Try something different with these simple, yet special side ideas for your festive table. Six different vegetables to pair with anything from the traditional turkey roast, to pork or beef. When it comes to festive food, there is always a nod to both English and Italian traditions in my kitchen and veggies are no exception.

roast potatoes with rosemary and garlic Mushroom trifolati Parsnips and parmesan


Parsnips and parmesan
are a combination made in food heaven. Thin wedges of roasted parsnips sprinkled with parmesan and ground black pepper. Utterly moreish!

And if you are firmly in the camp of “Christmas dinner is not Christmas dinner without a plateful of golden roast potatoes” then our roast potatoes with rosemary and garlic are a must. Cooked in olive oil they are lighter than traditional roasties but just as scrumptious.

Mushroom trifolati – a big pan of mixed mushrooms, chanterelle, oyster and chestnut, fresh chopped parsley, clove garlic, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper and a delicate bowl of sautéed spinach with shallots are regulars at my festive table. Both dishes take me back to Christmas at home in Italy. Simple, light side dishes to go with my mum’s roast veal, after her legendary first course of homemade cannelloni.

If oven space is limited try a pan of roasted carrots, parsnips and sweet potatoes dressed with olive oil, wholegrain mustard and wine vinegar to bring a dash of colour and flavour to the table.

And last but not least a bowl of steamed then stir-fried Brussels sprouts with chestnut and pancetta for a medley of Christmas flavours.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

anna-x