The Origin of Sunday Dinners
Roasts have been a favourite in Britain for hundreds of years. In fact, the royal guards got their nickname in the 15th century for exactly that reason – and they’re still called Beefeaters today!
The big, tasty Sunday lunch we’re familiar with started out as a practical way to feed the whole family after church. Back in the 19th century, British families who couldn’t afford their own oven would drop off their weekly cut of meat at the bakers to be popped in the bread oven. It would be slowly cooked and ready to be picked up on the way home from church.
These days, Sunday dinners are less about the type of meat or the cooking method and more about the time you spend together. Taking a few hours out to chat, eat and share your weekend is a tradition we can get behind, no matter what you’re serving up.
Alternative Sunday Dinner Mains
How to Have a Stress-Free Sunday Dinner
Choose the time that suits you. Sunday dinner is served at different times all over the country, with traditions reaching all the way back for centuries. But that doesn’t mean you can’t choose your own time slot! Eat when it works for your household.
Match your side to your main’s cook time. Flavour combinations are obviously high on the agenda, but for Sunday dinner it’s also a great idea to choose sides that will tie in nicely with your cooking time. Think roasted root vegetables that take as long as your main, or fresh peas that cook during your main’s resting time.
Prep ahead for a chilled-out Sunday. There are loads of elements of a Sunday dinner that can be cooked ahead of time, whether it’s a traditional roast or a family favourite. From honey glazed carrots to creamy mash, cook and freeze your sides mid-week if you’ve got a special Sunday planned.
Make your Sunday dinner seasonal. Looking for ways to spruce up your weekly tradition? Start by choosing dishes and mains depending on the seasons. For example, make apples and sprouts stars of your winter dishes and let aubergine and broad beans shine in summer.
Delicious Sunday Dinner Desserts
What to Do with Sunday Dinner Leftovers
One of the best things about having a big Sunday dinner is the leftovers. Enjoy snacking on your weekend feast throughout the week with our favourite ways to make the most of the bits and pieces you have left.
- A pie is a great way to jazz up leftovers from a roast (ourchicken puff pie is a real treat) and pastry can transform just about any leftover meat and veg into a handy snack.
- Sandwiches are always a winner. Don’t be afraid of adding in sliced up roast potatoes, stuffing and vegetables, topped off with a dollop of cranberry sauce.
- Turn your leftovers sandwich into something special by adding plenty of cheese, buttering the outside of the bread then frying in a hot pan.
- If you make one of our Sunday dinner alternatives, be sure to chill your main after eating your fill. Serve cold the next day with a side salad for a lighter bite.
- Bind leftover vegetables and mashed potatoes with a little egg and flour then fry on a high heat for delightful bubble and squeak fritters.
- Soup is the perfect way to use up leftovers. Add stock to extra vegetables and meat and bulk up with lentils or a can of beans to make a hearty next-day dish.
