Have you ever cooked a “Sunday Roast”? This classic British feast dates back centuries, but it still tastes great hundreds of years later! We rounded up some need-to-know info on the Sunday Roast, as well as a few recipes for you to try. Don’t forget to save some time to relax when you’re done!
What’s a Sunday Roast?
The traditional Sunday Roast was born in England and features succulent meat with gravy, roasted potatoes, vegetables, and Yorkshire pudding. This hearty meal is served on Sundays and is usually eaten at home with family, but can also be ordered in pubs throughout the country.
The history of Sunday Roasts dates back to the 1400s, when Brits began to consume a considerable amount of meat. By the 1700s, as meat prices decreased, British families would place a large cut of meat in the oven just before Sunday church service. By the time they returned home, dinner was ready!
Beef and chicken are the most popular roasts, but creative cooks can employ duck, pork, lamb, or even create vegetarian versions of the Sunday tradition.
How Long Do You Cook a Roast?
Sunday Roasts are known for their extended cook times, making them the perfect project for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Actual cooking times will vary based on the type of meat, the cut, and the size of the meal you are cooking, but generally speaking, plan for 90 minutes to 4 hours for your roast to cook. You’ll also need to reserve time to prep the feast beforehand.
5 Great Sunday Roast Recipes to Try
Jamie Oliver’s Sunday Roast
This special occasion–worthy roast, which has been adapted from Jamie Oliver’s Great Britain, calls for a rib roast. If you’re not comfortable carving the rib yourself, ask your local butcher to assist. Be sure to salt and season this recipe generously for the best flavor!
Slow-Cooker Beef Roast
For the chefs who subscribe to a more “hands-off” approach on the weekends, this well-rounded roast from Creme de la Crumb uses a slow cooker to do the heavy lifting while you relax. This recipe can easily be scaled up to feed a larger crowd, making it a great choice for Christmas dinner!
Vegan Sunday Roast with All the Trimmings
Whether you’re looking to consume less meat or you’re hosting vegan guests, this plant-based option from Lowly Food will satisfy any and all palates! The star of the show is Harissa Roast Cauliflower—don’t be afraid to double the harissa paste and smear it over the potatoes, too.
One-Pan Roast Dinner with Chicken
Chicken Roasts are a bit lighter and cook faster, making them a good choice for warmer nights. BBC Good Food’s recipe uses just one pan for faster cleanup, leaving you enough time for a post-Roast nap!
Herb-Crumbed Leg of Lamb
Good Housekeeping’s recipe for herbed leg of lamb is a showstopper best suited for serving a crowd, perhaps on Easter Sunday. A food processor allows the crumb to come together quickly, but don’t forget to factor in time for the lamb to rest after cooking.
Bonus: The Best Yorkshire Pudding Recipe
No Sunday Roast is complete without Yorkshire pudding on the side! This savory bake is very similar to popovers and is commonly served with gravy. This carefully tested recipe by Serious Eats should be served immediately after coming out of the oven.
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