You know what they say about Christmas dinner, that the only important bit is plenty of piping hot roast potatoes? They (whoever THEY are) are absolutely right!
What ever the main roast, chances are it may be a little disappointing. No wonder: several timings to synchronise on the go, while preventing pre-dinner arguments (that’s just not on) and guzzling champagne is a tough challenge. But even if slightly overcooked, the meat needs to rest and relax, and the same goes for you.
Roast potatoes and gravy are the sides you should pay the most attention to then, plus an occasional glance towards the Brussels sprouts and stuffing. For a turkey gravy recipe, go to my stuffed turkey roll, and this one for roast beef. And more: here are my best Christmas dinner side dishes.
Fluffy inside and golden-crunchy on the outside, roasties can easily make you forget about the roast meat. The potato variety is not as important as the right approach, listed step by step in this recipe.
Make sure you procure a Brussels sprout stick, with the top. That will make two excellent side dishes: the sprouts roasted in olive oil until caramelised and gorgeous, and the tops blanched and tossed with toasted almonds.
Brussels sprouts two ways
RECIPE
Whether there is turkey, beef, duck or goose, stuffing is essential. My pork, chestnut and mushroom stuffing is so delicious, you might forget the main roast. It’s best cooked in small loaf tins or foil trays and can be prepared a couple of days ahead.
Chestnut and mushroom stuffing
RECIPE
A tray of fragrant roast vegetables is a classic trimming for a Christmas dinner. Carrots and parsnips roasted with garlic cloves, harissa, herbs and honey are possibly my favourite side.
Roast carrots and parsnips
RECIPE
Make this condiment instead of sauce: thick and flavoursome cranberry butter is like cranberry sauce on steroids. Any leftovers can be used as jam, jelly or confiture. Even though it’s called ‘butter’, there's no dairy in it.
I’ve borrowed the idea from a Thanksgiving menu because it’s such a good side. But it must be homemade and cooked from scratch, please don’t reach for Campbell’s mushroom soup. Creamy mushroom sauce is easy to make, while blanching then drying fresh green beans stops them from being soggy.
Instead of or alongside carrots and parsnips, try turnips. Parmesan roasted turnips flavoured with thyme and rosemary salt, crisp, tender and caramelised, are the less common but as delicious an option for a Christmas dinner side.
Parmesan roasted turnips
RECIPE
Red cabbage can be sauteed very quickly and easily – it’s a myth that it needs braising for hours. This festive red cabbage is stir fried with apples, raisins and spices, and super quick to cook.
Have some greens on Christmas table: creamed Swiss chard cooked over low heat has incredible depth of flavour and velvety texture. And you can swap chard for spinach, kale or other greens using this recipe.
The alternative roast potato recipe, none the less delicious. This works better with smaller, waxy spuds. Crispy, smashed and roasted potatoes can be optionally served with tangy cream topping, but good to go with gravy too.
Roasted smashed potatoes
RECIPE