In the UK, the concept of a roast dinner is not reserved solely for special occasions like Thanksgiving, as it often is in the U.S. Instead, it is a beloved tradition enjoyed regularly, especially on Sundays. A classic British roast dinner is a hearty, comforting meal, typically featuring a selection of roasted meats, crispy potatoes, a variety of vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, and lashings of rich gravy. It’s a meal that brings families together and is often enjoyed at home or at a local pub.
A Rich History
The tradition of the Sunday roast dates back to the 15th century during the reign of King Henry VII. It is said that the British consumed so much meat that the royal guards were nicknamed “Beefeaters.” Historically, the roast was a meal that brought families together after church services. Families would place a cut of meat and vegetables into the oven before heading to church, allowing the meal to cook slowly and be ready upon their return. This practice not only made meal preparation convenient but also made Sundays a special day for a communal feast.
The Components of a Classic Roast
A traditional British roast dinner is a culinary delight with several key components. The centrepiece is, of course, the roasted meat, which can be beef, lamb, chicken, pork, or even game such as venison or duck. Each type of meat is often accompanied by a specific sauce: roast beef with English mustard or horseradish, roast chicken with cranberry sauce, roast lamb with mint sauce, and roast pork with apple sauce.
No roast dinner is complete without perfectly crispy roast potatoes, which are typically parboiled, shaken in a colander to rough up the edges, and then roasted in hot fat until golden and crisp. Alongside the potatoes, you’ll find a variety of vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, peas, and green beans.
A unique and beloved addition to the British roast is the Yorkshire pudding. Contrary to what its name might suggest, it’s not a dessert but a savoury pastry made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, and milk. When cooked, Yorkshire puddings should be soft, light, and fluffy, making them the perfect vehicle for soaking up gravy.
Gravy is another essential element, made from the meat’s roasting juices combined with stock and thickened to perfection. The result is a rich, flavourful sauce that ties all the components together.
A Weekly Tradition
In Britain, the Sunday roast is a weekly tradition enjoyed by many families. It’s a time to gather, relax, and indulge in a hearty meal. Whether enjoyed at home or at a local pub, the roast dinner is a comforting ritual that has stood the test of time. Many pubs offer carvery meals where diners can choose from a selection of roasted meats and help themselves to as many sides as they like, making it a popular choice for those wanting to enjoy a traditional roast without the hassle of cooking.
The English Cottage Vacation Experience
At English Cottage Vacation, guests can indulge in the ultimate British roast dinner experience. Co-host and resident chef Laura takes pride in preparing all kinds of scrumptious gourmet meals, naturally including traditional roasts that capture the essence of this beloved meal.
Using the freshest ingredients, often sourced from the cottage’s own organic garden, Laura’s roast dinners are a culinary delight. Whether you prefer beef, lamb, chicken, pork or game, Laura ensures that each meal is cooked to perfection and accompanied by all the classic trimmings.
For those wanting to explore local cuisine, English Cottage Vacation also arranges for guests to enjoy a traditional roast at an authentic British pub – among lots of other incredible excursions. Nathan, co-host and your dedicated chauffeur, will drive you there and back in comfort and style, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable outing.
English Cottage Vacation co-hosts Laura and Nathan serve meals
indoors or alfresco in the lush gardens of Well Cottage
Laura’s Traditional British Roast Turkey Dinner Recipe
Laura’s comprehensive recipe for the perfect British roast turkey dinner is ideal for your Thanksgiving or Christmas celebration. Her culinary skills and dedication to tradition shine through in every detail of this festive meal. From the succulent roasted turkey to the crispy potatoes and perfectly risen Yorkshire puddings, each element is crafted with care to create a truly memorable dining experience.
Whether you’re planning a holiday feast at home or dreaming of a stay at Well Cottage, where Laura will prepare all your favourite trimmings, this recipe ensures your meal will be nothing short of spectacular. Here’s the full recipe, so you can recreate this delicious holiday meal and bring a touch of British tradition to your table!
Ingredients
(Serves 8-10)
For the Turkey:
- 1 whole turkey (about 5-6 kg)
- 2 onions, peeled and halved
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 sticks of celery, roughly chopped
- 1 bulb of garlic, halved
- A few sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage
- Olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Freshly chopped parsley
For the Stuffing:
- 200g breadcrumbs
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 150g dried apricots, chopped
- 2 sticks of celery, finely chopped
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
- A handful of fresh sage, finely chopped
- 100g sausage meat
- A knob of butter
For the Vegetables:
- 1 kg Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 500g parsnips, peeled and cut into batons
- 300g carrots, peeled and sliced
- Olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
For the Yorkshire Puddings:
- 140g plain flour
- 4 large eggs
- 200ml milk
- A pinch of salt
- Sunflower oil, for cooking
Method: The Turkey
- Prepare the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic halves into a large roasting tray. Season the turkey inside and out with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Make the Herb Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Carefully separate the skin from the breast meat of the turkey using your hands, creating a pocket, and spread the herb butter evenly under the skin for added flavour and moisture.
- Stuff the Turkey: Fill the cavity of the turkey with the fresh herbs, any remaining lemon zest, and half of the prepared stuffing (see stuffing method below).
- Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey on top of the vegetables in the roasting tray, drizzle with olive oil, and cover with foil. Roast in the preheated oven for 3-3.5 hours, removing the foil for the last hour to allow the skin to become golden and crispy. To check if the turkey is cooked, insert a skewer into the thickest part of the thigh – the juices should run clear.
- Rest the Turkey: Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
Method: The Stuffing
- Prepare the Stuffing: In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and apple, and sauté until softened. Add the chopped apricots, sage, and breadcrumbs, and cook for a further 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with the sausage meat. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven (180°C/350°F) for 25-30 minutes until golden and crisp on top.
Method: The Vegetables
- Roast the Potatoes and Parsnips: Parboil the potatoes in salted water for 10 minutes, then drain and shake them in the colander to roughen the edges. Repeat the process with the parsnips but parboil for 5 minutes. Place the potatoes and parsnips in a roasting tray, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and rosemary, and roast in the oven (200°C/400°F) for 40-50 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Carrots: Place the carrots in a saucepan of boiling salted water and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender. Drain and toss with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper before serving.
Method: The Yorkshire Puddings
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat the Oil: Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Pour a little sunflower oil into each cup of a muffin tin and place it in the oven until the oil is hot and smoking.
- Cook the Puddings: Quickly pour the batter into the hot oil, filling each cup about halfway. Return the tin to the oven and cook for 20-25 minutes until the Yorkshire puddings are puffed up and golden.
And enjoy!
British Roast Dinner: Final Word
In conclusion, the British roast dinner is not merely a meal; it is a time-honoured tradition that encapsulates the essence of British hospitality and togetherness. This culinary experience, rich with history and flavour, brings families and friends together, creating moments of warmth and comfort that are cherished across generations. Whether you are savouring a roast at home, enjoying it in a local pub, or experiencing the magic of Laura’s cooking at Well Cottage, the roast dinner remains a staple of British culture that should not be missed.
At English Cottage Vacation, we take immense pride in offering our guests the quintessential British roast dinner experience. From the freshest ingredients sourced from our own garden to the expertly prepared dishes, every element is designed to provide a taste of tradition and a sense of home. We invite you to join us and indulge in this beloved culinary delight, making your stay with us even more memorable!
