In Praise of Sprouts and Pigs in Blankets: The Unsung Heroes of Christmas Dinner

When it comes to the Christmas feast, certain dishes steal the limelight – a golden roast turkey, fluffy roast potatoes, or a glistening Christmas pudding. 

But as we gather around the table this festive season, let’s take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes of the plate: sprouts and pigs in blankets.

Sprouts: The Maligned Marvel

Ah, Brussels sprouts – often the subject of unjust ridicule, yet they hold a rightful place on any Christmas dinner plate. 

These little green gems are a culinary marvel when treated with the care they deserve. Forget the soggy, over-boiled versions of Christmas past. Instead, roast them until golden and crisp, toss them with chestnuts and pancetta, or glaze them with honey and balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness.

Sprouts are more than just a side dish; they’re a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with vitamins C and K, they’re the perfect antidote to the season’s indulgences. Plus, their earthy, nutty flavour provides a beautiful balance to the richness of the roast and gravy.

For those who claim they “hate sprouts,” perhaps they’ve never had them properly prepared. This Christmas, be bold. Transform the humble sprout from a scorned afterthought to a star in its own right.

Pigs in Blankets: The Little Indulgence We Can’t Resist

Now, let’s turn our attention to the undeniable crowd-pleaser: pigs in blankets. These bite-sized wonders – smoky sausages wrapped in salty, crispy bacon – are a festive essential. They may not be the main event, but their absence would surely leave a hole in the Christmas meal.

The beauty of pigs in blankets lies in their simplicity. They add a burst of savoury joy to every bite, pairing beautifully with stuffing, gravy, or even the cranberry sauce. 

And let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like sneaking an extra one (or three) from the platter before dinner is officially served!

For a twist, why not experiment with flavoured sausages or use streaky bacon brushed with maple syrup for a sweet, caramelised finish? Whether classic or customised, pigs in blankets are guaranteed to make spirits bright.

Together, They Shine

While the turkey and trimmings may command attention, sprouts and pigs in blankets play a vital role in completing the Christmas dinner experience. Their flavours, textures, and versatility bring balance and joy to the plate.

So this year, let’s raise a toast to these festive favourites. Whether you’re a lifelong sprout devotee or a pigs-in-blankets purist, let’s give them the spotlight they so richly deserve.

Merry Christmas – and happy feasting!

Ayurvedic Cooking to Boost Your Christmas Cookery: Savoury and Sweet Delights

As the festive season becomes every nearer our kitchens will come alive with the vibrant aromas of traditional Christmas dishes. 

But what if, this year, you infuse your festive cooking with the nourishing, flavourful principles of Ayurvedic cuisine? 

Rooted in ancient Indian wisdom, Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health that emphasises balance and harmony in body, mind, and spirit. 

Ayurvedic cooking focuses on using fresh, seasonal ingredients and balancing flavours to promote wellness.

Incorporating Ayurvedic techniques and ingredients can add a new, wholesome dimension to both your savoury and sweet Christmas dishes.

Here’s how Ayurvedic cooking can give your Christmas recipes a delicious, health-boosting twist.

1. The Art of Balancing Flavours: The Five Tastes

In Ayurveda, food isn’t just about taste; it's about balance. According to this ancient system, a well-balanced meal incorporates all five primary tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent. When these tastes are combined, they work together to nourish the body and mind.

For your Christmas savoury dishes, consider how the five tastes can elevate traditional favourites:

Sweet: Use root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes to add a subtle sweetness to your roasted veg platter. You can also use jaggery or honey in glazes for Christmas hams or roasted nuts.

Sour: Lemon or tamarind chutneys make wonderful additions to balance the richness of heavy Christmas foods, such as turkey or gravy-based dishes.

Salty: Swap out regular table salt for pink Himalayan salt, which is believed to be purer and more mineral-rich.

Bitter: Dark leafy greens like kale or spinach can bring a bitter note to your sides. Lightly sautéed with spices such as cumin and mustard seeds, they become an enticingly healthy addition to your Christmas spread.

Pungent: The warmth of ginger, garlic, and mustard can enhance stews, soups, and stuffing. These pungent ingredients also aid in digestion, making them ideal for heavier festive fare.

2. Warming Spices for the Winter Season

Ayurvedic cooking relies heavily on the use of spices to balance the body’s doshas (energies) and to promote digestion. During the colder months, we naturally gravitate towards warming, comforting foods. Ayurvedic spices not only add flavour but also help to generate internal warmth, perfect for wintertime meals.

For savoury dishes, consider these warming Ayurvedic spices:

Cinnamon: A star player in Christmas cooking, cinnamon is not only delicious but also aids in balancing blood sugar levels. Use it in your Christmas gravies or to season roasted vegetables.

Cumin: This earthy spice can add depth to soups, curries, or even stuffing. Cumin aids digestion and is especially useful after indulgent meals.

Ginger: Fresh or ground, ginger is a digestive powerhouse. Add it to gravies, sauces, or even mince pies for an extra burst of warmth.

For sweet treats, warming spices can bring complexity and richness to your desserts:

Cardamom: This fragrant spice is a must in Ayurvedic desserts. Its sweet, floral flavour makes it perfect for biscuits, cakes, or rice pudding. Try adding cardamom to your Christmas puddings or shortbread for a festive twist.

Nutmeg and Clove: These classic Christmas spices are also Ayurvedic staples. Nutmeg is known for its calming effects, while clove supports digestion. Use them in your festive gingerbread, spiced cakes, or mulled wine.

3. Ayurvedic Cooking Methods: Gentle and Mindful

One of the guiding principles of Ayurvedic cooking is that food should be prepared with care and intention. Rather than rushing through your Christmas meal prep, slow down and appreciate the process. Ayurvedic cooking encourages:

Gentle cooking methods: Steaming, slow-roasting, and simmering help retain the nutrients in food. Avoid charring or over-frying ingredients, as this can deplete their prana (life force).

Using ghee: Instead of butter or oil, consider using ghee, a clarified butter that is highly valued in Ayurveda. Ghee enhances the flavour of both savoury and sweet dishes while also supporting digestion and promoting gut health. Try using ghee to roast your vegetables, baste your Christmas turkey, or even in baking.

4. Incorporating Ayurvedic Superfoods

For a nutrient boost, Ayurveda recommends adding certain “superfoods” to your diet. These are foods that are believed to have healing properties and can support overall wellness. Incorporating them into your Christmas dishes will not only boost their nutritional value but will also add intriguing new flavours.

For savoury dishes, consider:

Mung beans: These protein-packed legumes are easily digestible and make for a light, nutritious alternative to heavier pulses. You can use them in soups, stews, or even in a mung bean risotto as a side dish.

Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can be used in almost any dish. Add a pinch to your soups, marinades, or even mashed potatoes for a golden, healthful glow.

For sweet treats:

Dates: Naturally sweet and packed with fibre, dates are a great alternative to refined sugar. Use them in energy balls, cakes, or mince pies for a natural sweetness with added nutrients.

Almonds: Rich in healthy fats, almonds are a fantastic addition to your Christmas bakes. Ground almonds can be used in place of flour for cakes, biscuits, or even pie crusts.

5. Ayurveda for Post-Feast Comfort

Let’s be honest: Christmas meals can be indulgent, leaving us feeling heavy or sluggish. Fortunately, Ayurveda offers simple solutions to aid digestion and bring the body back into balance.

Digestive teas: After a rich Christmas meal, Ayurvedic teas made with ginger, fennel, and cumin seeds can soothe the stomach and promote digestion. Simply steep these spices in hot water, strain, and sip after your Christmas feast.

Triphala: A well-known Ayurvedic herbal blend, triphala helps cleanse the digestive system. Taking a small amount before bed on Christmas night can help ease the effects of overindulgence.

Infusing your Christmas cookery with Ayurvedic principles doesn’t mean giving up your favourite festive traditions. Instead, it’s about enhancing those traditions with the wisdom of Ayurveda, using spices, superfoods, and mindful preparation to bring balance to your holiday meals. Whether it’s a warming cinnamon-spiced dessert or a savoury dish packed with fresh herbs and spices, Ayurvedic cooking can make your Christmas both delicious and nourishing.

This year, let your Christmas kitchen celebrate health, harmony, and a bit of Ayurveda!