Hosting a dinner and not sure what to cook? Our series has all you need to put together a delicious festive feast.
Need inspiration for your next dinner party? Then look no further. Our brand-new recipe series Take a Seat is all you need. Our recipe creator Winnie Verwijvel has created four themed dinner party recipes – meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan. Each dinner party has the recipes for a main dish and two side dishes, that all perfectly complement each other.
Oftentimes, when we are looking to cook a dinner for friends or family, we’ll have one dish in mind and then have to build out the rest, but with this series the thinking is done for you. The recipes are also relatively easy for most home cooks to master or can be prepped in advance, which means you’ll have time to take a seat and really enjoy the moment with loved ones.
Take a Seat: Meat Menu
With miso and butter, that caramalises to create a umami-rich flavour, this roasted chicken is simple yet wonderfully celebratory as a centrepiece to this dinner party menu.
Served with creamy mash and scallions, as well as a scorched baby gem salad with a citrus dressing, this dinner party menu feels indulgent without being too heavy.
Take a Seat: Fish Menu
A real crowd-pleaser and a main dish that looks far more difficult to make than it really is – the star of this show is the elegant scallops paired with celeriac puree, tarragon and lemon zest. For an added touch of celebration, Winnie has topped the dish off with salmon roe.
The main is paired with a festive focaccia (a surprising choice with the scallops but one that works beautifully) and a winter salad with brown butter.
Take a Seat: Vegetarian Menu
Stews are anything but boring, as this dinner party menu proves spectacularly. The key ingredient in this hearty dish is chestnuts that are a unique combination of slightly sweet, slightly savoury and with a delicious bite. Canned cherry tomatoes and red wine instantly add depth to the stew.
For a contrast in texture, Winnie has paired this main with crispy Brussels sprouts and crunchy polenta cakes (that are incredibly moreish).
Take a Seat: Vegan Menu
A celebration of rich flavours, colourful ingredients and surprising combinations, this vegan dinner party menu will please even those who aren’t vegan.
The tandoori spice mix is made from scratch here (which is always tastier, of course!) and uses spices you likely already have in your pantry. The yoghurt is made with coconut which pairs beautifully with the flavour of the pumpkin and the spices.
To round off this menu, Winnie added saffron rice with pomegranates and herbs, alongside crispy keema rolls stuffed with chickpeas, walnuts and spices.
