Aarti Party

Aarti Sequeira packs a picnic that is perfect with a side of sunshine and good company. Her Banh Mi Wraps are filled with grilled pork loin, pickled carrots, and fresh cilantro and mint. On the side, her Newspaper Nuts have toasty peanuts, chopped pecans and shredded coconut, all dusted with warm Indian spices for an addictive on-the-go snack. Finally, a little something exotic to sip on as you take in the sunshine: Aarti's Thai Agua Fresca, is a lightly sweet, very refreshing blend of lychee, coconut water and lemongrass.

Aarti Sequeira is firing up the grill to serve sweet temptation ribs to a group of her friends. These meaty spare ribs are coated in a homemade spice rub, and cooked until tender with a tamarind glaze. On the side, her root beer baked beans feature creamy cannellini beans in a homemade sweet-savory barbecue sauce, and a Watermelon Feta and Mint Salad is light and refreshing, finished with honey and a dusting of tart sumac. A glass of Kuwaity Iced Tea is just the thing to toast her guests.

Aarti Sequeira brings two of her favorite cuisines together in one meal: Italian and Indian! Her Caprese Salad with Roasted Mango Dressing is a fun new twist on an old favorite, while Meatball Curry takes a traditional Indian dish and jazzes it up with bite-sized meatballs. For dessert, a Bedouin Affogato pairs cardamom-scented espresso with vanilla ice cream, fresh whipped cream, and a sprinkle of chocolate-dipped cookies.

Aarti Sequeira makes fresh cheese in 30 minutes, with 2 everyday ingredients. Then, she cooks with it! Aarti makes a traditional comfort food dish: the ever popular Saag Paneer, with cubes of cheese in a smooth spinach puree seasoned with aromatic spices. Next, Aarti's spicy paneer fingers with dates and almonds is sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy -- the best of everything. Get ready to impress your friends with your cheese-making skills!

Aarti Sequeira whips up a meal with satisfying flavors and a humble price tag. Her Lebanese Lentils, Rice & Caramelized Onions is a hearty crowd-pleaser, perfect alongside two fresh-tasting salads. The first is Aarti's Roasted Eggplant Salad, served cool with a yogurt dressing, and the second is an Orange and Grapefruit Salad with Coriander and Black Olives. With such and affordable menu, a nice glass of Zinfandel wine is a welcome addition to the meal.

Aarti Sequeira creates light, fresh dishes for warm days, when the cookin' is easy! Fried Green Tomatillos make summery canapes when topped with creamy burrata, freshly torn basil and a little cumin oil. Cucumber-Lychee Gazpacho is a refreshing no-cook soup served chilled with crunchy feta-topped crostini. For dessert, Aarti's Coconut-Lime Granita is an easy, icy treat that's a little creamy, a little tart, and just sweet enough.

Aarti Sequeira pays tribute to the wonder of things that come in small packages. Her Smoky Spinach Artichoke Dip is comforting and rich, bubbling with three cheeses and a pinch of citrusy coriander. Next, her Lasagna Cupcakes are filled with chicken sausage, tomato sauce and a creamy ricotta-mango filling. Finally, Aarti's Blackberry-Ginger Clafouti is an elegant baked custard studded with juicy blackberries. Finished off with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon wine, this meal nearly as good as having a bun in the oven!

Aarti Sequeira re-creates her Mediterranean vacation through mezze, the Turkish equivalent of tapas. Her Eggplant Rolls with Ricotta, Walnuts & Mint are tender outside, creamy and flavorful inside. These bites are a great match for Aarti's Tabbouleh, a fresh herb salad made with quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickled peppers in a light lemon vinaigrette. Finally, Aarti's Garlicky Grilled Calamari and Nectarine Salad is brimming with fresh yet satisfying flavors.

Aarti Sequeira grills up Old-Fashioned Burgers, with meaty patties stacked high with cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato. To slather over the top, two different sauces: Ketchup Chutney is a slightly chunky, warmly spiced rendition of a favorite burger buddy, while Muhammara is a unique Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Spread. On the side, Aarti's sweet potato fries are tossed in warm spices and baked until golden and crispy.

Aarti Sequeira makes a meal in honor of her sister, affectionately nicknamed Piglet. Fish For Crish is pan-roasted Swordfish Steaks in a mole-inspired ancho chile sauce, topped with sweet-tangy pickled shallots. Next, her Zucchini Ribbon Salad is fresh and light, with Tomatoes, Red Chile & Peanuts in a tart lime dressing. Last but not least, Bananas Sequiera features flambeed bananas in a brown sugar sauce, infused with warm spices and finished with toasted coconut. She'll toast her sister from abroad with a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc wine.

This Bollywood Night menu centers around 'Night 'Night Curry, featuring roasted lamb and sweet apricot stewed in a creamy, warmly spiced sauce and finished with crunchy toasted almonds. To serve alongside, Aarti makes easy work of fresh naan, that pillowy Indian flatbread that seems to win fans wherever it goes. Finally, Green Apple & Ginger Chutney and a glass of zinfandel wine add the perfect finishing touch to the meal.

Aarti Sequeira's mixologist friend shakes up some sips, while Aarti cooks up tasty nibbles. Aarti bakes her Pomegranate, Sriracha and Mint Chicken Wings until crispy, then tosses them in a tangy pomegranate glaze. Her Beef Kebabs are tender, flavor-packed morsels with a tasty surprise inside! Finally, silky-smooth Parsnip Hummus is a simple and familiar, with a refreshing twist. Just as refreshing as the cocktail pairings!

Aarti Sequeira makes a couple dishes she grew up with, and another she invented as an adult. Kheema is a traditional ground beef dish simmered with sweet peas, and chopped tomatoes. The flavors will soothe your soul and satisfy your belly. One the side, sauteed Summer Squash are bathed in Turmeric Butter with toasted hazelnuts and a drizzle of honey. Finally, whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, Aarti's ice cream sundae with Homemade "Magic" Chocolate Sauce will make you grin from ear to ear.