Ghost Kitchen Cooking for Crowds
Simple Tips from Our Cloud Kitchen in Los Angeles
In our L.A. ghost kitchen we make sure the equipment on hand in enough to literally feed an army. For those attempting to do the same at home where are some commercial kitchen tips.
When cooking for a large crowd, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:
- Plan ahead: Make a detailed menu and shopping list. Consider dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests, and choose dishes that can be prepared in advance or require minimal last-minute attention.
- Scale up recipes: Ensure that the recipes you select can be easily scaled up to accommodate a larger number of servings. Be mindful of the cooking times and adjust accordingly.
- Use make-ahead dishes: Prepare dishes that can be made ahead of time and require minimal reheating or assembly. This will help reduce the workload on the day of the event.
- Simplify the menu: Focus on dishes that are crowd-pleasers and can be easily enjoyed by a large group. Consider buffet-style or family-style serving to simplify the logistics.
- Delegate tasks: If possible, enlist the help of friends or family members to assist with preparation, cooking, and serving. This can make the process more efficient and enjoyable.
Now, here’s a simple and delicious soup recipe that can be easily scaled up to serve a large crowd:
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable or chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
- Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Heat the soup over low heat until warmed through, but avoid boiling it.
- Stir in the chopped basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the creamy tomato basil soup hot with a garnish of fresh basil leaves on top. It pairs well with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches.
Remember, you can adjust the quantities of the ingredients based on the number of servings you need for your crowd. Enjoy your cooking and the gathering!