Experts Discuss the Rise of the “Summer Roast” and How to Make It Even Better

While roast dinner recipes are typically linked with winter foods, recent data reveals a shift in Brits’ eating habits as searches for these recipes have risen by 54% over the past month. Not only this, but monthly searches for summer roast dinners surged 1,400%, and at the same time, there has been a significant decline of 48% in searches for BBQ foods.

These trends suggest that Brits are gravitating towards heartier comfort foods this summer, possibly influenced by the extended periods of rain and overcast weather recently experienced in the UK.

With this in mind, food experts at HelloFresh have shared creative suggestions to enhance your roast, using in-season vegetables and with a touch of summer!

The main event 

Infuse a summery touch into your lamb or beef with marinades highlighting citrus, herbs, and milder spices. Experiment with combinations like lime and orange zest and fragrant herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil to add lively flavours to your meats.

Lemon is one of the most versatile citrus fruits for cooking and works exceptionally well with chicken. Its bright and zesty flavour adds the perfect amount of freshness to your dish.

Roasties 

Combine roasted or grilled potatoes with a medley of vibrant summer herbs like basil, mint, parsley, and chives. These fragrant herbs will infuse the dish with a lively and invigorating taste.

Specifically, lemon and rosemary infused roast potatoes can contribute a great touch of summer, infusing the meal with a tangy and revitalising flavour.

Vegetables 

Crisp bell peppers, now in their prime season, make the perfect addition to your roast dinner by adding a hint of sweetness. Whereas green vegetables like broccoli and green beans will add a refreshing crunch.

As for roasted carrots, cauliflower, and onions, they combine harmoniously to create a delicious mixture of flavours, perfectly capturing the summery essence you’ve been looking for.

Gravy 

No roast dinner is complete without gravy and the endless possibilities for infusing it with a summery twist. To enhance its vibrancy, consider incorporating citrus juices like lemon or orange to lend a refreshing and tangy kick.

Using aromatic herbs like basil, mint or tarragon and allowing them to simmer within the mixture gently will add a burst of fresh and enticing flavours that will blend seamlessly with a roast.

Alternatively, venture into fruit-infused gravies by simmering berries, apples or other seasonal fruits with the gravy base. For a lighter twist, try adding some white wine to create a gravy that’s bright, slightly acidic and flavorful.