5 Ways to Throw a South Asian Wedding-Inspired Backyard Party 

This post is sponsored by Canadian Turkey. Opinions are my own.

Decor tips by Anjum Nayyar

Summer months undoubtedly means South Asian wedding season. When it comes to South Asian weddings, it’s never just one wedding event. Before the wedding actually happens, there are events to celebrate the bride, groom, and the family in many different ways. These events can vary slightly depending on your religion, cultural differences, and personal preferences. Nothing says backyard summer soiree like the smell of the grill. You can make almost any meal more memorable on the BBQ. Hosting one of the wedding events outdoors as a BBQ is a great way to enjoy the summer season while being festive!

Here is your guide on how to throw a festive, fun, and worry-free South Asian Wedding BBQ event:

1. Set the Scene: Pick a theme

Choosing a theme is a fun way to make your party more memorable and entertaining. You might like to host a sangeet or wedding party in the style of a tropical paradise, an afternoon high chai party, or an elegant cocktail soiree. Colours, decorations, food, lighting and more can all contribute to your theme. Be sure to include table settings that add a bit of luxury and bling to your event by using metallics or mirror surfaces.

2. Get people socializing

Create areas that are inviting, cozy seating, candles, a string of lights and different tables with themes or buffets can encourage conversation. Backyard torches or lanterns can create great lighting after dusk as well.

photo credit: pinterest

3.Get in your Tandoori Flavour with Turkey Breast Skewers

A Desi BBQ isn’t complete without some Tandoori flavour. Spice up your turkey and put it on skewers. Turkey plays well with other flavours, especially since it has a hearty taste and texture that marries well with South Asian spices. Canadian turkey’s low fat, high-protein content makes it your perfect partner for summer grilling. I love using turkey for summer barbeques because it is an economical way to feed a crowd, especially when I am hosting my big South Asian family.

These skewers are made with turkey breast but you can also use other cuts of boneless turkey meat. Both white and dark meat cuts of turkey are lean, so you can enjoy protein without compromising on flavour, tenderness, or juicieness.

Tandoori Turkey Breast Skewers 

Ingredients

• 2lb turkey breast, cut into cubes
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 Tbsp tandoori masala
• 1 Tbsp plain yogurt

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix together turkey breast, lemon juice, tandoori masala, and plain yogurt using your hands or a spoon. Add to wooden skewers and let marinate for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. (Tip: soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning when on grill).
2. When ready to BBQ, remove from fridge and cook on grill.

4. Include fun appetizers without making the menu too heavy

Multiple wedding events means multiple meals, which can quickly add up on the calories. The key to a healthier menu is to not compromise on South Asian flavour. Turkey is a versatile protein and complements South Asian flavours really well. Keep the menu lighter with lean protein options and more veggies. One way to include a variety of protein is by changing up the cuts and types of meat used. Chaat Patta Turkey Gol Gappay features ground turkey.

This appetizer is a twist on the traditional gol gappay or pani puri. It is healthier too since the potato mixture is swapped with a salad seasoned with chat masala dressing and topped with ground turkey also seasoned with chaat masala.

Chat Patta Turkey Gol Gappay

Ingredients

Chat Masala Salad

1 cucumber, finely chopped

2 tomatoes, finely chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

⅛ cup cilantro, finely chopped

1 lemon, juiced

1 Tbsp chat masala

2 Tbsp olive oil

Gol gappay

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 tsp chaat masala + 1 tsp chaat masala
• 1 tsp red chili powder

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together finely chopped cucumber, tomatoes, and onion. In a separate small bowl, make the salad dressing by mixing cilantro, lemon juice, chat masala, and olive oil. Add salad dressing to salad and mix well. Set aside.
2. On a fry pan, heat olive oil on medium heat and add ground turkey, chat masala, and red chili powder. Once ground turkey is fully cooked, add the second teaspoon of chat masala.
3. Open up a hole in the gol gappay with your finger. Place on a tray. When ready to serve, spoon salad and top with ground turkey. Be sure not to assemble too far in advance or else the gol gappay will get soggy.

5. Prepare for leftovers

This is a bonus tip but so important in a wedding house to ensure you and your family are eating well throughout the week. Since turkeys are generally larger than other poultry options, you get a lot for the price you pay. Try making a bit more of your dishes so you can use the leftover cooked turkey in meals throughout the week.

Storage tips:

• Tandoori Turkey Breast Skewers: remove turkey pieces from skewers and store turkey breast in an airtight container. Throughout the week, add to sandwiches and salads.
• Chat Patta Turkey Gol Gappay: store salad and ground turkey in separate containers. Throughout the week, make a gol gappay salad with leafy greens + chaat masala salad + ground turkey topped with crushed gol gappay.

If you’re looking for additional tips, recipes, and HOW TO’s for turkey or grilling tips and techniques, visit canadianturkey.ca.

Follow #TryTurkeyToday for more inspiration.

Follow @masalamommas

©masalamommas and masalamommas.com, 2016-2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to masalamommas.com and Masalamommas online magazine with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.