If you’re a fan of Indian food and love to cook curries at home or visit your favourite Indian restaurant in Kensington on a regular basis, how about adding an Indian twist to your Christmas dinner this year? The warming spices can elevate simple ingredients, making your festive roast all the more mouthwatering. What’s more, your guests are sure to be impressed with every forkful. Here are our suggestions for putting an Indian twist on your Christmas dinner.
The centrepiece
1. Tandoori roast turkey
Tend to find turkey a little boring? Add some zest by marinating your bird in yoghurt and a spice and citrus blend. Crush fresh garlic and ginger and mix with some ground cumin, garam masala, lemon juice and oil. Add this to the yoghurt and baste your turkey with the marinade, leaving it overnight. We promise it’ll make your Christmas roast one to remember!
2. Chettinad style roast lamb
If you’re having lamb as your main course, add some heat with aromatic spices such as peppercorns, cloves and cinnamon. Blend these together with some fresh ginger and curry leaves, mix with yoghurt and marinate your lamb for several hours before cooking for a delightful Indian twist.
The sides
1. Chilli and turmeric roasties
Roast potatoes are a staple of Christmas dinner, but can be rather bland without the right cooking. If you want to add some sparkle to your roasties this year, sprinkle some mild chilli powder and turmeric over them before popping them in the oven. These spices will complement a joint of beef or lamb beautifully.
2. Masala roasted Brussels sprouts
Elevate your Brussels sprouts by coating them in a blend of Indian spices such as cumin, coriander and turmeric. Pop them in the oven to bring out their natural sweetness and add a delicious crispy texture. Even those who claim to hate sprouts will be converted!
3. Turmeric and honey glazed carrots
This vibrant twist on the humble carrot will ensure it’s a tasty addition to your meal. The honey accentuates the natural sweetness of the carrots, while the warming turmeric adds depth of flavour.
Desserts
1. Rose and cardamom panna cotta
If you want to round off your meal with a taste of India, add rose and cardamom to the classic Italian panna cotta. Their delicate flavours perfectly complement this creamy dessert, bringing the meal to a satisfying close.
2. Kulfi
If you want to end on a lighter note, kulfi (Indian ice cream) is a great choice. Made with condensed milk and evaporated milk, it can be flavoured with rose water and topped with ground pistachios for the perfect finish.
With our Indian-inspired Christmas dinner ideas you’ll soon earn a reputation among your friends and family for amazing home-made Indian cuisine in London. Of course, if you want to enjoy the best Indian food in Kensington without having to cook it yourself, book a table at Little India today. Our restaurant serves a range of classic and contemporary dishes, all made with the finest ingredients.
