Nothing beats that Friday feeling, right? As the week draws to a close and the weekend beckons, the overriding feeling is one of joy and optimism, hence the word fri-yay. If you’re looking to kickstart your weekend with friends, what better way to do so than gathering with friends for a delicious meal? That’s why Mahatma® Rice is here to inspire you with delicious, low-stress recipes to serve to friends. The concept of Fri-yay calls for simple and comforting food that’s easy to prepare. It’s also key to read the room, so to speak. Find out what your friends are craving and adapt your meal prep accordingly. There’s no need to complicate things; with these easy-to-make recipes, your Fri-yay hangout is guaranteed to be a roaring success.
Bite-Sized Savory Treats
If your friends are in the mood for some savory snacks to enjoy while you catch up on the week that’s been, we’ve got just the recipes for you. These Mushroom and Cheese Pastelitos are what comfort food is all about. Made with nutty and aromatic Mahatma® Jasmine Brown Rice, mushrooms, Monterey Jack Cheese, a subtle blend of herbs and spices, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to share the recipe.
Alternatively, if you’ve got a little extra time on your hands and want to make a bite-sized snack to impress your guests, these Arancini Air-Fryer Italian Rice Balls are the ideal option. Although they take a little more time to prepare, this recipe is relatively straightforward and makes for a great addition to any party spread.
Light Lunch Options
Friday is a great day to have an impromptu gathering with friends, right? Everyone’s available and in the mood for hanging out. However, hosting can sometimes be a daunting proposition at short notice. Don’t fret, these light lunch options are low-fuss meals you can whip up in just 15 minutes. For fans of sushi, our California Sushi Bowl is the easy way to enjoy your favorite sushi ingredients, namely crab sticks, cucumber, avocado, and nori seaweed. No need to get your sushi rolling kit out, this recipe takes away all the fuss so you can feel confident that the meal you’re preparing is going to please everyone.
Equally light and refreshing is this Tuna Tartare with Rice and Avocado. Made with readily available ingredients like tuna, rice, sesame seeds, lemon juice, and avocado, these elegant tuna towers are an easy way to create a sense of occasion for your Fri-yay celebration.
Quick and Easy One-Pot Meals
One-pot meals have a lot of upside when you’re having people over. You needn’t worry about the post-meal clean up; simply gather your ingredients and cook them all together. These Fried Chicken Fajitas are a great call for Fri-yay. Few dishes are as universally popular as fajitas, and this recipe can be made in just 20 minutes. Crowd-pleasers don’t come easier than this!
Alternatively, if you’re craving something with seafood, we’ve got another gem from Mexican cuisine to show you. This Shrimp Diabla is a spicy number with a refreshing seafood twist. Simply prepare the shrimp and salsa in one pot, then pop Mahatma® Ready to Heat Cilantro Limón Jasmine Rice into the microwave for 90 seconds, and you’ve got a hearty, satisfying seafood meal.
The Perfect Dessert to Usher in the Weekend
Finally, no Fri-yay hang-out would be complete without a delicious dessert to cap things off. Enter our unique Horchata Whipped Iced Coffee dessert. Cold, creamy, and beautiful to behold, just picture the looks on your friends’ faces as you emerge from the kitchen with these dazzling desserts.
Tips for Quick Meals
- Keep rice pre-cooked in the fridge for quick meal assembly.
- Use instant or quick-cooking rice varieties for reduced cooking time.
- Opt for frozen veggies that can be tossed directly into dishes without thawing.
- Season rice with sauces or spices to enhance flavors without lengthy preparations.
- Create a mix-and-match bar with various toppings to customize meals.
These tips can help streamline the cooking experience, allowing for more time to enjoy with friends rather than being stuck in the kitchen. A well-stocked pantry with rice, canned beans, and sauces can be a lifesaver when preparing meals quickly while still impressing guests.
Buffet Style Serving for Hanging Out
Setting up a buffet-style service allows guests to customize their meals, making the experience more interactive and enjoyable. Here are tips for creating a successful buffet:
- Arrange a central table where all rice dishes and accompaniments can be showcased, encouraging guests to serve themselves at their leisure.
- Provide a variety of rice options, such as seasoned rice, rice with herbs, and colorful vegetable rice, to cater to different tastes.
- Include an array of toppings and sauces for personalization, such as nuts, shredded cheese, salsa, or chutney.
- Ensure that there are enough serving utensils and plates for guests to help themselves easily.
- Keep the layout organized to facilitate easy movement around the buffet, enhancing the overall social experience.
Get that Fri-Yay Feeling!
Now that you’re armed with a whole bunch of enticing recipes to serve to friends, it’s time to get planning. Set up a group chat to find out what everyone is in the mood for. Make an open playlist and get everyone to submit their favourite songs. All this makes for an atmosphere that truly #feelslikehome.
For more recipes and cooking tips, check out our cooking blog.