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Alternative Main Features to Turkey for Christmas Dinner

For many, Christmas dinner conjures up images of a perfectly roasted turkey, with all the trimmings. 

However, as delicious as it can be, turkey isn’t to everyone’s taste or it may simply be time to try something new. 

If you’re thinking of shaking up your festive feast this year, there are a variety of alternative main features that can be just as special, flavourful, and festive. Here are some fantastic substitutes to consider for your Christmas table.

1. Roast Beef

A classic choice for any special occasion, roast beef can bring a hearty and rich flavour to your Christmas dinner. Opt for a prime rib or a tender fillet, seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and thyme for a truly luxurious dish. The robust flavours pair perfectly with traditional sides like roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and a rich red wine gravy. Beef offers a comforting yet indulgent alternative that will certainly impress your guests.

2. Glazed Ham

A succulent glazed ham is another fantastic substitute for turkey. Ham is easy to prepare, and the sweet glaze – often made with honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup – provides a delightful contrast to the salty, savoury meat. You can serve it hot or cold, making it a versatile option for both formal and casual gatherings. The leftovers are ideal for sandwiches or adding to a Boxing Day buffet!

3. Goose

Historically, goose was a popular choice for Christmas before turkey took over as the dominant bird on the table. With its rich, full flavour and crisp, golden skin, roast goose is an indulgent centrepiece that feels celebratory. While it’s fattier than turkey, this makes it incredibly moist and flavourful. Goose fat can also be saved and used to make the most amazing roast potatoes!

4. Lamb

For those who prefer a more tender and succulent meat, roast lamb could be the perfect choice. The rich, earthy flavours of lamb, especially when paired with herbs like rosemary and mint, provide a delicious contrast to the lighter taste of turkey. A leg of lamb or a slow-roasted shoulder can be the star of the table, served with roasted vegetables, mint sauce, and perhaps a Mediterranean twist like roasted garlic and lemon.

5. Vegetarian Wellington

For vegetarians, or those looking to reduce their meat intake, a vegetarian Wellington makes a stunning and satisfying centrepiece. This dish typically involves a flaky puff pastry encasing a filling of mushrooms, nuts, lentils, or even butternut squash, seasoned with festive herbs. It’s a showstopper of a dish, with layers of texture and flavour, and pairs beautifully with all the usual Christmas sides like Brussels sprouts, parsnips, and roast potatoes.

6. Salmon en Croute

For a lighter but still luxurious alternative, salmon en croute is an elegant dish to serve at Christmas. The salmon, wrapped in buttery puff pastry along with spinach or a creamy dill sauce, makes for a sophisticated and delicious main. It's a particularly good option for those who may prefer seafood, and it offers a lovely contrast to the heavier, meatier choices. Pair it with new potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a crisp white wine for a refreshing festive meal.

7. Nut Roast

For a truly plant-based option, the nut roast has long been a staple of vegetarian and vegan Christmas dinners. Far from being bland or dry, modern recipes for nut roasts incorporate a wide variety of flavours and textures, including chestnuts, walnuts, mushrooms, lentils, and herbs. 

With the right seasoning, it can be an incredibly tasty alternative to a meat dish. Serve with vegan gravy, cranberry sauce, and all the usual Christmas trimmings.

8. Duck

Duck is another richly flavoured bird that can serve as a delightful alternative to turkey. Its dark, tender meat, combined with crispy skin, offers a more intense and luxurious taste. Whether you opt for a whole roast duck or duck breasts, it pairs beautifully with festive sauces like orange or cherry, and can be served with sides such as red cabbage, roasted carrots, and creamy mash.

9. Stuffed Squash

For those seeking a more unique vegetarian option, roasted stuffed squash makes for a visually striking and hearty main course. You can fill the squash with a mixture of grains, nuts, dried fruits, and herbs, then roast it until tender and caramelised. The combination of the naturally sweet squash and savoury stuffing creates a delicious balance of flavours that even meat-eaters will love.

10. Pork Loin

A roast pork loin, especially when stuffed with herbs, garlic, or even apples, can be a fantastic option for Christmas dinner. The crackling adds a delightful crunch, while the tender meat offers a satisfying alternative to turkey. Serve it with roasted root vegetables, apple sauce, and perhaps a sage and onion stuffing to keep the meal festive.

Choosing an alternative to turkey doesn’t mean compromising on tradition or flavour. Whether you opt for a rich roast beef, a succulent ham, or a creative vegetarian Wellington, there’s an abundance of options to suit every taste and preference. 

With a bit of creativity, your Christmas dinner can be just as special and memorable, giving you the perfect opportunity to try something new while still enjoying all the festive joy of a Christmas feast.

This year, why not break from tradition and surprise your guests with a new star of the show?

Celebrating National Curry Week in the UK: A Flavourful Tribute to a Nation’s Favourite

Every October, the UK takes a week to honour a dish that has truly become part of the national identity – curry. National Curry Week is a celebration of the rich, diverse, and flavourful cuisine that has found a special place on British dinner tables. 

From the iconic chicken tikka masala to the fiery vindaloo, curry has woven itself into the culinary fabric of the UK, representing a blend of cultures and tastes.

A Brief History of Curry in the UK

While curry has roots in South Asia, particularly in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, it was introduced to the UK during the days of the British Empire.

Indian spices and flavours were brought back by British merchants, and soon, curry houses began to spring up in British cities. In fact, the first curry house opened in London in 1810 by a Bengali entrepreneur. Since then, curry has evolved and adapted to British palates, creating unique dishes that are now considered quintessentially British, such as chicken tikka masala, which is often hailed as Britain’s national dish.

Why Celebrate National Curry Week?

National Curry Week, first established in 1998, isn’t just about indulging in your favourite dishes (though that’s certainly encouraged!). It’s about celebrating the cultural diversity that curry represents and recognising the contribution of South Asian communities to British society. Curry has long been a symbol of cultural exchange, bringing people together over shared meals and expanding our appreciation for different flavours and traditions.

How to Celebrate

Visit Your Local Curry House

One of the best ways to celebrate National Curry Week is by supporting your local curry house or Indian restaurant. The UK is home to thousands of Indian, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani restaurants, many of which are family-run businesses. Whether you love a creamy korma or prefer the heat of a madras, enjoying a meal at one of these establishments not only celebrates curry but also supports local communities.

Cook Your Own Curry

If you prefer to celebrate at home, why not try your hand at making your own curry? There’s something truly rewarding about creating your own spice mix and watching your dish come together. You can find plenty of recipes online, ranging from mild curries for beginners to more complex dishes for those feeling adventurous. Get the family involved for a fun cooking session!

Try a New Dish

National Curry Week is the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone. If you always order the same dish, why not mix it up? Explore lesser-known regional curries such as Goan fish curry, Bengali mustard chicken, or a rich Rogan Josh from Kashmir. Many Indian restaurants offer a wide variety of dishes from different regions, allowing you to broaden your culinary horizons.

Host a Curry Night

Gather your friends or family for a curry night at home. You could order a variety of dishes from your local curry house and share them, or each person could bring their favourite homemade curry for a communal feast. It’s a great way to try different dishes and celebrate the cultural richness that curry brings.

Learn About the Origins of Curry

National Curry Week is also an excellent time to delve deeper into the history and cultural significance of curry. Understanding the origins of the spices and techniques used in different types of curries can enhance your appreciation of the dish. You might also want to explore the historical ties between the UK and the Indian subcontinent, which have shaped the evolution of curry in Britain.

The Future of Curry in the UK

Curry is not just a dish of the past; it’s a food that continues to evolve. With more people experimenting with plant-based diets, we’re seeing a rise in vegan and vegetarian curry options. Fusion dishes, combining British and Indian influences, are also becoming more popular, ensuring that curry remains a dynamic and integral part of British cuisine.

In recent years, initiatives like National Curry Week have helped to spotlight not only the incredible flavours of curry but also the stories of those behind the dishes. From the chefs who bring their culinary expertise to the table to the families who run curry houses for generations, curry in the UK is a story of community, resilience, and shared culture.

National Curry Week is a time to celebrate everything that curry represents – from its rich flavours to its cultural significance. Whether you’re a fan of a mild butter chicken or prefer the fiery punch of a phaal, this week is all about embracing the dish that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of millions across the UK. So, grab your naan, prepare your rice, and celebrate this flavour-packed week in true British style!

https://www.nationalcurryweek.co.uk

More delicious news as SHORE wraps up a successful summer with Two Wins at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards

We have featured SHORE on previous occasions and we are thrilled to an announce that  SHORE was rightfully honoured with the titles of Snack & Accompaniments Product of the Year and Healthier Choice Product of the Year for their Seaweed Chips.

After a recent run of major supermarket listings in Scotland, SHORE, The Scottish Seaweed Company (SHORE), has followed the success with two major awards at the 23rd Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards, which recognise outstanding food and drink businesses across the country.

SHORE was honoured with the titles of Snack & Accompaniments Product of the Year and Healthier Choice Product of the Year for their Seaweed Chips, delicious snacks that are not only better for you but also better for the planet. too.

These accolades reinforce SHORE’s ongoing commitment to transforming sustainable, locally sourced Scottish seaweed into nutritious products that taste absolutely delicious.

With recent launches in both Tesco and Morrisons, along with a new Salt & Balsamic flavour being launched in Sainsbury’s and introduced early last month, the last several months have been a remarkable journey for the brand.

“We're obviously thrilled to receive this prestigious Scottish award” said Keith Paterson, head of SHORE. “It’s a strong endorsement of our Seaweed Chips, a product proudly made here in Scotland from a uniquely sustainable Scottish food source. 

"This summer, it’s been a privilege not only to be gaining traction with major retailers but also to resonate with food and drink professionals within the Scotland F&D industry itself.”

SHORE’s Seaweed Chips are now available in select Tesco, Morrisons, Co-op, and Sainsbury’s branches across Scotland. The new Salt & Balsamic flavour has recently been added to their Sainsbury’s range. All flavours can also be found in hundreds of independent stores across the country, as well as in Holland & Barrett and Booths locations nationwide.

That's Food and Drink believes that these SHORE Seaweed Chips will make a tasty and healthy addition to the snack tables at many Christmas parties this December!

https://www.shoreseaweed.com

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