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Decent recepies for EIGHT (on a budget)


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Old 19-11-2008, 22:52
not_orange
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Normally I cook for four most days but this weekend we'll have an additional four staying for a day or two.

Anyone out there got any ideas for feeding the (minor) masses without spending too much.

Was trying to avoid things like a roast/shepherds pie/fish pie but something a little more adventurous and impressive

Thanks

Oh yes, I don't have any extra large saucepans either.
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Old 20-11-2008, 01:59
degsyhufc
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I was going to suggest "posh" stew/casseroles such as a lamb stew or beef rendang.

Both been on TV recently and are kind of posh or exotic version of basic homely cooking
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/da...ry_90363.shtml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/da...on_90061.shtml
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Old 20-11-2008, 03:04
indianwells
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At the risk of repeating myself, a big beef, mushroom & beer casserole, you just can't go wrong!
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Old 20-11-2008, 10:31
goldie1965
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as it happens i'm doing for 7 this weekend. and im gonna do an " every man for himself " as in like a buffet.

jacket potaoes (inexpensive)
grated cheese
sausages ( lidls, asda, £1 for 20 saus)
pasta twists and asda cheap bolognese sauce ( less than £1 a jar)
chilli flavoured mince ( dont like red kidney beans)
asda cheep n cheerful chicken nuggets ( about 70p or so )
crisps
french bread or rolls .
dessert
2 asda £1 cheesecakes / tinned mixed friut cream or plain icecream.
wont cost much more than about £15 the lot. then just set it all out on the table and all tuck in have what you like xx
hope thats helpful xx
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Old 20-11-2008, 13:09
Poppy Seed
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I would go for good quality food rather than lots of cheap food - perhaps a simple pasta dish like a linguine with fresh chilli, lemon, parsley and olive oil, and some nice breads. You could make some brushettas easily with a red onion and some fresh toms.

You could make some pizza dough and make a couple of different toppings using some seasonal veg (very cheap and fun!) and make a salad to go with
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Old 20-11-2008, 17:09
geordiegump
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I agree with pasta - always goes down well, such as a huge lasagne with garlic bread and salad

I often make 'Gingered Beef' which is diced braising steak slow cooked with ginger (fresh or powdered), tinned tomatoes, garlic, onions....and you can add mushrooms, peppers, to make it go further. Make a load of rice, a salad and some crusty bread..

If you really want to economise you could even make it with mince. Its a lovely flavour, not hot or too spicy like a curry or chilli.
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Old 20-11-2008, 17:45
not_orange
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Thanks for the ideas so far. Like the idea of a big hearty stew (maybe with loads of root veg) especially as it's forcast to be pretty cold this weekend.

And yes a spicy version with loads of rice and salad too.

Keep 'em coming - thanks.
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Old 20-11-2008, 17:51
Smokeychan1
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Youvetsi is a favourite of mine. Its very substantial but completely non-fussy and simple to make.

This recipe doesnt have to be followed to the letter. I used about 2lb of chopped lamb rather than a leg, good tinned chopped tomatoes instead of fresh and I skip out step 3 completely. Instead of pre-boiling the Orzo I add it directly to the casserole dish with some stock and allow it to cook for 25/30 mins.

Delicious with some crusty or garlic bread.

Edit: Bearing in mind youre on a budget, when they say it can be used with any meat they are right. Lamb is my favourite but it is good with chicken or beef too.
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Old 20-11-2008, 18:04
Sad_BB_Addict
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I know it's easy, but good old spag bol is cheap and convenient for a large group. Do portions with something else for any vegetarians.
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Old 20-11-2008, 18:41
not_orange
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Youvetsi is a favourite of mine. Its very substantial but completely non-fussy and simple to make.

This recipe doesnt have to be followed to the letter. I used about 2lb of chopped lamb rather than a leg, good tinned chopped tomatoes instead of fresh and I skip out step 3 completely. Instead of pre-boiling the Orzo I add it directly to the casserole dish with some stock and allow it to cook for 25/30 mins.

Delicious with some crusty or garlic bread.

Edit: Bearing in mind youre on a budget, when they say it can be used with any meat they are right. Lamb is my favourite but it is good with chicken or beef too.
Smokey - sounds fun. Any idea where I can get orzo from? Do the big supermarkets stock it?
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Old 20-11-2008, 22:02
Smokeychan1
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Hi Orange. Yes you can buy it in most supermarkets but it may not be called Orzo and it may not be with the pasta, which is a bit complicated. The make I have in the cupboard is "MISKO" and I got it from Asda but if I remember rightly it was in their world food section NOT with rice (which it looks like) or pasta (which it is). The only other thing I can read on the packet is "Risoni Large" the rest is all greek or cypriot.

This pic may help you to find what youre looking for Orzo.

I have a greek green-grocer on the corner of my street and he keeps it in stock so if you cant find it in a supermarket near you but have greek shop-keepers they may be the better option. Deli's should stock it too.
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Old 20-11-2008, 22:21
not_orange
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Thanks smokey - at least I have a visual image of what to look out for. Will let you know what the end result was.
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Old 20-11-2008, 22:24
Smokeychan1
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Sorry I called you Orange earlier when you even say you are not_orange. And sorry for the double post, but I had another thought for a simple but delicious recipe if you have trouble getting hold of Orzo.

I use this for cheap pieces of chicken - thighs and drumsticks.

A mix of root vegetables in a roasting tin, layer the chicken pieces on top, add stock, seasoning and lots of paprika. When everything is cooked, remove the veg and meat and keep warm. Stir tomato puree into the juices and put back in the oven to thicken.

Serve up the meat and veg and drizzle with the tomato gravy. I love one-pot meals

I use potatoes, carrots an onion and sweet potato if I have some. While not a root veg, a pepper goes in well too.
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