By Claire Martin The Denver Post
Here’s an idea for holiday party snacks that won’t make guests think Ho-ho-hum: Skip the supermarket chips-and-crackers aisle and go to an international market to look for savory finger food. Want to impress your guests? Offer a platter of dolmas, the popular Greek and Middle Eastern appetizer that packs spiced rice inside soft grape leaves. They won’t dream that all you had to do was use a can opener. Or try one of the other snacks we found at two of the many international markets that line South Parker Road. (Look in the freezers for other appetizer and snack possibilities, including samosas and precooked shish kebabs.) Other metro-area international markets include Tejal India Grocery, 10351 Grant St. Unit #6, Thornton; and Middle East Market, 2254 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver. Boulder, Lafayette, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs also have Indian, Middle Eastern and Asian groceries.
BAKARWADI
CRISPY TASTY
SPRING ROLL
Price: $2.99 (7 ounces)
Where: Bombay Market, 3140 S. Parker Road, Aurora
Instead of: Chili-flavored chips
“Spring roll” is a misnomer — no veggies here. Instead, these are petite fried pinwheels made from rolled chickpea dough spread with a spicy-sweet bite that lingers (and lingers) on the palate. Terrific with beer. Traditionally served hot from the oven but fine right out of the box.
CRI-CRI NUTS
Price: $1.99 (10 ounces)
Where: Arash Market. Also sold as Kasugai Roasted Mixed Nut at Asian markets, and as Samurai Mix at Sunflower
Market
Instead of: Mixed nuts
This traditional Asian bar snack consists of peanuts and crunchy broad beans wearing jackets of an addictive salty-sweet crisp coating. They’re as appealing as they are tasty. Betcha can’t eat just one.
GOLCHIN
SALTED
CHICK PEAS
Price: $2.99 (7.06 ounces)
Where: Arash Market
Slightly dry and salty, full of
protein
Instead of: Beer nuts
Crunchy and slightly mealy, these are full of fiber and protein (though not quite qualifying as health food). Imagine humus compressed into tiny, filbert-sized balls and flash-fried.
MASALA KHANI
SPICE PUFF
PASTRY
Price: $1.99 (8 ounces)
Where: Bombay Bazaar
Instead of: Cheese straws
Spicy, flaky and crunchy, these are savory little squares of puff pastry spread with Indian spices. Yummy, but slightly messy. Use a plate because the squares are quite fragile.
ZERGUT
GRAPE LEAVES STUFFED WITH RICE
Price: $2.99 a can containing
25 pieces
Where: Arash Market
Instead of: Canned olives
Tender, just like dolmas at a Greek restaurant, briny, shiny and toothsome, these are surprisingly delicious, especially for a canned product. Put them on a platter, and guests will assume they’re homemade.
