BARBECUES WARM UP WINTER GATHERINGS
The pandemic has taken a toll on outings, so denizens are bringing the celebrations home instead and bonding over barbecues
When the temperature is at an all-time low, denizens often take to bonfires to warm the soul with heart-to-heart chats. This time, however, due to the pandemic, the bonding over huge bonfires has prompted intimate arrangements for barbecue (BBQ) get-togethers.
Denizens have started putting their nicely packed barbecue sets to good use, and the trend of barbecue parties in winter is rising. Atifa Nazir, a Gurugrammer, spent her birthday hosting a barbecue party for her friends. “When meeting friends after long gaps, it’s important to create activities where everyone can participate and enjoy. Since cooking various dishes at home has gained popularity during the pandemic, I thought why not use it to arrange for a BBQ house party!” says Nazir.
This trend of winter barbecues is a hit with some youngsters as well! Hitesh Sehrawat, a PhD student at Del University recently had a barbecue party with his friends. Talking about his experience, he says, “A lot of my friends were still sceptical about going out in a bigger group as their parents are worried. So we decided to arrange a get-together at home and my mother suggested to bring out our BBQ, which turned out to be an instant hit. We didn’t have to call for the usual junk food that we order!” Sehrawat advises one should spend enough time preparing the barbecue. “A good barbecue is time consuming! It took us 25 to 40 minutes to set the barbecue to the right temperature. To kill time, I laid out a platter of nachos and dips so my friends don’t faint of hunger,” he adds.
“My winters remain incomplete until I get together with my friends and enjoy some kebabs. This time, we decided to have a BBQ party at home,” says Neha Bindal, a Delhiite adding reports of bird flu amid
Covid-19 made her choose the menu carefully. “I let the vegetables stay marinated for a good time. This really brought out the flavours and readied them to get cooked quicker than usual. Another tip to set a good BBQ is to buy quality charcoal.”
The BBQ parties aren’t all about ‘how to be the best cook’ but also of fun accidents of burnt food and laughing about it with friends! Asad Khan, another Delhiite, says, “You’ll always end up with food that’s either cooked to perfection or a little burnt, but that’s okay. Don’t stress the small stuff, and just keep a pan ready on your kitchen stove incase you want to cook the already barbecued items to be doubly sure that everything is edible.”
One stress shouldn’t about the perfect hosting Rather, enjoy BBQ. with friends cooking eating and together. ASAD
KHAN,
A
Delhiite