cooking large quantities - advice needed!

indiechickuk

Hi, I know this isn't strictly OS per se, but I guess the 'cooking in bulk' nature of it counts! I'm cooking a meal for about 70 people in a few weeks, and I need some tips and advice on cooking rice in large quantities. I was working on about 50g dry weight per person, but I'm not sure how much water to cook it in, and what the best method of cooking it is.
Does anyone have any experience of this and/or suggestions?
Many thanks!
Steph
x

Fivenations

That's a lot of rice! Arew uou sure you will need that much? I always find loads of rice left over when I cook for about 25. It all depends o whatelese there is to eat too. I can get away with a large stock pot for that amount of people but for an even bigger crowd I would try and hire some commercial size rice cookers. Check out your local catering hire company and make life as easy as you can!

angelavdavis

I usually measure 1 cup of rice per person to three cups of water.

Not sure what the actual measurement is? But I guess you could just tip the cup of rice onto the scales to work it out and tip the water into a measuring jug then x 70!:D

indiechickuk

it's for a church meal, so I'm kind of limited in terms of budget. It's a big hob though, so I can split it between three or four great big pots.

gerretl

Have you been to your local indian restaurant? They may be able to show you.
Also, are you just cooking one style of rice? A bit of pilau, and a a bit of plain will make the meal very varied.
If its a buffet, the small touches like that can make a huge difference.
Also, rice is cheap. If you cook too much, and have to throw it (sorry, this is MSE, save it for another meal), that won't be such a problem.

Fivenations

This may help

http://www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/index.html

Addiscomber

Have a look at my post (*15) in this thread. http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=288716&highlight=catering
There is reference to rice in the Useful quanties bit near the end, and advice on how to multiply up for large numbers.

indiechickuk

thanks guys, that's really helpful.