There is indeed such a thing as a cold plate. It is a term used to describe a meal or dish consisting of cold or chilled foods, typically served on a plate. The concept of a cold plate has been around for quite some time and has evolved in various forms across different cultures.
One popular origin story of the cold plate traces back to Newfoundland, a province in Canada. It is said that in Newfoundland, families would often have a traditional roast dinner on Sundays, featuring meats like ham, turkey, chicken, or even beef. After enjoying the main feast, any leftover meats would be saved and served cold on Monday, creating what became known as the cold plate.
The idea behind the cold plate was to repurpose and make use of the leftover meat from the previous day's meal. Instead of reheating the meat or simply discarding it, families found a way to transform it into a new and delicious dish. The cold plate then became a regular part of Newfoundland cuisine, especially on Mondays.
The cold plate tradition expanded beyond just leftover meats. Families started to incorporate an array of other cold dishes to accompany the chilled meat. This often included various potato salads and coleslaws. These side dishes added a refreshing and contrasting element to the cold plate, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
In addition to Newfoundland, cold plates can be found in other parts of the world as well. For example, in Mediterranean cuisine, mezze platters are a popular form of cold plate dining. Mezze platters typically consist of an assortment of cold appetizers like hummus, tzatziki, olives, feta cheese, and various vegetable dishes.
Similarly, in Asian cuisine, there are variations of cold plates known as banchan in Korean cuisine and zakuski in Russian cuisine. These cold plates often feature a selection of small dishes served alongside the main meal, providing a range of flavors and textures.
Cold plates can be a great way to enjoy a light and refreshing meal, particularly during the warmer months or when you're looking for a change from hot, heavy dishes. They offer the opportunity to savor different flavors and textures without the need for extensive cooking or heating.
Personally, I have had the pleasure of enjoying cold plates on several occasions. One memorable experience was during a trip to Greece, where I indulged in a mezze platter filled with vibrant and flavorful dishes. The combination of cold dips, grilled vegetables, and tangy cheeses was incredibly satisfying, especially when paired with a glass of crisp white wine.
The concept of a cold plate does exist, and it has its roots in Newfoundland, Canada. However, variations of cold plates can be found in different cultures around the world. Whether it's leftover meats served with potato salads and coleslaws or a selection of cold appetizers, cold plates offer a refreshing and enjoyable dining experience.