Cooking for a Crowd - Including Easy Recipes for Large Groups

Cooking for Crowd plus Easy Recipes for Large Groups

If you are looking for easy meals for large family gatherings, homemade curry is a great option. Cooking for a crowd does not have to be stressful, expensive or difficult. If you are feeding a crowd, see below for a delicious vegetarian recipe for 35 people and an easy chicken curry recipe for 35 people. 

These inexpensive meals for large groups can be prepared in advance. Keep it simple and serve with rice, naan bread and chutney leaving more time for you to enjoy the party with your guests.  

Top time saving tip: use frozen onions, ginger and garlic.

1. Cook the sweet potatoes in salted boiling water until tender, about 8 minutes.  Alternatively, you can roast them in the oven, in small chunks for about 10 minutes.  You may need to do this in batches and you could even do this the day before you do the rest of the prep.
2. Heat the oil over a medium heat, add the onions and cook slowly for around 10 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Don't rush this part! Then add the garlic and ginger and cook for a couple of minutes.
3. Add a splash of water to the pan, then add the Goan spice mix.  Cook gently for about a minute then add the tomatoes.  Cook down for a few minutes, until the tomatoes have reduced and are a dark, thick paste.
4. Add the chickpeas, and stir gently until warmed through.  Add the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer (you may need to loosen the coconut milk with a little boiling water or stock).
5. Add the cooked sweet potatoes and stir to combine, before adding the spinach**. **If you are cooking in advance, we suggest omitting the spinach and only adding on the day, once it's been reheated.
6. Season with salt as required and garnish with fresh coriander.

1. Heat the oil then cook the onions until softened and browning, about 10 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for a couple of minutes.  Add the tomatoes and simmer until the tomatoes are reduced to a thick paste.
2. Add the Bhuna spice mix and cook for a minute, stirring.
3. Add the chicken and salt and mix well to combine. 
4. Add 350ml of water and with the lid on, let it simmer gently until the chicken is soft and tender, about 20-30 minutes.  Just before serving, swirl in some spinach and let it wilt. ** If making ahead, omit adding the spinach until the day of serving. 
5. Then garnish with fresh coriander and chopped chillies and Mint and Coriander Raita on the side.  
6. Serve with naan bread or make our easy flatbread recipe

If you have any questions about our easy meals for large family gatherings then don’t hesitate to contact us!

Other articles you may be interested in:

Another option for a large family gathering is our Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe for a party

Or how about our version of a beef mince chilli served in tacos or with rice?

Is your homemade curry hit or miss?  Check out our top tips for making a consistently good homemade curry.

Our blog post about making Healthy Curry with easy curry recipes included might also be useful.

Our Indian Dinner Party Menu may help with smaller family gatherings.