The annual hearty and festive feast is a time for devouring Christmas delicacies. Families and friends travel from near and far to come together, celebrate, and enjoy a joyful time. One of the most important aspects of the holiday festivities is Christmas lunch. The Christmas meal is the combination of ancestral practices and holds a special place in our memories (especially from childhood) as no Christmas is complete without it. Since the Christmas meal is often high in calories, the nutritive value can be of concern for few individuals. However, breaking this tradition and skipping favourite dishes is not really required when you can make healthier swaps for your favourite Christmas lunch.

Courses in a traditional British lunch

The typical courses in a British Christmas lunch are usually divided into 5 courses:

  • Starters – Starters for a Christmas meal are light and refreshing. They help set the tone for the main meal. Ex. soups, breads, cheeses, pâté etc.

  • Main course – The main course is the heart and soul of a signature Christmas meal. In ancient days, hunted game meat was eaten as the Christmas delicacy. Now, the meal is never complete without roast meat (usually served with gravy). Ex. roast turkey, beef or duck etc.

  • Side dishes – The side dishes in a Christmas meal complement the roast meat. Roasted potatoes and winter vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, pigs in blankets, cranberry sauce etc. are commonly served.

  • Desserts – Christmas is incomplete without the rich and decadent desserts. Yule log, Christmas pudding, trifle pudding, and mince pies are few of the traditional British Christmas desserts commonly enjoyed.

  • Drinks and beverages – Drinks are enjoyed along with the Christmas meal. Hot cider, mulled wine, eggnog, wines, etc. are commonly consumed.

In this blog, we will share with you 1 recipe for each of the 5 meal courses which are healthy and sure to make your tummy happy too!

Starter

1. Sourdough pesto bruschetta

Servings: 4

Ingredients
Multigrain sourdough bread – ½ loaf
Pesto sauce – 150g
Avocado/olive oil -15mL
Salad tomato – 1 large
Cucumbers – 1 small
Beets – 2 small
Salt – To taste
Black pepper powder – To taste
Italian seasoning – As required
Balsamic vinegar – 15 mL

Method
1. Slice the sourdough loaf into thin slices.

2. Apply oil on 1 side of the slices and toast them.

3. Dice the tomatoes, cucumbers and beets.

4. Spread pesto sauce on the toasted slices.

5. Add the diced vegetables and sprinkle Italian seasoning on the toasts for flavour.

Note
Eating a few slices of bruschetta can help you satisfy the need to snack. Drink a bowl of soup and bruschetta to feel full.

Main course

2. Lemon and herb grilled turkey breast

Servings: 2-4

Ingredients
Turkey breasts – 3-4 breasts
Lemon juice – 2 juiced
Minced garlic – 4 large cloves
Mint leaves – ½ bunch
Cilantro/coriander leaves – ½ bunch
Ginger – 30g
Greek yoghurt – 2 tbsp.
Turmeric powder – 5g
Garam masala – 5g (optional)
Salt – To taste
Olive oil – 15mL

Method
1. Blend the mint, cilantro, ginger, garlic in a blender (add water if required to get paste like consistency).

2. Add the yoghurt, salt, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, olive oil and blend again.

3. Marinate the turkey breasts in the fridge over night after adding the green paste.

4. The next day, preheat the oven/air fryer to 200 degrees C. Place the marinated meat on a baking tray and grill for 20-25 or until cooked entirely.

5. Serve it hot and enjoy it with your family and friends.

Note
The breast meat of turkey is low in fat while providing high protein.

Side dish

3. Honey roasted cauliflower mash

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients
Cauliflower florets – 400g
Olive oil – 15 mL
Organic honey – 10g
Salt – To taste
Black pepper powder – To taste
Milk (dairy or plant-based) – 100mL
Butter (dairy or plant-based) – 15g
Parmesan cheese – 15g

Method
1. To season, add honey, oil, pepper and salt to the cauliflower florets. Roast till golden brown in a preheated oven at 200°C. 

2. Add the milk, butter, and the honey glazed florets to a large bowl and mash using a masher.

3. Add the cheese and mix well. Adjust seasoning to taste if preferred.

4. Serve with hot grilled turkey breasts.

Note
This is a low calorie, high fibre option for the usual mashed potato.

Dessert

4. Healthy Christmas pudding

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients
Mixed dried fruits – 200g
Dates (chopped) – 100g
Apricots (chopped) – 100g
Freshly squeezed orange juice – 240mL
Whole wheat flour – 100g
Eggs – 2 nos.
Almonds ground/powder – 50g
Cinnamon powder – 5g
Nutmeg powder – 2.5g
Clove power – A pinch
Honey/maple syrup – 15g

Method
1. Put the dates, spices, and dried fruits in a glass bowl and let them soak in orange juice over night.

2. The following day, add the flour, almond meal, eggs, honey and whisk together. Add the soaked fruit mixture to the whisked mixture and combine gently to avoid lumps.

3. Fill pudding bowls with batter, then cover with foil. Steam for 2-3 hours.

4. Serve warm with brandy butter sauce.

Note
This healthier version is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while simultaneously being healthy.

Beverage

5. Hot cider (alcohol free)

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients
Organic apples – 6-8 nos.
Water – 800 mL
Cinnamon – 2 sticks
Cloves – 4
Ginger powder – 5g
Clove powder – 2.5g
Nutmeg powder – A pinch
Organic honey/maple syrup (optional) – To taste

Method
1. To a heavy bottom pot, add the apple slices, water, cinnamon, ginger powder, nutmeg powder, clove powder and honey.

2. Simmer the mixture till the apples become soft.

3. Mash the apples and strain the mixture.

4. Serve hot in cups as you enjoy the cosy festive day.

Note
This 5 course meal is sure to satisfy your appetite and taste buds while still spreading the vibe of Christmas.

Have a healthy, holy, jolly Christmas!


Mayuri,
Dietetic Researcher, Simplyweight