards are super-easy to make and great for a dinner party — you can chill and unmold them ahead of time, then top with fruit and drizzle with honey before serving. They're also tasty with juicy stone fruits like sliced peaches and nectarines.
