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SUMMERY SUNDAY ROASTS
Sunny summer evenings will sizzle with our BBQ versions of classic Sunday roasts.

by Sarah ▪ 7 July, 2021

The joys of Sunday dinner

Everyone loves a Sunday roast. Or – let’s face it – an any day roast. Not only is it easy to make and economical, it’s perfect for serving larger numbers while being equally adaptable for couples or eating alone. The leftovers are extremely versatile –the meat can be reworked into all kinds of dishes, including curries, pastry-topped pies, stir fries or simply as sandwich fillings. Mincing roasted meat also works well for dishes like shepherd’s pie, chilli and Bolognese.

Then, of course, there are the sides and condiments which, for many people, crown the whole meal. From Yorkshire pudding to crackling, and bread sauce to mint jelly, the humble roast dinner certainly takes the crown for appetising accompaniments.
A Sunday roast is a great vehicle for bringing family together, which is surely one of the reasons that they are held in such affection. Its only downfall – if it can be seen as such – is that it’s a cosy, wintry meal, sitting alongside stews in the comfort stakes. That’s all very well on frosty evenings, but when the days are long, and you’re still in the garden in a T-shirt come 8pm, a roast isn’t always so appealing.
Enter Gourmade, and the Sunday BBQ. We’ve taken the idea of a roast, but given it a sunny, summery twist. Add some of our delicious, indulgent sides (and, if you’re sensible, a scrummy dessert, too!) for a stress-free meal enjoying the evening sun.

Marinaded pork and cauliflower cheese

Fire up the barbecue and get ready for a sizzling pork dinner. For our take on roast pork for the summer months, we suggest cooking up some pork chops along with some sausages. If you want a nod to the traditional apple sauce, why not try some pork and apple sausages? These are available in most supermarkets, or you could try these bangers (in both senses of the word!), which are handmade and come from outdoor-reared pigs on small family-run farms in Dorset and Wiltshire.

Pork & Apple Sausasges (450g) – The Dorset Meat Company

For your pork cuts, you’re spoilt for choice, from the classic chop to tender belly slices, from elegant loin to eat-with-your-fingers ribs. For extra flavour, try making your own marinade. We found this delicious apple barbecue pork glaze from Living in Happy Place – another nod to the Sunday roast.
Sweet tartness cuts through the fattiness of pork, hence the popularity of apple sauce. You can also add some sweetness with your veggies. Try this lovely recipe for sweet and smoky root vegetables (just be mindful that the marinade needs prepping a day in advance). Add the indulgence of creamy Cauliflower Cheese and you’ve got a real feast for your al fresco supper. (You can always add a dollop of apple sauce, too!)
Gourmade excels at desserts, so it’s always hard to choose just one, but we think the gooey sweetness of Sticky Toffee Pudding hits just the right notes after a pork-based dinner.

Spatchcocked chicken and wedges

We’re using a whole chicken for our BBQ version of a roast chicken dinner – but to cook it, we’re spatchcocking it (splitting it in half, butterfly style) and giving it a tasty marinade. This BBC recipe is delicious and easy to follow, but feel free to experiment with your own marinade.

For a more summery take on roast tatties, we think our Sweet Potato Wedges work a treat. Supplement with our delicious Posh Peas for a light, fresh evening meal. Even the fussiest eater won’t find anything to moan about here. Serve with a chilled glass of white wine or elderflower pressé (or just lemon squash for little ones!).
If you want a more authentic roast dinner experience, simply add some fresh chicken gravy (all supermarkets offer their own versions) and some sage and onion stuffing. Although you can buy this pre-made or in packets, it’s very quick and easy to make – and great for using up stale bread and other store cupboard ingredients.

Sarah’s simple sage & onion stuffing

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Preparation: 10 min
  • Cooking time: 30-40 min
  • Servings: 4-6
  • Cost: Low
INGREDIENTS
  • Bread: 160g/6oz
  • Butter: 1 tbsp
  • Oil: 1 tbsp
  • Onions: 2, diced
  • Eggs: 1
  • Dried or fresh sage: 1tbsp, finely chopped
  • Seasoning: to taste
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 180˚C/160˚C fan/350˚F/Gas Mark 4. Heat the butter and oil in a pan over a low heat and add the diced onion once hot. Season with a little salt and pepper, then fry for 10-15 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent. If using fresh sage, add to the pan for the final minute and fry, stirring. Leave to cool.
Whilst the onion is cooking, blitz your bread in a food processor and beat the egg. Once the onion mixture has cooled slighting, add the breadcrumbs and egg, mixing until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a greased ovenproof dish and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
ALSO TRY …
  • ☑ Fry 3 slices of streaky bacon and leave to cool. Chop roughly, and add to the mixture before baking for extra flavour.
  • ☑ Add chopped garlic to the pan with the sage.
  • ☑ Use dried mixed herbs if you don’t have sage to hand.
Don’t worry – we haven’t forgotten our dessert suggestion. (When would we ever forget pudding?) This is such a family-friendly meal that we’ve opted for some of our most popular and easy-to-share desserts. While children are bound to love our Belgian Chocolate and Salted Caramel roulades, we’ve never heard an adult turn one down either!

Roast reinventions

We’d love to see pictures of your barbecue-themed interpretations of traditional roast dinners. Let us know which Gourmade sides and desserts you used, too. You can find us on Insta, Twitter or Facebook, or just send us a message. Which reinvented roast wins when it’s given a grilling?

Cooling off

After a spicy meal, a cool and refreshing dessert is just the ticket. Why not try our Raspberry Cheesecake or perhaps a refreshing Sicilian Lemon Roulade Gourmade has plenty of delicious desserts to choose from, so you can finish your meal in style.
Do get in touch and share pictures of your Father’s Day feasts, along with any tips for your own Indian side dishes. Tag us on Insta, Twitter or Facebook – and share your Father’s Day celebrations.

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