Movie Night: A New Tradition – Recipes: Olive Cheese Balls, Lentil Koftas, Greek Green Beans and Mango Buffalo Wings
I am all about tradition. Even as a young child, I always enjoyed re-occuring events based on a date, an event, or time. I don’t know what it is about me that just loves a good ritualistic event. Maybe it’s the food. Most likely…Now that I am an adult and getting older and recently married, I have started thinking more about traditions, what they mean to me and what kinds of traditions I want to start for my own family.
When we lived in Vermont, we used to have Roberto’s girls with us every other weekend, and I loved cooking special things when they were there. Especially in anticipation of Movie Night. We would rent a movie and then make fun food, perfect for watching and eating at the same time. Recently Roberto and I decided that we really need to bring back Movie Night – even if only for us. A time to get our jammies on and eat fun foods. We have done this three times so far and it seems to be sticking. We have prepared some really fun finger foods and menus that I want to share in case anyone else has Movie Night and is looking for recipes, or wants to start a Movie Night tradition of their own.
So for our first official movie night, a few months ago, we watched Simply Irresistible. I made Lisa’s Olive Stuffed Cheese Ballsand Curried Deviled Eggs. We also mixed Greek Yogurt with Sumac, Za’atar, Sesame Seeds and Olive Oil and scooped it all up with warm whole wheat pita bread. For dessert we had leftover Key lime pie with strawberries that my mom had sent home with us after a visit. It was a great time. The movie, Simply Irresistible is with Sarah Michelle Gellar. A cooking movie where the emotions she puts in her food while she is cooking, affects those who eat it! Really cute film, especially if you are a die-hard Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan like we are, and therefore are bound to watch anything that has any of the stars from that show in it for all eternity.
The next movie night we had was kind of themed without meaning to be. I had Lentil Koftas with cucumber salad on the menu with a side of Greek style green beans. As we were frying the koftas, I was looking for a plate to put them on, so they would stay warm. Our good friend, Tony had given us a Tagine for a wedding present that he and his partner, Jonathan had carried back with them from a recent trip to Morocco. It had a lid and looked nice, so I decided to use it as a serving platter. Plus I have really been dying to use the Tagine! Don’t worry, I just made Chicken Tagine this weekend – so you will be seeing it in its primary use in a little while!
We ended up getting The Kite Runner as a movie and the theme of the movie really fit well with our menu. The koftas were really great, and I plan on making them again.
I have made the green beans for ages and they were a perfect accompaniment. Recipes to follow. The movie was excellent. It is one of those films that you can’t shrug off for several days. I had read the book and felt the adaptation was perfect.
For our third movie night we really wanted to try Elle’s Mango Buffalo Wings from last month’s Royal Foodie Joust.
I love the spicy and vinegar combination of buffalo wings, but I have never made them at home. When Elle entered the contest last month with a mango buffalo wing, I knew I would love it, so I got the ingredients to make them. They were wonderful, the perfect combination of spice and sweet that I adore with that vinegar hot sauce note. However, the movie, I Am Legend was not a big hit. There is a very bad scene in the movie involving an animal and I just couldn’t take it…I am a big wuss when it comes to these kinds of movies.
However, this one bad movie has not deterred us from continuing the tradition of movie night! Join us for movie night and let us know your best creations!
Lentil Koftas
1 cup brown lentils
1.5 cup bulgur
1 1/2 cups finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup olive oil (not extra virgin)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon Frieda’s Garlic Delight paste
2 eggs
2 TBS Shawarma Seasoning (cumin, coriander, curry, sumac, saffron, black pepper)
1 teaspoon of salt, or more to taste
ground black pepper to taste
Flour for dusting koftas
lemon slices, for serving
Cucumber Salad
1 medium cucumber, seeded and sliced very thinly
1 tsp sumac
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
juice from one lemon
Put the lentils with 1.5 cups of water in a medium (4 qt) pan. Cover pan and cook on low heat until water is absorbed and lentils are cooked, 15-20 minutes.
Put the bulgur in a large bowl, and add the cooked lentils. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon and cover the bowl.
While the bulgur is absorbing the liquid of the lentils, cook the chopped onion in the olive oil until soft. Add the tomato and garlic pastes, and cook until the onions are very soft.
Check the lentil mixture for doneness. If the bulgur is too dry, add some more boiling water slowly, then cover for another 10-15 minutes. I had to add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water – you don’t want it to be too dry, but you also don’t want it wet.
In a bowl, mix the thinly sliced cucumber, parsley, sumac, lemon juice and salt. Mix thoroughly. Place in fridge until serving time.
When the lentil/bulgur mixture is at the right consistency, add the cooked onion mixture, the parsley, cilantro, Shawarma Seasoning, salt and pepper and 2 eggs. Mix throughly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Now form the koftas: take a chunk about the size of a fig, and roll in your palm and fingers to give it an oblong shape. Shape all of the mixture in this way and then dust them with flour. Heat a large pan with olive oil and add the koftas to the pan – be sure not to crowd then. Fry lightly on each side about 3 minutes until they are golden.
Arrange decoratively on a plate with lemon slices. Serve with cucumber salad.
Greek Green Beans
1 lb fresh green beans, washed and cleaned with ends snipped off.
1/4 cup olive oil
one large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 14. oz can of stewed tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
salt & pepper to taste
feta cheese as garnish
Sautee onions garlic in hot oil until pale golden in color and aromatic. Add the beans and sautee together until well coated in the oil. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper and oregano and cook covered for about 30-40 minutes or until beans are tender. It is even better if you cook it for an hour, and best the next day. Serve hot, garnished with feta cheese crumble.
Ley - May 12, 2008 at 10:34 am
Haha, YAY! I’m glad you watched Simply Irresistable. lol. I wasn’t as big on Buffy as I was on Charmed, but I’m telling you- ALL THE TIME Dustin and I will be watching something and I’ll see some random extra in the movie or show and be like “I think they were on Charmed/Buffy/Angel/etc.” All the time. It’s like a curse of useless character recognition.
My friends and I used to have themed movie nights. They were SO much fun! We would usually just pick like three movies with a theme, though…not coordinate the food. It’s hard to link bowls of brownie batter and cookie dough ice cream to “movies that have the word Dance in the title.”
Judy - May 12, 2008 at 11:18 am
What a great idea. As the years have gone on for us we have developed some traditions but not things like movie nights. Ours are pretty much foods that we make only during special times. I love this idea though and maybe when the girls are older (I so do not want to watch Madagascar again!!!) we will do this!
Brittany - May 12, 2008 at 11:41 am
I Love it! I have been meaning to try those wings- glad you had a chance to (second opinions are always good- even when they are probably uneccessary as I know Elle’s recipes are fabulous). What a great tradition to keep rolling- nothing better than good food on the couch with your sweetie and your kitty. You two look so snuggly with your little fur-baby on your lap! (we have two- one for each lap. It’s the ultimate in cozy purring zen)
courtney - May 12, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Now that we are more more homebodies, I need to create special movie night like you. Normally we eat before a movie, not during.And this way I wont fall asleep on the couch:-)
núria - May 12, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Hey Jenn! What a wonderful idea!!! We are not only getting great recipes but also movies recomendations! I love it♥
I have this same thing with traditions… getting the family together and celebrating with food and drinks is the best 😀
All your pictures look gorgeous, I couldn’t pick just one, but the green beans seem so tasty and flavourful!!!!!!!
Sasha - May 12, 2008 at 3:08 pm
What a great idea, and well timed for me! Last night was movie night for us too, and I felt like baking beforehand, although I didn’t–couldn’t really think of what to bake. We watched “The Shop Around The Corner”, an American movie made in the 40s and set in Hungary, based on a Hungarian play. A really nice one. I love midcentury movies.
jen of a2eatwrite - May 12, 2008 at 4:16 pm
We do this in our house, too, sometimes. D and I did it for a date night one night – I ended up using a Rachael Ray recipe for a “TV Dinner” and we saw old episodes of “My Favorite Martian” and “I Dream of Jeannie” and something else I can’t recall just now. It was fun.
Usually, when it’s C, D and I we go for pizza or something else simple… I’ll have to think of what we’ve made.
Mallika - May 12, 2008 at 4:16 pm
That’s a movie feast girl! I am dying to watch Kite Runner myself. But here, my hubby has a penchant for “crap movie nights”…
toontz - May 12, 2008 at 4:58 pm
I usually have to watch something very fast moving and suspenseful to keep me up past 10:00! I know, I know, I am a lightweight. What a great idea to have dinner WITH the movie, instead of after it (like we usually do).
Deb - May 12, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Wow Jenn, I want to come to your house for movie night. Ours usually consists of pizza, sometimes home made, and popcorn.
This is great and keep sharing the movie recipes and movie reviews! Hey, this could be a great theme for a blog party event!
Peter G - May 12, 2008 at 6:00 pm
I love the little meze selection you have created Jenn. It sure beats popcorn to watch the movie!
Cris - May 12, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Oh what a cute picture of you together ready for movie night! This menu is really fancy! Love it.
Kevin - May 12, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Movie night sounds like fun! Just look at all the tasty food. I had been thinking about picking up a tagine. It sounds like an interesting pot.
Oli - May 12, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I love your blog! Great recipes, grateful I found it. Thanks!
Elle - May 12, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Jenn, I love your movie nights! It’s not easy to watch movies we want to see with four kids–we’re usually half asleep by the time we get them to bed, hehe.
I’m so happy that you liked the wings!
Lisa - May 12, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Glad you liked my olive balls Jenn. Those koftas and beans are just the sort of treat for me. Sometimes there is nothing better than fun party night foods. Your photographs are fantastic. I just want those yummies right now.
Peter - May 12, 2008 at 8:14 pm
That is a fine spread for movie night. You could also pair the food to the movie.
I love the fried olives and of course, the Greek style beans.
Johanna - May 12, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Tea on the knee in front of a movie is a great treat – one we indulge in fairly frequently (unfortunately I think this is a sign of an old married couple 🙂 ) Love your koftas and other finger food – looks v yummy
I haven’t seen I am Legend but I did see The Last Man on Earth recently which is a 1960s version of the same film and I love how old movies can tell stories without the gore and in-you-face horror but are much more subtle and scary – check it out if you get a chance.
Marie - May 13, 2008 at 1:25 am
Jammie’s and good food like that, beats going out to the theater anytime!! I dying to see kite runner, did you like it?
MyKitchenInHalfCups - May 13, 2008 at 7:18 am
Yes Jenn, nothing beats a little tradition!
And I sure can’t imagine anything beating your Koftas, cucumber salad and those green beans!
Sounds like movie night are going to become tradition!
Deborah Dowd - May 13, 2008 at 7:25 am
I am with you Jenn, even if you have to create your own traditions. It can turn something mundane into an event! I think I am going to re-establish this at our house!
Elly - May 13, 2008 at 9:44 am
YUM Jenn. Everything looks so delicious. My favorite kind of food 🙂 What a great new tradition!
Bellini Valli - May 13, 2008 at 9:46 am
Now that my daughter is back from university I should start a movie night tradition so that we can catch up on each others lives. Great idea and great recipes Jenn.
Erinn - May 13, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Greek green beans? Count me in!
It’s not one I have in my large repetoire of Greek recipes, I’m trying this one before the week is over.
Yum, I’m so excited.
Happy I’ve found your blog as I’m really enjoying what you have to say, so thanks!
Natalie - May 13, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Great recipes! I’ll eat anything stuffed with Olives 🙂
Jen - May 13, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Those lentil kofta look so good… I think they’ll be making an appearance at my house relatively soon.
Helen - May 13, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Hi Jenn! I love the idea of this. I get so fidgety with movies though, if they don’t grab me in the first 15 minutes then I am gone! The idea of making a tradition is a lovely one though. Those cheese-olive stuffed balls look really moreish and I really like the look of the lentil koftas too.
Mag - May 13, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Mmm… very good recipes, never made lentil koftas, gotta try those soon 🙂 The Kite Runner is on my Netflix list, I didn’t get the chance to see it in the theatres.
The Leftover Queen - May 13, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Ley! Useless character recognition! Now I finally have a name for my affliction! Thank goodness! But, yes, it is so true! I love movie night!
Ha Ha Judy! That is so funny! Yeah, I guess tastes in movies are different when you have such varying age groups. Roberto’s girls were in their pre-teen years when we used to do it with them – some of the movies were actually pretty fun!
Brittany! Roberto and I were laughing about “cozy purring zen” all night long! It is so true – these are some of our best nights and I look forward to it now.
Hey Courtney! I have falling-asleep-during-movies-itis as well. Eating does keep it at bay!
Thanks Nuria! I agree celebrating with food and drink IS the best – I guess that is why we are food bloggers, huh?! 😉 Hope you try the green beans!
Thanks for the recommendation Sasha! I have never heard of that one. So what did you end up eating?
Hey Jen! I love movie night – it is so much fun! We used to watch Buffy sometimes on DVD – that was fun. I like watching TV shows too – especially if you have a whole season or something.
Mallika! Kite Runner is great! And you should trade off nights – Roberto and I each have a list of movies we want to watch – and the other one gets to rate how much a torture it will be to watch it – it helps us keep things balanced.
Toontz – I am a bed at 9:30 kinda girl, so trust me, I know all too well about being a lightweight!
I know Deb! It would be a great blog event! So much fun! You are welcome to come for movie night anytime!
Thanks Peter G! Well you know us foodies, we have to make it more interesting than popcorn (besides, a little secret, I don’t like popcorn…)
Thanks Cris! It was a great menu! Super yummy!
Hey Kevin! I love my tagine – although it is a serving piece only. I am going to get a cooking one soon – it is on my wishlist – but you can make a tagine even without a tagine….
Thanks Oli for stopping by and leaving a comment!
Wow Elle! 4 Kids! That is a lot of tastes to appease! The wings were wonderful! YUM!
Thanks so much Lisa! The olive balls were great – I think they will be making a repeat visit very soon! I love treating myself with these kinds of yummies – just the way I like to eat!
True, Peter, I should start pairing the movie with the food intentionally! That would be interesting…hmmm….
Johanna! I am happy to be an old married couple if it involves lots of movie nights – or “tea on the knee” (I love that expression!). Count me in! Thanks for the recommendation – not sure if I can even handle the older version of this movie! 🙂
Hey Marie! Yes, Kite Runner is a great movie! You should see it! And I agree – it is better than the theater to enjoy movies at home with good snacks!
Thanks Tanna! Yes, I think it is going to become a tradition for sure! The menu was delish!
I hope you do re-establish this Deborah! It is so much fun!
I know Elly, my favorite kind of food as well! 🙂
Traditions can be super fun!
Totally Valli! You can share your favorite movies and meals with each other! Sounds like fun!
Thanks so much Erinn! I am glad you found my blog too! Yes, those green beans are soo good – even better the next day! I need to make them again soon!
I am with you on that Natalie!
Jen! They are awesome! Let me know how they turn out for you!
Thanks Helen! Wow, a 15 minute threshold, huh? What are some of your favorites? The food was great!
Thanks Mag! The koftas are really yummy and super easy to make. Oh! And thanks for reminding me to join netflix!
foodhoe - May 13, 2008 at 4:20 pm
yes I am a big buffy fan too and thought that movie was very sweet! your recipes sound so delicious and movie night sounds like a great tradition. It’s a shame that Mr. K and I can never stay awake through most movies at home…
farida - May 13, 2008 at 5:46 pm
What a great idea to have movie nights! Food and movies go great together:) WOnderful recipes. I love the lentil koftas. They are my favorite.
Maggie - May 13, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Simply Irresistible is such a guilty pleasure movie for me. A bit sappy and corny but sweet and charming at the same time. My husband loves mocking the scenes with the crab.
Britt - May 13, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Mango Buffalo Wings!?!?! OMG those sound amazing.
marye - May 14, 2008 at 1:01 am
I loved simply irresistible! I also really like Chocolat, and Mostly Martha, the German with subs.
As always the food looks awesome.
Emiline - May 14, 2008 at 5:06 am
Movie night sounds like fun. I’ll be over fo sho. I need some snacks in my system. I am Legend wasn’t that great. If I remember right, the ending was bad.
Patricia Scarpin - May 14, 2008 at 8:00 am
Joao and I have our movie nights, too, Jenn, on Saturdays – with homemade pizza and wine. We love it!
I think your movie night is very delicious, too!
RecipeGirl - May 14, 2008 at 9:13 am
Ha! This sounds like a good theme for food event 🙂
I love the idea. You chose some great things- I’ve been wanting to see The Kite Runner. I’ll have to disagree with you about I Am Legend… I was intrigued with that movie!
I used to do the theme food thing when I was involved in a book club (theme matched book setting.) That was pretty fun. It would be fun to do a family movie night and try to come up with food to match. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Kat - May 14, 2008 at 10:32 am
Oh so many good ideas there! I love the idea of pairing the movie with the food.
The Leftover Queen - May 14, 2008 at 11:50 am
Hi foodhoe! Isn’t Buffy just the best? The movie was cute, but I am not sure I would watch it again, although I do love the premise.
Thanks Farida! This was my first try at lentil koftas – making them at home. I found them so easy to prepare that I will certainly be doing it again!
Maggie! OMG! The scene with the crab is so funny! I love how fake he looks! I mean for goodness sake, when they are red like that, they are COOKED. 🙂
You have got to try them Britt, they are awesome!
Chocolat is my favorite movie of all time, Marye! I just love it! I could watch it again and again (which I have!)
Come on over Emiline! But you bring dessert, okay? 😉
Yeah, the end of I Am Legend was pretty bad – although it did show VT quickly, which made us really nostolgic!
That sounds like a great movie night, Patricia! 🙂
Homemade pizza is so good!
I know RecipeGirl, it is a great food event idea! The Kite Runner is great, you should check it out. That is why I love movies – there is something for everyone! Hope you do a movie night soon!
Thanks Kat! I know, I am gonna have to do that more!
T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types - May 14, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Welcome back, and congratulations! I love traditions and rituals. I especially like traditions that are beyond the usual holidays and such. I may pick up on movie night, too! Those koftas look amazing!
The Leftover Queen - May 15, 2008 at 10:12 am
I hope you try movie night TW!
Haley W. - May 15, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Jenn, this stuff sounds really fantastic! I am totally going to try all three recipes, but especially the koftas and cucumber salad. I am needing a good altnerative to za’atar roast chicken and fattoush. Super recipes!
canarygirl - May 16, 2008 at 5:05 am
What a fun tradition, Jenn! I really want to try Elle’s wings too…Deeelish! 🙂
Angela - May 17, 2008 at 7:12 am
My husband and I do this every Saturday night only with a HUGE plate of food (pasta is a hit with us) and big glasses of wine. Your small plates delicious — and no doubt they are much easier to balance on your lap! Thanks for the great posting!
Cakelaw - May 18, 2008 at 8:05 am
Mango buffalo wings – yum! Love the sweet photo of you and the family too.
Jeni - May 18, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I love having dinner and movie nights. I try to do this on Fridays, but hubby doesn’t like to eat bent over on the couch. I have to devise some kind of a tray for him so that he can sit upright. Me – I’ll eat on the floor, bent over, sideways, etc! Your menu looked like a perfect one for the movies.
Sorry I’ve been absent…trying to make a comeback. But now I’m off to Italy for a few weeks. I’ll be back to visit your blog as soon as I can.
Bill - June 19, 2008 at 8:24 am
I have a Turkish friend who makes what he calls Kufta Kabbobs. They are very much like your Lental Koftas. He doesn’t give out recipes. Now I have one. Thanks.
Have Fun!