The Ultimate Roast Dinner Guide

Today a roast dinner is regarded as one of the nation’s favourite meals. Traditionally served on a Sunday in pubs, 40% of customers think roast dinners should be on pub menus every day for lunch and dinner. What goes into a roast dinner is ever-changing as an increase in vegetarianism and veganism has changed what people include and replace with a roast dinner. We have compiled a blend of the different types of roast dinners which are made today in UK households. With Christmas on the horizon, you may want to switch up your normal dinner for a different version. 

Traditional Roast Dinner 

The Sunday Roast was coined as a term during the reign of King Henry VII in 1485 and the Yeoman of the Guard - the royal bodyguard- were known as “beefeaters” since the 15th Century because of their love for eating roast beef. A traditional roast dinner normally consists of one meat with a selection of vegetables and gravy. 

Vegan Roast Dinner

A rise in consumer awareness for animal rights and looking after the environment has led to an increase in veganism. What once was a small group is now a social movement of people swapping meat and animal products for a plant-based diet. Premium restaurants are now adapting to new social trends by changing their menu to include more vegan options for customers. 

“If the roast is going to survive, it needs to evolve to meet the expectations, and diets, of our generation. Hence, the rise of the vegan and vegetarian roast,” - Gordon Ramsay 

A vegan roast may consist of vegan pie or. with Christmas coming up, a Vegan Christmas Pie. Consisting of beans, roast potatoes, vegetables and cranberries for a seasonal treat. Why not try a Vegan Nut roast which is full of flavour and spices! The perfect warming meal which can be easily shared between a group of dinner guests. 

Diet-Friendly Roast Dinner 
For those that are watching their waistlines, there are still ways to enjoy a roast dinner with a few healthy tweaks. Firstly, choose lean meat like chicken or turkey as these have less fat and are high in protein compared to red meat. Load your plate up with tasty vegetables as these are full of fibre and will keep you feeling fuller for longer. Switching your traditional roasties for sweet potatoes can help as they have more fibre than white potatoes and have a lower glycemic index. Season your food with your favourite herbs to make sure they are full of flavour and finally, avoid cooking your food in rich cooking oils or butter that can add lots of extra calories to your meal. 

Vegetarian Roast Dinner

If you’re looking to make a non-meat food choice but aren’t ready to opt for 100% plant-based roast, why not try a vegetarian roast? Make a trade from a Beef Wellington to a Vegetarian Wellington which includes beetroot, mushrooms and butternut squash. Wrapped in pastry it’s an ideal dish for any celebration. 

Pescarican Roast Dinner 

If you’re a lover of ensuring you’ve had your daily intake of omega-three, consider switching your normal choice of meat for a roast dinner for fish. Roast salmon with preserved lemons is a delicious and healthy choice alternative which can serve up to 6 guests depending on the size of the salmon serving.    

(Top Left Photo - Horwood, Judge Ovenware Imagery)