A great Sunday lunch is the perfect way to show off your culinary skills to friends and family. There’s nothing quite like a beautiful spread of food, lovingly prepared and served with a smile.
This tradition is especially important in the US and UK, where Sunday lunch is often seen as a time to come together and enjoy good food and company. It’s a space where families can catch up on the week’s events, or where friends can relax and enjoy a leisurely meal.
There are some key components that make a Sunday lunch truly great. From the perfect roast chicken to gluten-free homemade Yorkshire puddings. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 hallmarks of a great Sunday lunch. Just remember to check with your guests for any dietary requirements, even though every dish in this article can be made with gluten-free ingredients, there might be other requests from your guests.
1. A starter that whets the appetite
A great starter is essential to get your guests excited about the rest of the meal. It should be something that is light and tasty, yet still substantial enough to satisfy hunger. Soup, salad, or even a simple gluten-free bruschetta would make a perfect starter for a Sunday lunch.
2. A hearty main course
The main course is where you can really show off your culinary skills. A beautiful roast joint of beef, lamb, or pork served with all the trimmings is always impressive. Alternatively, why not try something a little different like a whole baked fish or a veggie-based lasagne?
3. Vegetables that are cooked to perfection
No Sunday lunch is complete without a selection of delicious vegetables. Whether they are served roasted, mashed, or steamed, they should be cooked to perfection. Seasonal vegetables are always a good choice, as they will be at their best in terms of flavor and nutrition.
4. Delicious side dishes
There are so many possibilities when it comes to side dishes for a Sunday lunch. Roasted potatoes are always popular, as are creamy mashed potatoes or crispy homemade chips. Other favorites include sweetcorn, green beans, and carrots.
5. Perfectly cooked potatoes
Potatoes are an essential part of any Sunday lunch. They can be roasted, mashed, or even boiled, but however you choose to cook them, they must be cooked to perfection. Undercooked potatoes are hard and unappetizing, while over-cooked ones can be mushy and bland.
6. A gravy that is full of flavor
A good gluten-free gravy is essential to top off a perfect Sunday lunch. It should be rich and flavorsome, yet not too thick or overwhelming.
7. A selection of tantalizing sauces and condiments
Sauces and condiments are the perfect way to add an extra bit of flavor to your food. Whether you prefer ketchup, mustard or mayonnaise, there should be a selection available for your guests to choose from.
8. A delightful dessert to finish things off perfectly
A sumptuous dessert is a perfect way to finish off a wonderful Sunday lunch. A classic gluten-free pudding like this southern sweet potato pie recipe; apple pie, or chocolate cake will always go down well, or you could try something a little different like a tiramisu or a fruit salad.
9. Good quality coffee and tea
After a large meal like Sunday lunch, it’s nice to have a cup of coffee or tea to help you digest. Make sure you use good-quality coffee beans or tea leaves to get the best flavor.
10. A relaxed and convivial atmosphere
The most important ingredient for any great Sunday lunch is the atmosphere. It should be relaxed and informal so that everyone can enjoy themselves and the food. The best way to achieve this is to have good company and plenty of laughter.
Bonus Tip: Food For The Young Ones
If you have young children, it’s important to make sure there is something on the menu that they will enjoy. Sunday lunch can be a big and daunting meal for little ones, so it’s good to have some simple dishes like gluten-free lentil pasta or homemade almond meal chicken nuggets that they can tuck into without feeling overwhelmed. They might also need to have a dessert that is a little less rich and sweet than the one you have chosen for the adults. Frozen banana with chocolate chips is always a real-food delight.
There you have it
As you can see, there are many different elements that go into making a great Sunday lunch. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to impress your guests and create a meal that everyone will remember fondly.