Canapes is one word that is associated with the concept of having snacky bite sized starter type preparations with a variety to choose and with flavors and tastes to entice the palate and taste buds.
It is a good idea to plan on a platter of canapes for a get together or event for a change and these are also done cold as well which gives us a little change as well from routine hot snacks and appetizers.
The concept of canapes has four elements to be looked at. First is the base which can either be a cracker like a savory Monaco biscuit, bread slices cut out into fancy shapes using cookie cutters and then fried or toasted. The second one is the spread or the moisture content to be applied in case and that usually is butter or mayonnaise. The third element is the topping of the canapes and from a simple Russian salad to a prawn cocktail salad, a chicken tikka chutney marinates, Achari schezuan jeera aloo topping to a ham and cheese option, the list goes on. The final element is the garnish aspect of this preparation is the garnish of the canapes, something attractive and colorful to add a finesse and focal point in the finished canapes ready to go out and meet with the guests.
There are a number of elements to a canape which start from the base which can be used to hold the toppings, be flexible and be able to be comforting for the user and consumer of the bite sized relishes.
Canape toppings/fillings can be indeed very versatile and can be customized in a number of ways using seasonal ingredients, mix- n – match cuisines, tastes and flavors which can be a good mélange of fusion cooking and most importantly also inexpensive and being able to use leftovers too in a new way.
Here are a few of my favorite Recipes for Mini Munchies!
Recipe-1] CHATPATA DELIGHT CANAPES
Ingredients:
Crunchy savory crackers- 12-15 no
For the topping:
Onions-1/2 cup chopped
Tomato-1/2 cup chopped
Green chilies-1 tsp chopped
Capsicum-1/2 no chopped
Baked beans- ½ cup tinned
Boiled chopped chicken-1/2 cup
Red chili sauce-1 tsp
Tomato sauce-1 tsp
Tamarind chutney-1 tsp
Chaat masasla-1/2 tsp
Grated cheese- 2-3 tsp grated
Nylon sev- 2-3 tsp for garnish
Method:
1. to prepare the chatpata munchies assemble all the ingredients together.
2. in a mixing bowl combine together all the ingredients mix well and adjust seasonings to taste.
3. to assemble the canapes, place the crackers on a serving platter and spoon up the toppings just before serving. the baked beans and capsicum can be a good choice for the veg and with a little add on with boiled chopped chicken it can go for non-veg too.
4. garnish the bite sized munchies with nylon sev and other chaat elements and serve immediately.
Recipe-2] CHEF’S SPECIAL CANAPES
Ingredients:
Crunchy savory crackers- 12-15 pieces
For the toppings:
Sliced onions-1/2 cup
Sliced tomatoes-1/2 cup
Sliced cucumber- ½ no
To apply on the crackers
Peanut butter-2-3 tsp
Capsico sauce- few drops
Cheese slices- 2-3 no
Chaat masala-1/2 tsp
Parsley/ mint leaves- 2-3 sprigs
Olives- 2-3 no, sliced.
Sliced ham/ salami- 2-3 no for non-veg
Method:
1. to prepare all the ingredients for the canapes, assemble them as per the list.
2. just before serving, place the toppings one by one on the crackers.
3. apply a little peanut butter mixed with Capsico sauce on the crackers. Place the sliced ingredients one by one on the crackers.
4. ensure all the slices are uniformly cut or trimmed to be placed well on the crackers. Finally garnish them with fresh herbs/ micro-greens and serve immediately.
5. for the non-veg variety we can also use sliced hard boiled eggs, tinned tuna fish mixed with a little mayo.
The garnishes on the canapes can also be modified and changed as desired from bell peppers to gherkins and from capers to jalapenos.
Recipe-3] CHIN CHIN CHU CANAPES
Ingredients:
Savory canape crackers- 12- 15 no
For the assorted toppings:
Boiled American corn-1/2 cup
Chopped capsicums-1-2 tsp
Salt and pepper to taste
Cream cheese-1-2 tsp
Chopped coriander/parsley-1 tsp
Chaat masala a pinch
Tomato sauce-1-2 tsp
Chili sauce-1-2 tsp
Mix all the above for the 1st variety.
Boiled mashed potatoes-1 cup
Cream cheese-1-2 tsp
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Chaat masala-1 pinch
Chopped olives-1 tsp
Mix all the above for 2nd variety
Leftover jeera aloo-1 cup mashed
Tomato ketchup-1-2 tsp
Schezuan chutney-1-2 tsp
Assorted capsicums-1-2 tsp chopped
Chaat masala-1 pinch
Sliced black olives-2 tsp
Mix all the above for 3rd variety.
Method:
1. to prepare the canapes, assemble all the toppings are per choice and mix them one by one and keep chilled.
2. for non-veg variety of canapes, pick and choose options from boiled chopped eggs to cooked keema with green peas, from chopped sausages and baked mean mixture to boiled or grilled sliced chicken coated with peanut butter etc.
3. just before serving assemble the crackers on the platter and pick the toppings one by one and assemble the canapes.
4. garnish the canapes one by one and place them ready to serve and ensure they are prepared close to eating time to prevent them getting soggy.
5. canapes and bite sized munchies are always a pleasure to relish and enjoy when freshly dressed up and served at the right temperature as well.
Recipe- 4] DUO COMBO CANAPES
Ingredients:
Savory crackers- 12-15 no
For the toppings:
Lettuce leaves- ½ bunch
Assorted nuts-1-2 tsp chopped
Cream cheese-2-3 tsp
Onions-1-2 tbsp. chopped
Tomatoes-1-2 tbsp. chopped
Green chilies-1 tsp, chopped
Peanut butter-1 -2 tsp
Capsico sauce-few drops
Grated cheese-2 tsp
Tuna fish-1/4 cup tinned, drained
Sliced olives- 2-3 no
Fresh herbs/ micro greens- as needed
Chaat masala-1 pinch
For the non-veg options:
Can also use boiled chopped eggs, sausages, salami.
Method:
1. to prepare the canapes, assemble the toppings for the canapes as desired in two different bowls.
2. the idea is to offer combo duo two options of canapes to go along. One can be creamy in texture and the other once can be little crunchy.
3. once the toppings are ready, check for seasonings and allow to chill until being assembled and served.
4. just before serving the munchies, assemble the crackers on a serving platter and divide both the toppings on both sides of the canape lanes.
5. garnish them appropriately and serve them immediately. At times it’s also good to have a live station for these canape options so the guest can also choose what he wishes to have on his plate.
Recipe- 5- ITALIAN TOMCHINO CANAPES
Ingredients:
Savory crackers- 12 to 15 no
To prepare the tom chino sauce:
Olive oil-2 tsp
Garlic-1 tsp chopped
Onion-1/2 no chopped
Tomatoes-1 cup blanched, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Mixed herbs to taste
Capsico sauce- few drops
Parsley- 1 tsp chopped
For the toppings:
Sliced /grated cheese- 1/2cup
Olives- 2-3 tbsp. sliced
Fresh herbs-1 tsp
For the non-veg topping varieties:
Sliced grilled chicken
Sliced saute sausages
Shredded salami
Tuna fish
Sautéed prawns
Grilled fish slices
Method:
1. prepare all the ingredients for the canapes as listed and keep them all ready.
2.prepare the tom chino sauce, heat oil saute the garlic, onions and add in the blanched chopped tomatoes, seasonings, herbs and flavorings as needed and cook, reduce the sauce to a salsa texture.
3. cool down, add some parsley and mix well. Also chill it for better mouthfeel. Just before serving we need to decide on the topping sequence on the crackers for veg and non-veg guests.
4. place a little of the tom chino sauce at the base followed by your choice of veg or non-veg toppings and place some grated cheese on top, add on garnishes as needed and place the canapes for being served and should be enjoyed cold.
Recipe- 6] SANDWICHED GOODIE CANAPE
Ingredients:
Savory crackers- 15- 20 pieces
For the sandwich elements:
Sliced onion-1/2 cup
Sliced cucumber-1/2 no
Sliced beetroot-1/2 no
Sliced ham/ salami/ sausages- ½ cup
Sliced black and green olives- 2-3 tsp
Salt and pepper to taste
Cream cheese/ butter/ peanut butter- 1-2 tsp as needed
For the choice of garnishes:
Fresh herbs/ micro-greens/ sliced jalapenos.
Method:
1. prepare all the elements for the canapes and keep them all chilled until being used.
2. choose an appropriate spread to go on the crackers
From butter- cream cheese- peanut butter to mayo options as well.
3. decide on the elements of the sandwich as well and place them all sliced and chilled as well before being used.
4. to start with the sandwich concept of the canapes, we can apply the spreads one by one and then gradually start by placing all the ingredients one by one with color contrasts.
5. finally close it up and assemble the canapes on the serving platter and make sure you are offering them at the right temperature, well garnished.
