Cooking for 30 people

[NorthDave]

Hi All,

We've just signed up (as a company) to cook food for 30 homeless people. Between us we have one huge pan (maybe 3' wide) and then the usual household pans and baking trays.

Current favourite idea is macaroni cheese, maybe with some kind of pulled pork side. Other option is a baked potato each, pulled pork and cauliflower cheese.

I've been told not too spicy as they aren't used to it.

So, what would you cook??

[sly fox]

A Chilli . Doesnt have to be hot to be tasty, can be prepared ahead of time and slow cooking improves the flavour.
Serve with either spicy salsa/ cool cucumber yogurt or garlic bread.

Use loads of kidney beans to pad it out if you are on a budget etc.

[Mobile Chicane]

BBQ. Any day of the year.

I like the informality and the opportunity to stand around and chat. The ability to interact like normal people and not pariahs. Plus it's easy and reasonably cheap to feed 30+ people.

'Winners' for me are:

- Home-made burgers. 20% fat beef mince, a grated onion per 500g, plus 1 tsp each of salt and pepper.

- Grilled portabella mushrooms. Spread with garlic butter and wrapped in tin foil to slow cook, with thyme-roasted onions and a crumbling of blue cheese in a ciabatta roll, these are truly fantastic. A slice of grilled halloumi would really top it off.

- Lidl Nuremburger bratwurst - £2.50 or so for 12 - in sliced baguette with roasted onions and a dollop of mustard. The huge advantage these sausages have for BBQs is that they're already cooked in the packet. They just need warming through and crisping up.

[Nobby Diesel]

Not sure that cooking chilli for homeless folk, is a good idea.
Delicate stomach; chilli, no rapid access to a loo!

Seriously, I would be tempted to go for a stew with dumplings or similar.

[Brother D]

Don't mess about. For catering that number cook/blanch everything ahead of time - then just heat it up when you get there. No risk of cross-contamination nor under-cooking food.
BBQ sounds a good idea, pre-cooked meats then finished off on the bbq for taste and heat.

[21TonyK]

Brother D said:

Don't mess about. For catering that number cook/blanch everything ahead of time - then just heat it up when you get there. No risk of cross-contamination nor under-cooking food.
BBQ sounds a good idea, pre-cooked meats then finished off on the bbq for taste and heat.

Weather permitting a BBQ is always a winner and dead easy to do for any number if you prepare everything in advance as suggested.

[frank hovis]

I made this for a family gathering

Very easy to make in one big pot and very filling with the dumplings

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1094662/pork-go...

[NorthDave]

Thanks all! Some good ideas there.

Should have pointed out that the food will be collected and distributed - they dont come to us.

Goulash looks like a good idea. Also wondered about hotpot or something?

The beauty of the goulash recipie is it gives me some idea of quantities!

[condor]

I'd have suggested a beef in beer type stew or coq au vin followed by a sherry trifle ( very heavy on the sherry)

[NorthDave]

I'll upload a photo of the finished article!

Suggestions still welcome though. I'd be quite tempted with something like this http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/creamylentilandr... but not sure if too different?

[frank hovis]

This lends its self to big quantities if wanted

http://moroccanfood.about.com/od/tipsandtechniques...

[Mr Roper]

Jambalaya.

[Shaolin]

Mr Roper said:

Jambalaya.

Don't forget the crawfish pie and filé gumbo.

[BoRED S2upid]

Mr Roper said:

Jambalaya.

Likely to get that thrown back at you !

Keep it simple and something everyone will like cottage pie or sausage and mash your not there to win awards your putting grub in hungry bellies.

[Jasandjules]

Shepherds pie BUT between the mash and the mince, layer slices of chorizo. It's lovely. And a hearty meal.

And may I also say well done to your company for doing this.

[BoRED S2upid]

Bread don't forget bread either part bakes rolls or make them yourself nothing more satisfying than some warm fresh bread and a stodgy meal.

[kev b]

Don't try anything too complicated, something that will stay good when kept hot, a casserole or stew, with fresh crusty bread is all you need.

Simple food, cooked well, will always go down best and few people can resist freshly baked bread rolls.

[mattdaniels]

kev b said:

Don't try anything too complicated, something that will stay good when kept hot, a casserole or stew, with fresh crusty bread is all you need.

Simple food, cooked well, will always go down best and few people can resist freshly baked bread rolls.

This.
Keep it simple, and do something that can take slow cooking / reheating / tastes better the longer its cooked / doesn't dry out.

Lots of gravy and lots of crusty bread for moppage.

Hats off for doing it too.

[captainzep]

Given that it's summer it might be nice to have at least a nod to Mediterranean food. I'd do a big Tuscan sausage and bean stew. It sounds painfully middle class I know, but good quality sausages, tinned tomatoes, lots of fresh thyme & basil, onions, loads of garlic, some borlotti beans to give it some creamy body and a generous splash of cider or red wine. All slow-cooked down to a delicious, loose stodge. Just needs a hunk of bread, a bowl and a spoon.

[NorthDave]

That sounds good. I'll have a look in Costco to price up the meat of various dishes and my local asian super market for dried beans etc.

Definitely thinking something which benefits from a long cooking would be good.