“There’s something undeniably celebratory about a dish wrapped in crisp, golden pastry, especially when it gives way to golden, roasted cauliflower and a rich, creamy custard. These cheesy cauliflower nests make for an excellent vegetarian centerpiece, offering comfort and elegance in equal measure. The cauliflower, cut into six individual wedges, gets tucked into filo nests, then a gently spiced custard, fragrant with nutmeg and cloves, seeps into the crevices and binds everything together. Much of the work can be done ahead – the filo nests can be assembled and refrigerated the day before, ready to bake when needed, and so can the custard – which makes this dish a stress-free option for festive gatherings.” – Yotam Ottolenghi.
50 foolproof mains for an easy Easter lunch
If you’re after main meals for Easter that are guaranteed to impress and satisfy, then look no further. Think impressive lamb platters, seafood galore and plenty of vegetarian and roast mains for your long weekend feasting.
Porchetta (rolled pork) with celeriac remoulade and pickled apple
Warm pickled apples and a celeriac remoulade make the perfect partners for this crispy-skinned porchetta.
Colin Fassnidge's 'Death Row' lamb roast
Take an underrated ‘retro’ cut and give it the Woolworths inspired comeback it deserves.
Roast chicken with verjuice, grapes, walnuts and tarragon
This chicken dish is like a little piece of home, plated up with plenty of love and an abundance of flavour.
Whole roasted cauliflower with raisins, pine nuts and burnt butter
The humble cauliflower becomes a roast with the most, adorned with burnt butter and raisins.
Fresh ideas
Corn
This summer, pick Australian grown corn with grassy green husks for a fresh addition to your BBQ.
Lamb shank with spent milk labneh and broken rice
Skye Gyngell shares this minimal-waste lamb shank recipe, perfect for a well-planned feast.
Roasted chicken with porcini mushroom and apricot stuffing
The humble roast chicken gets a juicy, flavour-packed boost with the addition of a porcini and apricot stuffing.
Fish pie
"Perfect for a traditional Good Friday meal (or any day of the week), this pie is pure comfort, with varied flavours and textures making each mouthful a delight. Feel free to vary the ingredients according to what’s available at the market or fishmonger." – Michael James
Macadamia and saltbush-crusted lamb, warrigal greens and thyme couscous
Taking a popular cut of lamb raised on a flavoursome native shrub, Nornie Bero gives the classic Sunday roast a must-try Australian update.
Standing rib roast beef with Nanna’s gravy
“Standing rib has everything: a thick layer of creamy fat that becomes crisp and golden, marbling through the meat and adding flavour; and rib bones that keep the meat moist and juicy (and are great to chew on). This magnificent roast should be served with all the trimmings, and gravy made with the pan juices.” – Adrian Richardson
Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with beetroot and mint salsa
"You can't eat lamb without mint sauce," says Matt Moran of this recipe for his signature lamb shoulder.
Brined pork belly with farro salad and plum sauce
What's Christmas without a tasty pork dish fringed with crackling?
Yotam Ottolenghi's potato and celeriac gratin with caper brown butter
This creamy, cheesy potato and celeriac gratin is the type of dish that comfort food dreams are made of.
Orange and maple syrup glazed lamb shanks with Paris mash
There's nothing saintly about this beauty of a dish – it's all decadence. The rich, sweet-and-savoury sauce coating these melting lamb shanks makes every mouthful a memorable one, especially when served over an impossibly smooth and buttery Paris mash. Prime your ovens, people – you're going to be making this one all winter long. You'll need to start this recipe 3 hours ahead.
Salmon wellington with white wine cream sauce
Trade up the beef for this salmon wellington, perfect for lighter-style entertaining.