Having many people over for dinner is always enjoyable and fun, but it can be quite challenging when living in a student apartment. Often, the accommodation is small, the budget is slim and there’s a shortage of plates and glasses, which can challenge the possibilities. But these potential problems should not restrain us, and therefore I will present my favorite course that is both easy to make and serve to a lot of people: The Mexican taco!

When it comes to serving tacos, there’s no need for elaborate table settings or a lot of utensils. In fact, one of the great things about this dish is that it can be easily shaped to be eaten by hand, making it an ideal choice for a more casual and relaxed dinner party. If you’re hosting a larger group of people, you can even skip the plates and opt for paper plates or napkins instead.

The beauty of tacos is that they can be enjoyed in a variety of settings – whether you’re sitting down at a table or standing around at a party. They also make for a great appetizer, perfect for a standing reception or cocktail party. So, whether you’re planning a big event or just having a few friends over, tacos are a versatile and crowd-pleasing option that everyone is sure to enjoy.

When cooking tacos on a student budget, it’s essential to remember that less can often be more. While it may be tempting to load up on various toppings and ingredients, this can quickly become expensive. To prevent this, I recommend choosing a few select toppings that will complement each other and provide a satisfying flavor profile. By prioritizing quality over quantity, you can create delicious tacos without breaking the budget of CSN.

Tinga de pollo (8 people):
● 800g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
● 500 g canned tomatoes
● 200g onions
● 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust to taste)
● 2 garlic cloves
● 1 tsp dried oregano
● 1 cup chicken broth
● 2 tbsp vegetable oil
● Salt and pepper to taste

While the Tinga is cooking in the oven, take the opportunity to prepare a few, additional toppings of your choice. Personally, I love adding crumbled feta cheese, fresh cilantro, and tangy pickled red onions. And if you really want to take your taco game to the next level, consider making your own tortilla bread. Not only is it an affordable option, but it’s also incredibly easy to make from scratch.

I hope this inspires you to plan a fiesta with your friends soon and not let the challenges of the student life be restraining!