How do I Become a Kosher Caterer?

To become a kosher caterer you should first steep yourself in knowledge about kosher traditions, laws, and what is required to be sure a food is kosher. Breaking kosher laws can involve using meat that has not been slaughtered properly or mixing food types that may not be served together at kosher meals. You will also need to be sure you have the equipment and skills to prepare kosher meals on a large scale for any events you want to cater.

In order to become a kosher caterer and call your foods kosher, you need to follow very specific practices regarding the handling of food. These include being sure any meat used is from a kosher butcher who is properly trained in how to slaughter animals for kosher cooking. Such kosher butchers or food plants are typically so careful and clean with how they handle meat that in the United States, (U.S.) many United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines are more lenient toward kosher meat plants due to the already clean conditions and practices required by kosher handling.

You will also want to adhere to the rules of kosher cooking practices to maintain kosher regulations. You will need to keep two sets of cookware, because in kosher practice any cookware used to cook meat may not be used to prepare dairy foods. You could not use a sauce pan to prepare a meat sauce and then use the same pan to make a cream sauce, even if you cleaned it between uses.

These practices are in combination with all the actual culinary knowledge you will need to become a kosher caterer. You should know how to prepare many different dishes, both traditional kosher meals and perhaps some non-kosher meals that you have found ways to turn into kosher dishes. While this can be complicated, it will help set your food apart from other caterers.

Once you have the knowledge and equipment you need to become a kosher caterer, you should then start trying to work some small events. You might find out about bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, or Jewish weddings that need a caterer and see if you can work on those parties. Alternatively, you might find secular events of people who simply prefer to eat kosher and offer your specialized services for their occasions. As you get experience and build a list of satisfied clients, you will likely be better prepared to then move up to become a kosher caterer for larger events.