Roasted vegetables and pineapple is a traditional Hawaiian dish.
Hosting a luau is an excellent way to celebrate summer with Hawaiian flair and treat yourself and your guests to the succulent food for which Hawaii is known. Traditionally, luau fare involves a centerpiece of a whole roast pig, with grilled and fried side dishes and an extensive tropical drinks selection. The degree of authenticity and complexity you want for your luau entirely depends on your budget and resources. Remember to take into account any food preferences and allergies your guests have before planning the meal. Due to the high fat and meat content of a traditional luau, it may not be the best option for vegetarians or people trying to cut back on fatty foods. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
1. Set a food budget. It's easy to get carried away when planning an elaborate event such as a luau, so setting a distinct budget can help you keep from going overboard. Set a specific budget for the main dish, side dishes, drinks, appetizers and any other types of food you want to incorporate. Take stock of any food or drink items you already have so as not to buy twice.
2. Decide what the main dish will be. Traditionally, the centerpiece of a luau is a whole pig, roasted over an open flame in the center of the event. If you choose to go this route, you should consider hiring a caterer who specializes in luaus to create the roasting pit and handle the complex job of preparing an entire pig for your guests. Alternatively, you can focus on other main dishes such as Hawaiian chicken with pineapple salsa, Kahlua pig, grilled island chicken or sweet and sour pork over rice.
3. Arrange for traditional Hawaiian side dishes to compliment your main dish. Some ideas of side dishes that are appropriate for a luau include fried rice, pineapple sweet potatoes with macadamia crumb top, banana and yam casserole and roasted vegetables and pineapple.
4. Plan your appetizers with the Polynesian idea of the pupu platter in mind --- a range of sweet, tangy, savory and crunchy finger foods that reflect native Hawaiian cuisine. Traditional Hawaiian dishes for the pupu platter include bacon wrapped pineapple, shrimp toasts, beef teriyaki, meatballs with sweet and sour sauce and pineapple sweet potatoes.
5. Stock up on fruity, tropical drinks to serve to your guests. Tropical punch is a widely enjoyed drink choice which can be spiked with rum for adult guests. Traditional tropical alcoholic drinks such as daiquiris, mai tais, and pina coladas are also good options, and you can cut down on preparation time by purchasing drink mixes to use. For non-alcoholic options, consider fruit smoothies and coconut milk.
6. Arrange for a large fruit selection that includes tropical fare such as pineapples, strawberries, melon and kiwis. A good presentation option is to cut open and hollow out a pineapple, then fill it with chopped fruit for guests to snack on throughout the night.
Tags: side dishes, your guests, main dish, pineapple sweet, pineapple sweet potatoes, pupu platter