Transform Your Pigs in Blankets: Unique Twists for the Festive Season Discover innovative ways to elevate your traditional pigs in blankets this holiday season. Explore creative recipes and unique flavor combinations that will impress your guests and make your festive gatherings unforgettable.
Topics covered
The holiday season has arrived, and for many in the United Kingdom, no Christmas dinner is complete without the traditional dish known as pigs in blankets. This cherished meal features small sausages wrapped in crispy bacon, known for its straightforward preparation.
However, chef Nima Safaei has introduced a technique to elevate their flavor, making them even more appealing.
Chef Nima, who operates his own restaurant, recommends a special glaze to enhance pigs in blankets. By applying a mixture of honey, wholegrain mustard, and Calabrian chili paste just before finishing the cooking process, the dish acquires a sticky, shiny coating.
This adds a sweet, smoky, and mildly spicy flavor. Chef Nima emphasizes the effectiveness of this method, stating, “I honestly cannot recommend it enough.”
Alternative methods for a milder taste
For those seeking a less spicy alternative, Good Food offers a different approach.
After baking the sausages wrapped in bacon for about 20 minutes, brushing them with a mixture of wholegrain mustard and honey is suggested. Incorporating minced garlic and finely chopped thyme can further enhance the flavor. Following the glazing, return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until a golden color and sticky texture are achieved, as reported by the Express.
Perfecting roast potatoes for your feast
In addition to tips for pigs in blankets, Chef Nima shares advice for preparing the ultimate roast potatoes, another holiday staple. According to him, the key to perfect roast potatoes lies in their texture. Start by parboiling Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes, adding a pinch of baking soda to the water. Once softened, shake the potatoes vigorously in the pot to roughen their surfaces.
Next, place the roughened potatoes in very hot olive oil infused with garlic and rosemary. This technique ensures a crispy, golden crust while keeping the inside fluffy. A sprinkle of salt immediately after removing them from the oven achieves an ideal flavor balance, making these roast potatoes a popular choice that often disappears quickly from the table, as Chef Nima humorously observes.
Survey results on festive favorites
A recent survey involving 2,000 participants revealed that roast potatoes were voted the most popular item on Christmas dinner tables, receiving 69% of the votes. Turkey followed in second place with 51%, while stuffing came in third at 48%. Notably, pigs in blankets were also recognized as a favorite dish, alongside gravy and Yorkshire puddings.
The survey findings highlight the strong affection Brits have for their roast potatoes, though some results may be surprising. For instance, 11% of respondents believe ketchup deserves a spot on the festive table, while 4% admitted to enjoying baked beans as part of their Christmas meal. Additionally, 14% of Londoners reported serving chicken nuggets during their holiday celebrations.
Changing festive dining norms
Craig Wassell, the Marketing Manager at InstantPrint, commented on the survey results, stating, “This year’s findings indicate that Christmas dinners are evolving away from traditional norms. While roast potatoes remain a favorite, we are starting to see a blend of personal preferences and playful choices reflected on plates across the nation.” This shift from rigid traditions to more personalized and comforting meals signifies a new era in festive dining, where the emphasis is increasingly on enjoyment and individual taste.
