Over the past few weeks we’ve shared recipes for all aspects of a tradition Christmas feast. But sometimes the traditional ham and turkey roast can be a bit much in our hot summer climate, so this week we’re looking at what makes a modern, Australian Christmas feast – and why you should consider having one yourself!
So what makes a modern Christmas feast different to a traditional one? To start with, you have the opportunity to use whatever ingredients and cooking methods you feel suit you best. From fresh seafood and exotic salads to the great Australian barbecue, there are plenty of ways to spice up – or cool down – your Christmas meals.
Seafood feasts are one of the most popular choices for eating on a hot Australian Christmas day, and it’s no wonder, given the abundance of ingredients and easy cooking options. For example, prawns are a delicious and simple starter, with a range of sauces to suit every taste. Fish can be prepared with bright, citrus and herb flavours and cooked quickly and easily for mains – or for those looking to branch out and try something a bit different you can serve octopus or oysters as well.
If you want to get out of the kitchen and socialise while preparing and cooking Christmas lunch, throw a big barbeque and have everyone bring something along! Even if you’re the one cooking you’ll still be able to mingle and chat while you’re turning the meat! Again seafood is quick and easy and of course you can throw on a couple of sausages or steaks for a bit of variety.
Traditionally roasted vegetables and stuffing make up the side dishes at Christmas dinner, but for a modern Australian feast why not make a fun and filling salad to compliment your main? For a salad that will make an impression try to use ingredients with bright colours and interesting flavour combinations – replace tomatoes with pomegranate seeds, combine goats cheese and nectarines, or thinly slice some oranges and toss them through your garden salad to create a culinary masterpiece!
All the food wouldn’t be complete without a few cool drinks to wash it down with! Take advantage of our fresh fruits to create some refreshing, summery cocktails and mocktails to go with your feast. Try the cool combination of watermelon, ginger and mint, or the exciting tastes of lime and berry. Have a rage of ingredients and invite people to come up with their own creations.
Recipe – Prosciutto, Nectarine and Feta Salad
You’ll need –
- 3 zucchinis
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- Leafy greens of your choice (e.g. rocket and spinach)
- 2 nectarines, sliced
- 250g prosciutto
- 100g feta, crumbled
Using a potato peeler, peel your zucchinis into strips. Place in a small bowl and mix with the oil, salt and pepper. Put a griddle pan on to heat up (you could also use a barbeque grill or regular fry pan if you don’t have a griddle pan).
Assemble the rest of the salad by mixing the leafy greens with the nectarine slices in a serving bowl and topping with the prosciutto and crumbled feta.
When the griddle pan is hot, lay the zucchini strips across so you get horizontal lines all the way along. Cook for about 1 minute until the lines show through, and then remove from the pan (no need to turn over). Place the zucchini in your salad and drizzle with a basic balsamic dressing over the top.
For more creative Christmas cooking ideas check out our Pinterest page!