Have you ever wondered about the history behind the Great British Sunday Roast? Where did they originate from? And how did we, as a nation grow to love this delicious hearty dinner so much? Cast your minds back to 15th Century Britain, right back to when it all began…
It's starts with the ultimate Sunday Roast- Roast Beef. British people's love of beef began during the reign of King Henry the VII in 1485. The royal guards would eat roast beef every Sunday after church, which enabled them to get a reputation and become widely known as ‘beefeaters’[1] . This tradition swiftly spread across the UK and on their way to church, the British public would drop off their beef at the local bakers, so that it could be roasted in time for when their Sunday service had finished[2]. Although Roast Dinners began with Beef, nowadays there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether it’s Beef, Chicken, Pork, Lamb or Vegetarian, you’ll be sure to enjoy a delicious Roast Dinner!
A full roast dinner sometimes comes with a Yorkshire Pudding. However, back when the Roast dinner tradition originally began, a Yorkshire Pudding was not served alongside the meat as it is often seen today. Instead, it was a starter dish served with lots of gravy. The thinking behind eating a Yorkshire Pudding as an appetiser, was that everyone would be too full and eat less meat for the main course (which, of course, was very expensive)[3].
Vegetables are also a must have with every Roast Dinner, particularly root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and parsnips. Not only are they good for you but they really compliment the rest of the food items on your dinner plate to ensure a well-balanced and hearty Sunday lunch.
At Oakhouse Foods, we love a delicious Roast on a Sunday. That’s why we offer a range of main and mini Roast dinner options that are all big on taste, quality, and flavour. Better yet, you can skip all the hard work preparing a Sunday Roast, and simply get one of our delicious roast meals delivered direct to your door.
And if there is room! A Roast Dinner often deserves a delicious dessert. The inevitable pairing has to be either a Trifle, Crumble or Sticky Toffee Pudding followed by a nice cup of tea!
Why the Sunday Roast Is Still a British Favourite
The Sunday roast has remained a much-loved British tradition for generations. Whether it's a roast beef dinner with Yorkshire puddings or succulent roast chicken served with seasonal vegetables, it's easy to see why it's such a favourite.
For those who are unable prepare a roast from scratch every week, there are now plenty of convenient ways to enjoy this classic British meal without compromising on taste.
What Makes a Traditional British Roast Dinner?
Everyone has their own favourite version of a Sunday roast, but most traditional roast dinners include several familiar ingredients.
A classic British roast dinner often features:
- Roast beef, chicken, pork or lamb
- Crispy roast potatoes
- Yorkshire puddings
- Seasonal vegetables such as carrots, peas or broccoli
- Stuffing
- Rich gravy
How the Sunday Roast Has Changed
Although the tradition dates back hundreds of years, today's Sunday roast is often much easier to prepare than it once was.
People simply don't have several hours or are physically unable to spend preparing vegetables, roasting meat and making homemade gravy every weekend.
Fortunately, that doesn't mean missing out on one of Britain's favourite meals.
High-quality frozen ready meals delivered directly to your home make it easy to enjoy traditional roast dinners whenever you choose. Oakhouse Foods range of roast dinner ready meals allow you to enjoy comforting British classics without the lengthy preparation. You don't even need to wait for Sunday!
Why Frozen Ready Meals Are Perfect for Traditional British Dinners
Frozen ready meals have become increasingly popular with people looking for convenience without sacrificing quality.
Benefits include:
- No lengthy preparation
- Less washing up
- Portion-controlled meals
- Reduced food waste
- Meals available whenever you need them
- Consistently delicious results
Keeping a selection of frozen ready meals in your freezer means you can enjoy a traditional roast dinner whenever the mood strikes, whether it's Sunday lunchtime or a quick midweek evening meal.
Traditional Desserts to Finish a Sunday Roast
No traditional Sunday roast feels quite complete without dessert.
Classic British puddings have long been served after roast dinners, with favourites including:
- Apple Crumble
- Sticky Toffee Pudding
- Jam Roly-Poly
- Spotted Dick
- Bread and Butter Pudding
Whether you prepare dessert yourself or choose a ready-made option, these timeless favourites are the perfect way to finish a comforting meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a traditional British roast dinner?
A traditional British roast dinner usually consists of roasted meat, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, stuffing and gravy. Depending on the meat served, it may also include apple sauce, mint sauce or horseradish.
Why is it called a Sunday roast?
Historically, families gathered after Sunday church services to enjoy a large meal together. Over time, the Sunday roast became one of Britain's best-known food traditions and remains popular today.
What meats are traditionally served with a roast dinner?
The most popular choices are roast beef, chicken, pork and lamb. Turkey is also commonly served during festive celebrations.
Can you buy ready-made roast dinners?
Yes. High-quality frozen roast dinners make it easy to enjoy a traditional British meal without the lengthy preparation.
Are frozen roast dinners good quality?
Modern frozen ready meals are carefully prepared before being frozen to help lock in flavour and freshness. Following the cooking instructions ensures you can enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.
References
[1] https://www.racks-bristol.co.uk/blog/7-things-never-knew-sunday-roast/
[2] https://www.racks-bristol.co.uk/blog/7-things-never-knew-sunday-roast/
[3] https://www.thespruceeats.com/history-of-the-british-sunday-roast-4149600