There is a great conversation going in the Healthy Cooking and Eating Message Board about cooking for large groups, like REALLY large groups like 100-300 people at one time. It is a challenge for caterers to do this successfully, and it is an even more daunting task for a home cook.
Here’s the challenge. Recipes need to be:
- easy
- healthy
- economical
- appealing to a wide group of people
- prepared in a small space
- completed with limited equipment (roasters and small ovens)
The first idea that comes to mind is cooking using en papillote, which is just a fancy way of saying “in a pouch.” You can use parchment paper or aluminum foil to create individual packets for each diner or “family style” packets. Just a quick search of this site for “packets” gives over 150 results. I really like this recipe for Grilled Pesto Chicken Packets, which could be accompanied by noodles with a bit of oil, garlic and grated cheese. This method of cooking allows for portion control and easier planning of ingredients. Cooking en papillote in a roaster oven would require cranking it up to about 400 degrees F and cooking for 45-60 minutes to reach doneness.
One of the most fun parties I have ever attended was a chowder party. There were many guests in attendance, all happily eating soup from what literally looked like a steel drum. I don’t know if the hosts made this contraption or rented it, but it was fascinating to see. You could definitely use a roaster oven to make a huge batch of soup, since roaster ovens are great for cooking and heating of relatively moist foods. A couple kinds of chowder, maybe clam and corn, would be right for your group. Or, tortilla soup is a great soup that offers protein from chicken chunks or black beans, depending on your budget! Here’s a recipe for Nesco’s Minestrone Soup recipe (Nesco is a manufacturer of roaster ovens). It would be great alongside what we call “Italian Dippers” here in Minnesota—basically mozzarella topped garlic bread cut into strips and served with red sauce for dipping. Who wouldn’t love that meal?!
Depending on the adventurousness of your crowd, consider different ethnic foods. Growing up in Buffalo, New York (which has a large Polish and German population), I have had plenty of Lazy Pierogies and Kielbasa at gatherings and everyone seems to love it. Other foods that can feed a crowd and stretch a budget are Polish cabbage rolls, Mexican rice enchiladas, Italian lasagna roll ups, Russian Stroganoff and Indian curry. Each of these recipes includes protein and makes it more satisfying by adding starch and vegetables.
A great resource is EllensKitchen.com. There are lots of ideas there and words of wisdom. Check out all the recipes in the Big Pots section.
What large meals have worked well for your group?