Food fight!
Cooking for large numbers of people often seems a daunting task, but, it doesn’t need to be that way.
Following the tremendous success of last Saturday’s (July 25) Left Fest – whereby free food was served to over 200 comrades on a sunny afternoon, Unite Community Southampton Area has compiled a re-energising recipe. It’s really easy to follow – so why not give it a go?
Mild curry paste
Left and progressive people are not all fiery types, so, when making a tasty all-inclusive curry paste – free at the point of use – readily available for everyone (much like our beloved NHS) it is paramount to consider the needs of all.
Shallots                                              -          500g
Garlic                                                 -          2x bulbs
Turmeric                                             -          4 heaped table spoons
Paprika                                               -          4 heaped table spoons
Tomato puree                                     -          300g
Ginger                                                -          200g
Other authentic herbs and spices (vague & misleading – like a Tory manifesto)
Like austerity – cutting back on the essentials is a disastrous strategy, therefore, when pounding your paste never scrimp on the essentials. Invest in the future, be patient, take your time – it’s going to be worth it!
Summer vegetable curry
Planning your curry is made easier by imagining a well-seasoned trade unionists; hearty, wholesome, tasty, and (dare I say it) a little saucy!
If (like me) you’re prepared to get a little dirty for the cause, using fresh seasonal vegetables from an allotment is bound to impress your green fingered guests.
Gently fry your paste in a pan, then add your ingredients in the order we’ve listed in the recipe below:
Onions                                                -          5kg
Celery                                                 -          3 bunches
Fennel seeds                                       -          2 heaped table spoons
Chilli flakes (don’t tell anyone)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â -Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2 table spoons
Cumin                                                -          3 heaped table spoons
Cardamom                                         -          10 pods
Parsnip                                               -          6 piece
Chick pea                                           -          8kg
Kidney beans                                     -          2kg
Broad beans                                       -          2kg
Cauliflower                                        -          3x heads
Chopped tomato                                -          4x large industrial tins
Coriander                                           -          4x bunches
Courgette                                           -          4kg
French Beans                                     -          4kg
Fresh Tomato                                     -          4kg
Season to taste
Cook for approximately 24 hours…. and your food is ready for over 200 people. Voila.
For that all impressive ‘Solidarity Menu’ why not serve your delicious anti-austerity curry on a bed of piping hot rice, Bombay potatoes, papadums, mango chutney, lime pickle, riatta, and sliced water melon?
This is exactly what we did at Left Fest – and it was delicious!
Joe Dukes is part of the Unite Community team.