Small Plates Photo Source: Pxhere
What Are Small Plates?
Salad Photo Source Pxhere
Small plates are meals served on small plates or food to be shared with others to cut down on portion size It is way to offer several entrees or appetizers to guests so they can fill up and try several different items. It gives you a chance to try new entrees and purchase more than one .
Small plates are eaten at the restaurant, delivered to your home or business, or made at home by you for family and friends. Small plates give you a chance to enjoy more than one entree and not overeat. You can focus on healthy appetizers, salads, pasta, pizza, vegetarian soup, fish, chicken or meats dishes.
Shared plates are filling but small in size. In Spain they are called tapas and in China dim sum. Small plates allow guests to try different dishes and are accompanied by soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. They are popular in many restaurants and for parties and entertaining.
Pizza Photo Source: En Wikipedia
Small plates can be served as appetizer and as part of the main meal. It gives professional chefs and home chefs a chance to experiment with recipes and food. There is less food on the plate and this is a more visually appealing way to serve food. It provides a way to eat less but have more flavor and variety. You have the opportunity to try cuisines from around the world.
Benefits of Serving Small Plates At Home
Chicken Skewers: Source: The Culinary Chronicles
You can try different types of cuisine and recipes at home. It give you a chance to add more vegetables and fruit to your diet, whole grain and lean proteins and present it in an appetizing way.
Eating at home can become exciting when you try new recipes and ideas. It will make your menu more interesting and varied.
Small plates gives everyone a chance to try a new appetizer or entree and can be like a buffet but in smaller portions.
You can buy good quality ingredients but spend less on the total bill when shopping or eating out.
It leads to less food waste as you find ways to use leftovers and ingredients creatively.
It will help you eat less because it fools your brain into being full or satisfied with less food.
You can serve small plates on holidays and for regular meals
Small plates go well with wine, beer, and soft drinks. You can make a variety of exciting dishes to satisfy the appetite and promote good health.
Meat and Cheese Pizza: Photo Source : Foto Wuestenigel
How Small Plates Can Help With Dieting
Small plates can help dieters lose weight. Use a plate 9 inches or less for high calorie items and use a larger plates for low calorie foods. Bright or bold colors can create a visually appealing plate and make you more satisfied with what you eat.
Switch to a smaller plate and try eating on it for two weeks or more to get used it. Using plates 7-9 inches consistently is a good diameter.
Source: Wix Media
If you use standard sized plates, try putting smaller portions on the plate. Use more vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains, lean protein, and fruit. Use your salad or dessert plates to eat high calorie foods. This will save you from having to buy a new set of china or dinnerware.
Try to focus on foods that fill you up with good nutritional value. Whole grain pasta and breads, salads, soups, chicken, fish, and beef raised without hormones and antibiotics. Stay away from processed foods with too much sugar and salt. Eat more slowly and try to enjoy the taste of the food.
Arrange the food on the plate to be visually attractive. Colorful fruits and vegetables give entrees a enticing visual appeal. For dessert try fruit or berries with lemon juice or plain yogurt mixed with fresh or frozen fruit.
Ideas and Recipes For Small Plates and Where to Find Recipes
These are some websites where you can find recipes for small plates online.
Small Plate Ideas and Recipes Mediterranean Mezze and Appetizers The Mediterranean Dish
Tapa Recipes All Recipes
Small Plates Lazy Cat Kitchen
Appetizers and Small Plates Rocky Mountain Cooking
Small Plates For Small Appetites Fred Hutch Cook For Your Life
Tapas Recipes BBC Foods
Recipe Ideas
Fajitas: Photo Source: Pxhere
Seafood with pickled vegetables
Ribeye Skewers
Spicy Chicken Wings
Fish or Brisket Tacos
Pulled Pork or Chicken Sandwich
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Vegetable Fajitas
Small Pizza
Stuffed Peppers
Antipasto Salad
Greek Salad
Deviled Eggs
Steamed Short Ribs
Sticky Rice With Sausage
Lamb Meatballs
Shrimp and Chorizo Flatbread
Marinated Pork Skewers
Spicy Meatballs with Sauce
Pesto Pasta
Slider or Small Burgers
Italian Chicken Soup
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Animation Source: Giphy
References:
Small Plates Big Flavor, by Judith Weinraub, The Washington Post, January 16, 2002
Small Plates Dining Revolution , Your Third Spot
Restaurant Menu Ideas 8 Benefits to Serving Smaller Portions, by Susan Johnston Taylor, Light Speed, 5-27-2019
Small Plates Your Secret Weapon to Manage Hunger and Control Cravings by Bobbie L. Young, Learn Much Should I Weight, April 2023
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