Street Party Food to Share

On Sunday we went to a street party in our new neighbourhood. The weather wasn't the best (this is England after all!), but spirits were high and we got to know a few more faces. One of the lovely things about our area is that everyone is so friendly. I know more people in our street now than I did in 17 years at my old place!

The last street party I went to was for the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977 ~ can you spot me?!

These days, since 2009 The Big Lunch has become increasingly popular. Generally held on the first Sunday in June, it's a chance for neighbours across the UK get together, share, enjoy and build their community.

At our party there were games, music, a quiz and of course plenty to eat and drink. Everyone brought a plate to share. I decided to make a big bowl of couscous salad: tons of flavour and always a good crowd-pleaser. As a bonus it's pretty quick to put together ~ more of an assembly job than actual cooking!

Mediterranean Couscous 

with Grilled Halloumi

Serves 4
(I doubled up on this recipe to make sure there was enough to go round!)

Ingredients
200g couscous
300ml boiling water
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
40g shelled pistachios
3-4 spring onions, finely sliced
100g peas
Handful of fresh mint, roughly chopped
70g wild rocket
250g halloumi cheese, chopped into 2cm thick chunks

Instructions
1. Put the couscous in a large bowl, add the boiling water & 1 tbsp of oil. Cover & set aside for 5 minutes until the water has been absorbed & the couscous is fluffy

2. Whisk together the remaining oil & the lemon juice to make a dressing

3. Combine the cooled couscous with the pistachios, spring onions, peas, mint & rocket

4. Fry or grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes on each side until it turns golden, but is soft inside

5. Top the couscous mixture with the cheese & drizzle with the lemon dressing

This was a real winner so I'll definitely be making it again ~ it works well as a summer evening meal or a delicious BBQ side dish.

Have you ever been to a street party? Do you have any quick & easy dishes that would work well for this type of event?

Claire