Indian Style Vegetarian Holiday Dinner Hosting Tips

We are just a couple of days away from one of the biggest foodie holidays in the US and before you know it, Christmas will be here. Which means a lot of parties and a lot of get togethers. So today I have tips for hosting an Indian Style Vegetarian Holiday Dinner. I am including the links to the recipes and recommendations for wine to go with the dishes.This is a sponsored post for Sonoma-Cutrer Wines and Honest Cooking. I received wine from Sonoma-Cutrer. All opinions in the post are entirely mine.

Indian food is slightly difficult to pair with wine because of all the different spices that are used in the cooking. Keeping the flavor profile, the sweetness or tartness of the dish in mind is crucial in pairing vegetarian food with wine.

Sonoma-Cutrer has some amazing collection of California wines that work beautifully with the Indian dishes.So here’s my Indian style vegetarian dinner menu. I paired the dishes with Vine Hill Pinot Noir and Les Pierres Chardonnay.

• • Appetizer: Cauliflower Pakoda (cauliflower florets dipped in spiced chickpea batter and deep fried until golden)
  • Salad: Cucumber and Onion (dressed lightly with lemon juice, salt and pepper)
  • Soup: Lentil Soup
  • Main Course: Vegetable Dum Biryani with Raita
  • Main Course: Roti
  • Side Dish: Paneer Curry
  • Side Dish: Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Onions

Sonoma-Cutrer process of making wine is a careful symphony of Old world tradition and new world innovation. They utilize hard work and artistry, science and intuition, knowing and feeling. They have tours and tastings of wines on their winery. Check out their site for more information and if you are in the area, go and experience the tasting yourself.Vine Hill Pinot Noir has an aroma of intense red cherry, hints of rhubard and cherry cola complement the nuances of oak.This is one of the most versatile red wines and pairs well with the Indian dishes. Biryani and the paneer curry are moderately spicy and pair well with fruity notes in the Pinot Noir. I feel like this wine is a great match to many spiced tomato gravy curries and rice dishes.

Les Pierres Chardonnay has a signature bright and lively citrus-laced acidity. This wine is perfect with the Lentil soup because it’s light and lemony and complements the creaminess of the dish. It is also great with the cauliflower pakoda.