TURKEY FREE FESTIVE MEALS FOR RESTRICTED GATHERINGS. AGAIN!

TURKEY-FREE CHRISTMAS DINNERS

Unbelievably, we are back into restricted conditions for Christmas gatherings.  Again.  

The culprit is a Covid variant, Omicron.  While  all signs indicate that the variant is highly transmissible, research also shows that it's likely to be a milder version,  leading to fewer deaths and hospitalisations.

If your household is opting for a smaller roast with all the trimmings, here are a few ideas for gorgeous main courses for smaller groups.

The usual alternative to the Big Bird is Chicken but guinea fowl and capon are also served.  Or try a pork, beef, lamb and fish dishes as well as vegetarian or vegan delights.

Whatever you choose for your festive meal/s, buy the best you can afford.  If organic is out of the question, some higher welfare meats are a good third cheaper than organic.  Even common-all-garden supermarket meat is good value, and presented in a non-traditional way, provides an attractive crowd-pleaser for the table.  

 

CHICKEN

Corn-fed birds are a great alternative to organic and cost about half the price.  

Easy Christmas Dinner - is a prep-ahead chicken; a one-stop indulgence that's perfect for beginners as it virtually cooks itself.  Two rubs are available, one rich with paprika and orange, the other with orange, 5-spice  and hoisin.  Either steeps the bird with rich flavour.

Lightly spiced roast chicken; baked white & sweet potatoes; mixed veg  
 Extras: pineapple dessert & pull-apart fan rolls 

Also : 

       Chilli Con Turkey: low-cholesterol, low-salt, frugal

          Roast Oriental Chicken: wallet-friendly, exotic, for the adventurous 

Special Occasion Chicken: unbelievable flavour & crispiness

 

Armagnac Partridges with Apple: boozy, fruity and fanciable

       Peking Duck for Pancakes: lower-fat, guilt-free, easy, wallet-friendly 

Duck & Pineapple Exotic Salad: tantalisingly gorgeous, made easier with a take-away duck (Chinese restaurants are often open during the entire festive season)

Mongolian Hotpot: absolutely not for heavy drinkers 

BEEF

Brisket, Melt-in-the-Mouth with rich tomato sauce: budget friendly, low-fat, slow cooker

Beef & Black Beer Stew : one of 67goingon50's signature dishes; easy-peasy Skinnier indulgence, frugal 

 

Korean-style Spicy Seared Beef: spicy, sweet & tender; works with frugal & expensive cuts of beef

Peruvian marinaded Beef Steak: knock-out wallet-friendly; guys' favourite 

Luxury Steak, Potato & Onion Pie: wholly indulgent guys' favourite, tender beef with potatoes in plenty of gravy, with alcohol

LAMB

Irish Stew: ambrosial peasant food, frugal 

Luscious Lamb & Red Wine Stew: slow cooker, wallet friendly

Lamb Shoulder with Savoury Gravy & Mint Sauce: gorgeous lower-fat roast for small households

Lamb Mongolian Style: fabulously low-fat; 2-ways; Slow Cooker  

PORK

       Exquisite Barbecued Pork: nearly fat free;  lower-sugar & salt, easy-peasy

Spiced Spare Ribs: almost no sugar, low-fat

Asian Pork Bao: low-sugar, salt & fat; budget-friendly; Chicken/vegetarian options

FISH

Oriental Salmon: sugar-free, sassily simple, prepare-ahead, healthy; moist, succulent and subtly flavoured

Salmon Nicoise Salad, as beautiful as it is tasty

Scallop & White Bean Potage: unusual but gorgeous pairing, wallet-friendly, soothes after over-indulgence 

 

Sweet Chilli & Ginger Salmon: lower sugar, Healthy, budget-friendly

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN

Avocado Pilaff (Warm): sublime vegan main, low salt/cholesterol

Can't Believe it's Not Beef Lasagne: says it all

Coulibiac Pie, Vegetarian: one of the most popular dishes ever, make ahead

Moussaka, Marvellously Meatless: sensational low-fat casserole; takes a bit of time but much is prepped ahead.  And it's so worth it!

Sensational Spinach Roulade: special occasion; lower-fat pillowy green roulade layered with cream cheese and taramasalata; vegan opt.

 Vegan Wholemeal Pasta with Mushrooms, Peas & Chive Oil: Option for no-common-wheat: delicious & multi-textured with layers of gorgeous flavour; nutty & surprisingly filling. 

Spiced Lentil & Vegetable Potage: Triple Duty, for when your tummy needs a rest from all the rich festive flavours 

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