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Christmas Day is almost upon us but with the air of festivity and celebration comes an undue amount of pressure to host lavish parties and serve up a feast. But in the age of modern work hours, that’s not always an achievable goal. If you’ve found yourself committed to a holiday party this year but are still at a loss about what to make for the day, not to worry, there are plenty of recipes that are quick, easy and just as impressive as traditional Christmas fare.
With these 6 dishes, you can rest assured that your Christmas meal will be one to remember while also leaving you with plenty of extra time to enjoy the day with your friends and family.
1. Roast Chicken with Herbs:
Turkey may be the more popular choice, but it’s not always the most practical. Opt for a classic roast chicken seasoned with a medley of fresh herbs and citrus fruit for a fresh twist. This timeless dish is not only quick to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with roasted vegetables and a side of gravy for that perfect Christmas roast that is just as visually stunning and satisfying as a traditional turkey.
2. Chicken Mappas
A traditional Christmas dish in Kerala this simple curry is made with a basic mix of tomatoes and spices in a coconut milk base. Hailing from the Syrian Christian community, this curry is most often made with fish but can be made with chicken, duck or even vegetables as desired and served alongside appams or rice.
3. Pasta Primavera:
With the right treatment, pasta can be more than a weekday staple, but a holiday star. A speedy yet satisfying option is the simple pasta primavera. Load it with colourful vegetables and toss them in a light olive oil and garlic sauce. Top it with grated Parmesan for an effortless and flavorful Christmas meal that even the most picky kids will devour with joy
4. Pesto Grilled Shrimp:
For many cultures, seafood is a staple part of the Christmas menu, and this easy pesto shrimp grill is simple enough to whip up in minutes but interesting enough to impress your guests with. Marinate shrimp in a homemade or store bought pesto sauce, then grill to perfection and drizzle a little extra sauce over the top before serving.
5. Caprese Salad:
Salads are an all too often overlooked element of the Christmas meal, but sometimes a burst of fresh vegetables is a welcome change from the rich, traditional Christmas fare. For a simple but appealing array, arrange slices of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on a platter. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil for a simple yet elegant addition to your Christmas table.
6. Apple Crumble:
If you’re too busy to bother with an elaborate dessert, this may be the perfect solution. Peel and chop some apples and let them cook down a bit with sugar and some Christmas spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Meanwhile, rub together some butter and flour until they form sizeable chunks. Add your apple mix to a dish and top with the flour and butter crumble, sprinkle some extra sugar on top and bake until it turns golden brown for a dessert that's speedy and satisfying.
