Need large group meal ideas!

[donrae]

When I've be in similar situations I've gone with stew. Heavy on the veggies with bread on the side, so the carb addicts can have some, but it's not part of the meal so you don't have to eat it. Then send the leftover bread home with someone! I've found most folks don't eat enough veggies and really love a hearty stew. I use ground beef (ok, usually venison but I didn't say that cause it would've bugged some folks), little bit of taters, yams, carrots, cabbage, onion, garlic, tomatos, little bit of corn, whatever else veggies I have that need to be used up.

 

[big brown horse]

Yum you guys, I love the ideas!

When I've had large get-togethers in the past, I usually make OFG's recipe for mexican style pulled pork shoulder. I (used to) make a big pot of black beans, shredded lettuce, guac, pico de gallo, cheese and warmed corn tortillas. The shredded lettuce, guac and pico I made ahead of time...you can save time and just use store bought salsa. Serve buffet style, throw in some tortilla chips too.

OFG's pulled pork: throw a pork shoulder into pokey pot 8 hours earlier and pour a cup or so of salsa on top. Add seasonings such as garlic powder, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin etc. Let 'er rip on low for about 8 hours.

After 8 hours on slow, drain most of the liquid, pull the pork and toss back into the remaining liquid.

I have also made a big pot of (veggie filled) chicken tortilla soup, tortillas on the side. Serve with avocados, shredded lettuce, sour cream, cilantro and shredded cheese.

 

[freemotion]

I go with soups/stews in the colder months. With a bigger group, I like to offer two or three different soups, and you can offer carbs to go with it if you'd like, such as biscuits, cornbread, buckwheat pancakes, etc. Or not.

I'd probably do taco soup, chicken soup, and beef vegetable. Or garden chowder (colorful veggies with a cheddar chowder base.) Whatever soups I chose, they'd serve us well as leftovers for a while afterwards.

 

[Marianne]

And wecome, benningtonflag !

Chili, veg beef soup, taco meat, con queso, raw veggies and dips

But for the most part, I avoid crowds....

 

[FarmerChick]

is this a 'kinda' sit down or stand up and eat group

if stand up make some kind of sandwich situation

pulled pork with small rolls for making sandwiches....even if you are low carb many are not. So the rolls give you an option to not eat them but gives others a "hand food" for standing and eating. And maybe make BBQ chicken shred for sandwiches. Alot of people actually don't eat pork, well, heck I don't know them tho


chili...hmmm...I like that idea. I love chili.

 

[Dace]

Lots of great suggestions!

FC, you are right about offering carbs, most people do eat loads of the and feel lost without them at a meal

 

[tamlynn]

kind of like a taco bar, you could do a baked potato bar. Offer lots of toppings- bacon, chili, cheese, broccoli, green onions or chives, sour cream, salsa, etc. Not necessarily low-carb, but grain-free and inexpensive!

 

[savingdogs]

I make tamales and mexican soup for group meals. Refried beans, guacamole and the toppings. It can be done the day ahead, except the guac.