Potluck Ideas

Finding good potluck ideas can, sometimes, be a little difficult. Nowadays, people prefer to bring healthy foods to reunions and parties. At the same time, people want to present a distinctive dish. The following potluck ideas are not only delicious, they are also quick to make.

 Black Bean And Corn Salsa Potluck Idea

• 2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, drained
• 1 (10 oz.) can corn
• ½ cup onion, chopped
• ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
• ½ tsp. ground cumin
• ½ tsp. fresh, squeezed lemon juice
• pepper to taste

1. Combine the dressing, red bell pepper, cilantro, cumin,  lemon juice and pepper in a small sized bowl. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl. mix the beans, corn, and onion.
3. Toss with the dressing to coat.
4. Cover, and refrigerate for one hour.
5. Serve with tortilla chips.

 Caribbean Rice And Beans Potluck Idea

• 1 ½ cups rice
• 2 ½ cups coconut milk
• 1 cup canned black-eyed peas, drained
• 3 small tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small chili pepper, sliced
• ½ pound ground meat (or vegetarian burgers, cubed)
• 2 tbs. olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• salt and pepper

1. In a large pan, saute the onion in the olive oil, until transparent.
2. Add the ground meat or vegetarian burgers, and toss until lightly browned.
3. Add the remaining ingredients, except the beans, and stir well.
4. Bring to a boil.
5. Cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Stir in the beans and cook for 10 minutes or until the rice is tender.
7. If necessary, add water and season with salt and pepper to taste.

 Hawaiian Sweet Potatoes Potluck Idea

• 1 lb. sweet potatoes
• 1 banana, peeled and cubed
• juice of ½ grapefruit
• 2 tbs. dried coconut
• 2 tbs. brown sugar

1. Boil the sweet potatoes for 30 or 35 minutes (or until tender) in a medium saucepan.
2. Allow them to cool, peel and cube them.
3. Mix with the banana, and spoon into a medium-baking pan.
4. In a small saucepan, dissolve the sugar in the grapefruit juice over medium heat, and pour it over  the sweet potato and banana.
5. Bake at 375 F for 20 minutes.
6. Sprinkle the coconut on top, and place the dish under a preheated broiler for 1 minute.   

 Garlic Dipping Sauce Potluck Idea

• 1 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup water
• 2/3 white vinegar
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• ¼ cup freshly chopped coriander
• salt and pepper

Mediterranean Green Beans Potluck Idea

1. Mix the sugar, vinegar, garlic and salt in a medium sized saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
3. Then, reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens, for about 15 minutes.
4. Remove the pan from the heat, add the chili powder and coriander.
5. Allow the dip to cool.
6. Serve wit tortilla chips or slices of fresh vegetables.

•  3/4 lb. green beans
• 2 tbs. freshly chopped basil
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 2 tbs. freshly chopped chives to garnish
• salt and pepper

1. Boil the green beans until tender, for about 6-8  minutes.
2. Toss the beans with the garlic and basil.
3. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Garnish with the chives.

  Cauliflower With Dijon Mustard Sauce Potluck Idea

• ¾ lb. cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 tbs. Dijon mustard
• 2 ½ cups milk
• 4 tbs. (half stick) butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• salt and pepper

1. Steam or boil the cauliflower until tender. (for about 5 minutes).
2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add the flour, and combine thoroughly.
4. Cook for a minute, stirring.
5. Add the mustard and mix well.
6. Pour in the milk,  minutes.
7. Place gradually, whisking continuously until it thickens and forms a creamy sauce.
8. Simmer for 5 the cauliflower in a medium-baking pan.
9. Pour the sauce on top, and put the dish under a preheated broiler for 5 minutes, until the top turns lightly golden.