Father’s Day Roasts: Traditional or Twist?

James Brown, Executive Chef for Unilever, shares tips on making a stand-out menu

Sit-down meals continue to be a Father’s Day favourite. Reservations for breakfasts, brunches and lunches continue to rise* as dads, grandfathers and other family men look to enjoy some quality time with loved ones.

Falling on Sunday 21 June this year, a roast is always a go-to menu for these special meals. To get customer bookings up, flavour is always the top priority, says James. “There’s nothing wrong with offering a traditional roast on Father’s Day,” he explains. “You just need to make sure each element is as delicious as possible.”

“If you do want to offer something a little different, then there are a few twists you can easily make to create a more interesting roast lunch menu that customers will still recognise”

- James Brown, Executive Chef, Unilever

Timeless and tasty

The simplest way to make Dad feel special is to elevate his favourite roast using the following tips and tricks

Flavour your Yorkies

Use a little Knorr Bouillon Powder in your Yorkshire pudding batter to add extra flavour without affecting their rise. You can use vegetable, chicken or beef depending on your most popular roasting joint. Knorr Lamb and Ham pastes also work well when mixed in with the eggs, before adding milk.

Season your joint

Adding a little oil to Knorr pastes makes them a brilliant seasoning to brush over joints before and just after roasting. No need for salt and pepper and the intensely meaty flavours will make customers’ mouths water.

Maximise umami in sides

Elevate your veg with a punch of umami flavour. Add Marmite in the blanching water to create delicious, fluffy roast potatoes. Season your root vegetables with Knorr Vegetable Bouillon powder and oil instead of the usual salt and pepper before roasting.

Twisted and delicious

Give families an alternative feast to round off Father’s Day weekend with these twists on a classic roast lunch

Pimp your gravy

Pack everyone’s favourite sauce with extra flavour. Add chipotle paste for a little smoky heat, Coleman’s English Mustard for a traditional punch or a glug of pickle brine to up the savoury, umami kick.

Burrito it up

Why not make a large flat Yorkie and load it with the traditional meat and veg. For a nutritious twist, add refried beans or braised lentils and sour cream. Wrap it all up as a traditional giant burrito and serve with a pot of thick gravy for dipping.

Waffle away

Load a waffle with stuffing before heating it in the oven and serving topped with Dad’s favourite roasted meat and a side of veg. No need for Yorkies or roasties with this tasty
hack, and the sweet-and-savoury mix works deliciously well!