Roast Chicken, with Mini Roasts and Sides The English Kitchen from www.theenglishkitchen.co
Introduction
Roast dinner is a classic comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. It's a hearty meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family, and it's easy to make. Whether you're looking for a Sunday dinner recipe or a weekday meal that's quick and easy, a roast dinner is the way to go. In this article, we'll go over the ingredients you'll need, the instructions for making a perfect roast dinner, and the nutrition information you should keep in mind.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make a roast dinner: - A large cut of meat (such as beef, pork, or lamb) - Potatoes - Carrots - Onions - Garlic - Olive oil - Salt - Pepper - Herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) - Gravy (optional)
The Meat
The first step in making a roast dinner is choosing the right cut of meat. You'll want something that is large enough to feed your family and has enough fat to stay juicy and tender during cooking. Beef, pork, and lamb are all great options. You can choose a bone-in or boneless cut, depending on your preference. Some popular choices include: - Beef: sirloin, rib, or rump roast - Pork: loin, shoulder, or leg roast - Lamb: leg or shoulder roast
The Vegetables
The next step is to prepare the vegetables. The classic roast dinner vegetables are potatoes, carrots, and onions. You can also add other vegetables, such as parsnips or turnips, if you like. Here's how to prepare them: - Potatoes: peel and cut into large chunks - Carrots: peel and cut into large chunks - Onions: peel and quarter - Garlic: leave whole or chop into small pieces
The Seasoning
To season the meat and vegetables, you'll need olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs. You can use any herbs you like, but rosemary and thyme are classic choices. Here's how to season everything: - Meat: rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs - Vegetables: toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to start cooking. Here's how to make a roast dinner:
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 2: Prepare the meat
Rub the meat with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs. Place it in a roasting pan, fat side up.
Step 3: Prepare the vegetables
Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs. Arrange them around the meat in the roasting pan.
Step 4: Roast
Roast the meat and vegetables in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes per pound (450g) of meat. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. Here are the recommended temperatures for different types of meat: - Beef: 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium, 160°F (71°C) for well-done - Pork: 145°F (63°C) for medium, 160°F (71°C) for well-done - Lamb: 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, 160°F (71°C) for medium, 170°F (77°C) for well-done
Step 5: Rest
Once the meat is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a juicier roast.
Step 6: Make gravy
If you like, you can make gravy from the pan drippings. Here's how: - Pour the pan drippings into a saucepan. - Skim off any fat. - Add a tablespoon of flour and whisk until smooth. - Cook over medium heat until thickened. - Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
A roast dinner can be a healthy and nutritious meal, as long as you watch your portion sizes and choose lean cuts of meat. Here's the nutrition information for a typical roast dinner: - Calories: 500-800 - Fat: 20-40g - Protein: 30-50g - Carbohydrates: 40-60g - Fiber: 5-10g
The Meat
Lean cuts of meat, such as sirloin or loin, are lower in fat and calories than fattier cuts like rib or shoulder. However, they may be less juicy and tender, so you'll need to be careful not to overcook them. Aim for a serving size of 3-4 ounces (85-113g) of meat per person.
The Vegetables
Vegetables are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, they can be high in carbohydrates, so watch your portion sizes. Aim for 1-2 cups (240-480ml) of vegetables per person.
The Gravy
Gravy can be high in fat and calories, especially if it's made with pan drippings. To make a healthier gravy, use low-sodium broth and skim off any fat before making the roux. Aim for a serving size of 1/4 cup (60ml) of gravy per person.
Conclusion
A roast dinner is a classic comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. With the right ingredients and instructions, you can make a delicious and nutritious meal that your whole family will love. So why not try making a roast dinner for your next family gathering or weeknight meal? You won't be disappointed!