Making cholent for a large crowd can be quite a task, but with the right approach, it can be a delicious and satisfying dish. Here are some tips for preparing cholent in a huge crockpot for around 50 people:
Plan the quantities: Scaling up the recipe is crucial. Make sure you have enough ingredients to accommodate the larger crowd. The following quantities can serve as a guideline, but feel free to adjust based on personal preferences:
6-8 pounds (2.7-3.6 kg) of beef or beef stew meat, cut into chunks
4-5 pounds (1.8-2.3 kg) of potatoes, peeled and quartered
3-4 cups (720-960 ml) of dry beans (such as kidney beans or navy beans), soaked overnight
2 large onions, chopped
4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Water or broth to cover all the ingredients
Layer the ingredients: Begin by layering the ingredients in the crockpot. Start with the soaked and drained beans at the bottom, followed by the meat chunks, potatoes, onions, and garlic. Sprinkle the paprika, salt, and pepper between the layers. Repeat the layering process until all the ingredients are used.
Add liquid: Pour enough water or broth into the crockpot to cover all the ingredients. The exact amount will vary depending on the size of your crockpot, but aim for about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) above the ingredients. Remember that the beans will absorb some of the liquid as they cook, so you may need to add more water if necessary.
Cook on low heat: Set your crockpot to low heat and allow the cholent to cook slowly for approximately 12-14 hours. Cooking on low heat for a long time helps to develop the flavors and tenderize the meat.
Stir occasionally: If possible, stir the cholent occasionally throughout the cooking process to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking or burning on the bottom.
Adjust seasoning: Towards the end of the cooking time, taste the cholent and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices according to your taste preferences.
Remember to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time for preparation and cooking. Cholent is a dish that benefits from slow cooking and is often even better when reheated. Enjoy your delicious cholent with your large crowd!