Christmas in the UK isn’t just a time for wearing Christmas jumpers you know. It’s also for festive feasts, and while the traditional turkey takes centre stage, there are several other beloved dishes that us British families enjoy. Here are five specific, simple dishes that are popular during the holiday season, along with step-by-step recipes for each.
1. Roast Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg potatoes (Maris Piper or King Edward)
- 4 tablespoons goose fat or olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs (optional, e.g., rosemary or thyme)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Peel and chop the potatoes into even-sized chunks.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for about 10 minutes until slightly tender.
- Drain and let them steam dry for a few minutes.
- In a roasting tin, heat the goose fat or oil until hot.
- Carefully add the potatoes to the hot fat, tossing to coat.
- Roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs before serving.
2. Pigs in Blankets
Ingredients:
- 12 chipolata sausages
- 12 slices of bacon
- Maple syrup or honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each chipolata sausage.
- Place the wrapped sausages on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- If desired, drizzle with maple syrup or honey for added sweetness.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until the bacon is crispy and the sausages are cooked through.
- Serve hot as a side dish or appetizer.
3. Yorkshire Pudding
Ingredients:
- 140g plain flour
- 4 large eggs
- 200ml milk
- Sunflower oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, and milk until smooth. Season with salt.
- Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
- Pour a small amount of sunflower oil into each compartment of a muffin tin and place it in the oven until the oil is smoking hot.
- Quickly pour the batter into the hot oil, filling each compartment about halfway.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Serve immediately with gravy.
4. Stuffing
Ingredients:
- 200g breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
- 50g butter
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a pan, melt the butter and sauté the onion and celery until soft.
- In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, sautéed vegetables, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and place in a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden on top.
- Serve alongside your Christmas dinner.
5. Mince Pies
Ingredients:
- 250g shortcrust pastry
- 300g mincemeat
- Icing sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Roll out the pastry and cut out circles to line a muffin tin.
- Fill each pastry case with mincemeat, leaving a little space at the top.
- Cut out smaller circles or stars from the remaining pastry to top the pies.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool and dust with icing sugar before serving.
These five dishes are not only simple to prepare but also embody the festive spirit of a traditional British Christmas dinner. Enjoy cooking and sharing these delightful recipes with family and friends!
