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A Down-Home Delicious Kentucky Derby Menu

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A winning menu with a down-home spin to celebrate the Run for the Roses? You bet!

I’m a Kentuckian by way of Sri Lanka. When I moved to Boston for college and then grad school, I missed both my mother’s bold, spicy cooking and the readily available Southern fare. I was astonished when I realized none of my Boston friends had ever attended a Kentucky Derby party to celebrate the horse race that takes place the first Saturday in May. So I hosted my first Sri Lankan-inspired Derby party, a practice I continued after moving back home to Lexington in 2012. Friends who loved the food and the vibe helped persuade me to open my pop-up restaurant, Tuk Tuk Sri Lankan Bites. I like to think that the spicy, savory dishes in this party menu—exotic to many, yet also familiar—pair well with what some call two of the most exciting minutes in sports.

Though the big race is scheduled for 6:50 p.m., a proper Derby party is an all-day affair. I like to kick mine off in the afternoon with a spread of snacks and a choice of drinks. In homage to my home state, I offer a take on Louisville’s most famous culinary creation, the hot brown sandwich. Mine aresmaller bites of turkey, bacon, tomato and cheeseand in an easy-to-make black pepper and turmeric-spiced pastry that will shine as an hors d’oeuvre.鲑鱼肉饼are another Southern favorite. You’ll find versions of this breaded, fried fish cake all over Kentucky (though not with the curry and fresh ginger). For a fresh bite to counter the heavier apps, I do crunchycrudités with Benedictine dip, a riff on the classic Kentucky sandwich of cucumbers and cream cheese on white bread.

Of course, you need some refreshing (and preferably boozy) drinks to pair with your Derby hors d’oeuvres. While the mint julep is the official cocktail of Churchill Downs, I prefer to show off another of Kentucky’s claims to fame (namely the bourbon made here) in aBoulevardier. Equal parts whiskey, vermouth, and Campari, it offers the perfect balance of bitter, boozy, and sweet. I also offer my guests a refreshingberry lemonade, complete with fresh fruit and a hint of mint that folks can enjoy with vodka or booze-free.

Anherb-crusted pork tenderloinpaired withgarlicky green beansas the main course is not only a crowd pleaser but also can be done mostly ahead so that you can enjoy your day at the races. The Sri Lankan influence is a little more subtle here, but you’ll find it in the turmeric, the zing of citrus, and the bright, fresh herbs. For dessert? More bourbon, this time in a caramel sauce and whipped topping for adelicious bread pudding. Such a sweet end to a festive meal will leave everyone—no matter if their horse came in first or last—feeling like a winner.

Menu Timeline

Two days ahead

  • Make the benedictine dip.
  • Make the dough for the hot brown bites.

One day ahead

  • Make the bread pudding for the parfaits.
  • Make the caramel for the parfaits.
  • Sear the pork tenderloins, spread with herb butter and wrap in foil.
  • Make the cheese filling for the hot brown bites, and chop up the turkey, ham, and bacon.

In the morning

  • Trim the vegetables for crudités and green beans for the side dish.
  • Mix and shape the salmon croquettes and coat in breadcrumbs.
  • Assemble the hot brown bites.
  • Make the whipped cream and assemble the bread pudding parfaits.

As guests arrive

  • Bake the hot brown bites and fry the salmon croquettes (do these in batches for a continuous flow of hot apps).
  • Make some of the cocktails and assign a friend to serve other guests.

Just before dinner time

  • Finish the pork tenderloin.
  • Cook the green beans and tomatoes.

The Menu

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