What is the obsession with chilli?

[ClaraThePigeon]

Every time someone asks what to serve at a party on MN, people always suggest chilli. They always have to specify a big pot of it too as though if they didn't the host would give everyone a teaspoon of it each.

Do people really like chili that much? It's ok. I enjoy it a couple of times a year but that's it. It isn't something that I'd want at a party and it's rather messy not to mention trying to satisfy everyone's heat level preferences.

Because you're feeding a lot of people, therefore need a lot of it. It's not rocket science.

I've done chill on many occasions, for approx 50 people, for house parties, autumn garden parties etc. Yes I have several big pots in the cupboard. I wouldn't serve it for a sit down dinner party, but chilli and curry are perfect for stand up fork eating. It's really not messy, I'm not sure why you are convinced there will be chilli splashed up the walls. Use the fork provided and a napkin.

No, it's not dinner party food. It's cheap and cheerful (but tasty) fork food for an informal party for 20+ people. I've done it before.

It's not the kind of thing i want to eat at a party, I prefer some finger foods

I find that nice finger foods are either going to be very expensive or very time consuming to prepare. Or both. I'd much rather a good home made chilli than cheap ready made finger food.

I think the point of this thread is the BIG POT part!!

As well as the BULKED OUT reference....

Always accompanied by CRUSTY BREAD...

Because you're feeding a lot of people, therefore need a lot of it. It's not rocket science.

But people know that if they have say 30 guests then they'll need at least 30 servings. It's strange to specify it as if they didn't mention it, the host would give everyone a tiny spoonful and expect them to be grateful for it. But as others have mentioned salads are almost always described as massive on MN.

See in a few weeks I'm hosting a 'new staff intake & their families' welcome party.

There'll be about 50-80 people altogether, including loads of kids, & I won't know any of the newbies beyond having met them at the airport!

It's a 'bring a dish if you can, don't worry if not' potluck buffet with a barbecue going in the background.

So yep, I'll be doing a BPoC (veggie) & another Big Pot of Beef Rendang, both in slow cookers, as well as a mountain of barbecued chicken drumsticks & bowls of salad.

It'll pad things out enough if not everyone brings food, & if everyone does & there's tons left, it'll freeze & keep me & the kids going for a few meals.

I wouldn't serve it at a dinner party, obvs...

Well, yes, as I've said - it's cheap and easy. So if a poster is asking "What is cheap and easy to serve to 20 people?" - then I guess chilli is an reasonable response. I think that OP's point is that it's always suggested as the go to for party food, when most people aren't mentioning (and presumably aren't bothered by) it being cheap and easy. And for parties in general, if you don't have to keep it cheap and easy, then there are so, so many far better, tastier options.

So to clarify - if your priority is to feed people as cheaply as possible and with little effort as possible, and you are happy for your guests to be underwhelmed by the food offering, then "one size fits all" chilli is great.

If your priority is to treat your guests to some impressive party food, that they will really enjoy and feel is a real treat - then put in more thought and effort, spend more money and serve something other than chilli.

I have never been underwhelmed by food served to me by someone else as I am far more grateful than that.

You can be polite and grateful, but still be underwhelmed by being served something that you don't much care for.

Nope, I am always grateful for an invitation and appreciate any time and effort. People have busy lives , I never judge food offered and my focus is always on spending time with people.

May notice if I particularly enjoyed something but really wouldn’t give it another thought. Guess we are all different, but I would be saddened by a friend or family member that was underwhelmed by hospitality offered to them.

I’ve never been to a party where a big pot of chilli has been served - I’m missing out!

This thread raises so many questions for me: what are the amazing meals people eating in their daily lives that out-rank chilli? What far superior fare is being served at the nation's dinner parties? What is wrong with mince? What is wrong with salad? What do you call a 'big pot' if this is verboten?

I am a social person. I go to people's houses and gatherings on a regular basis, including people who are renowned for their culinary skills but quite baffled that the serving of chilli at a party - whether as a guest or host - is beyond the pale.

All of which are explained by people wanting to cater for lots of people relatively cheaply and easily. What's so difficult to understand?

What would you describe as 'impressive' party food?

Wanky things on crackers?

For a big party it’s a really good easy option and allows the host to not have to spend ages cooking. We have veggie chilli last night and it was tasty!!

"Wanky things on crackers", proper made me laugh.
Technically there's nothing wrong with "a big pot of chilli", or "a massive salad", they've started being a bit of a MN cliché though.
I actually make bean chilli a lot, and generally have it with rice and not massive salad.

I'd recommend it because other people struggle to fuck it up.

I can't imagine how many lame duck tagines, or curries undeserving of the name that I've had at parties.

If Kevin has made it, I'm there!

I gotta say... I enjoy eating pretty much anything... but chilli... just not my cup of tea. I've made it a couple of times, but it ends up languishing in the fridge

mostly for me guests get whatever cuisine I am experimenting with at the time...

All of which are explained by people wanting to cater for lots of people relatively cheaply and easily. What's so difficult to understand?*

No it's You who doesn't understand!! It's the way it's described rather than the actual food on offer. That's what is being laughed at!

You clearly don't understand though....oh well!

Maybe because it's not funny? Oh, well.

It's typical mumsnet

Some sensitive souls here today

What’s your secret to a good mac and cheese?

Haha this thread is funny!

'Massive' salad and 'big pot'