Sunday Dinner Delights: Chef’s Picks for a Traditional Feast

Every week, many families look forward to Sunday dinner as a chance to gather, enjoy a delicious meal, and spend quality time together. While traditions may vary, the importance of a hearty and satisfying meal remains constant. In this article, we will explore the variety of dishes and ingredients that make perfect Sunday dinners, with insights from a seasoned chef.

Roast Pork Tenderloin with Apricot-Soy Glaze

One of the most beloved choices for Sunday dinner is roast pork tenderloin. Drizzled with an apricot-soy glaze and accompanied by a side of mashed potatoes or baking powder biscuits, this dish is both comforting and delicious. The rich flavors of the glaze complement the tender texture of the meat, making it a favorite for many families.

Original Question: What are you having for Sunday dinner?

Meat Loaf

While roast pork tenderloin is a popular choice, there are many other options to consider, such as meat loaf. My family frequently requests this dish, so it becomes the star of the meal on Sunday. The ease of preparation and indulgent flavors make meat loaf a reliable choice for those who are short on time or prefer a comfort food experience.

Childhood Traditions

When I was a child, my mother would always prepare Sunday dinner every week unless Christmas was too close, in which case it would be a grand feast. My mother would roast a joint of meat, usually pork, beef, or lamb, along with roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, vegetables like peas, carrots, green beans, and sprouts. These dishes would be complemented by a rich onion gravy that often included additional vegetables. We would dine around 2 PM, which was known as "dinner" in my part of the world, with lunch traditionally referred to as "tea."

Modern Adjustments

These days, I don’t treat Sunday dinner quite the same as the elaborate feast of my childhood. Instead, I might opt for a simple fry-up of bacon, sausage, eggs, and black pudding for brunch. Meatloaf remains a favorite, but smaller cuts of meat such as steaks or chops are more common in my kitchen. I occasionally roast a chicken, but I rarely use traditional sauces like apple sauce with pork, mint with lamb, or horseradish with beef. However, I do get a lot of apple sauce on my Sunday roast pork sandwich!

Wednesday's Delicacies

While Sunday dinner is special, I also enjoy preparing different dishes on weekdays. On Wednesday, for example, I may roast a chicken, serve it with roast potatoes and other vegetables, and add stuffing and gravy. On another Wednesday, I might opt for a steak en croute with new potatoes and garlic. A sous-vide duck breast finished in duck fat and served with new potatoes and steamed chard with an orange sauce could also be a stunning choice. On yet another day, I might prepare a fillet steak with roast baby tomatoes, rocket, and peach salad. Even smoked ham with lentils, shallots, and bacon potato salad could be a delightful option, especially for Boxing Day.

Conclusion

No matter the day, there’s always a feast to be had in my kitchen. From the comforting flavors of pork tenderloin to the simplicity of a meat loaf, or the elegance of sous-vide duck, my family and I enjoy a wide variety of dishes on different days. Whether it’s a traditional joint of meat or a more modern take, Sunday dinner remains a cherished and important part of our weekly routine.

Keywords: Sunday dinner, roast chicken, traditional meals