How to cook for 20 people without crying

There comes a moment in every person’s life when you make the mistake of saying “I will cook” before double checking the guest list. At first it sounds manageable, then slowly, silently, the number climbs. A friend adds her friend. Cousins arrive with plus ones, then the neighbours start to smell the chapatis. 

So, let’s break it down for you so that you don’t break down: 

Beef Stew with Minji

• Ingredients
• 3 kg beef (cut into chunks)
• 1.5 kg minji
• 6 large onions (chopped)
• 8 tomatoes (blended or grated)
• 3 capsicums (optional)
• 2 tablespoons ginger paste
• 2 tablespoons garlic paste
• Rina Oil 
• 2 beef stock cubes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Method

1. Heat Rina Oil in a large sufuria and brown the beef in batches.
2. Add onions, ginger, and garlic. Cook until fragrant.
3. Add tomatoes and simmer until they reduce and  the oil starts to separate.
4. Add paprika, curry powder, black pepper, and salt.
5. Pour in enough water to soften the beef and let it simmer patiently.
6. Once tender, add minji and let everything cook together until the stew thickens.

Chapati (40 to 50 pieces)

Ingredients

• 3 kg all purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 4 teaspoons salt
• Rina Oil (for dough and cooking)
• Warm water (as needed)

Method

1. Mix flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add Rina Oil and warm water slowly as you knead.
3. Knead until soft and smooth. Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Divide into balls, roll out, apply oil, coil, then roll again.
5. Fry on medium heat, adding a little oil for softness
6. Cover with a clean cloth to keep them warm and tender.

Pilau 

Ingredients

• 3 kg long grain rice (washed)
• 1.5 kg beef or goat (optional)
• 6 large onions (sliced)
• 5 tomatoes (blended)
• 4 tablespoons pilau masala
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• Rina Oil
• Salt
• Whole spices (optional but nice):
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 6 cardamom pods
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds

Method

1. Heat Rina Oil and fry onions until deep brown (the colour of good decisions).
2. Add garlic, ginger, and whole spices.
3. Add meat (if using) and brown it well.
4. Add pilau masala and tomatoes. Let it cook down.
5. Add rice and stir gently so every grain gets love.
6. Add hot water using a 1:2 ratio (rice to water).
7. Salt generously.
8. Cover and cook on low heat until the rice is fluffy and perfect.