7 alternative mains for a low-key Easter

By Jess Spiro, 1 January 2021

Easter might look a little different again this year, but that doesn’t mean it has to be any less special. This year might see you cooking for a smaller than usual crowd, or perhaps you feel like making something a little different. Whatever the reason, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite roasts that would work perfectly for a smaller, more casual Easter.

Roast duck breasts

Duck might not be your first port of call for a casual lunch, but if you’re only cooking for two or four, this recipe is pretty affordable while still feeling appropriate for an occasion. Serve alongside mashed or crispy roast potatoes.
Roast duck breastsGet the recipe for roast duck breasts here.

Lamb shanks with chakalaka

Lamb for Easter is hardly ground-breaking, but we think this chakalaka-topped version is. Lamb shanks are perfect for a smaller crowd as one per person normally does the trick, and they don’t need much more than soft fluffy mash on the side.
lamb shanks with chakalaka recipeGet the recipe for lamb shanks with chakalaka here.

Banger, onion and leek roast

This dish proves that even the humble banger can make it as a show-stopping main when gives the right treatment. Any sausage could work here, but there’s something particularly comforting about a good old banger.
Get the recipe for banger, leek and onion here.

Beef Wellington

Let’s not kid ourselves, there is nothing low-key about beef Wellington, which is likely why you’ve never attempted it for an Easter lunch. If that’s the case, what better opportunity to pull out all the stops for your tiny-but-mighty Easter gathering?
Get the recipe for beef Wellington here.

The OG lasagne

Is there any bigger labour of love than a lasagne? We think not. Show everyone just how much you appreciate them by making Abi’s ultimate lasagne.
the-og-lasagneGet the recipe for the OG lasagne here.

Hot cross beef burgers with spicy slaw

Keep it extra casual by making burgers for lunch, but show respect to the day by serving them in hot cross buns. If this sounds weird, just trust us, the combination of sweet, spicy and savoury just works beautifully.
Get the recipe for hot cross beef burger with spicy slaw here.

Crusted lamb ribs with anchovy-and-parsley salsa

Crumbing lamb ribs for a crowd is often the last thing we feel like doing, but crumbing them for a few people is exactly the kind of therapeutic, repetitive work we crave right now. If you must skip the crust, fine, but you must make the anchovy-parsley salsa – we insist.
Get the recipe for crusted lamb ribs with anchovy-and-parsley salsa here.

Jess Spiro

Article by Jess Spiro

Jess Spiro is a freelance food writer, chef and restaurant critic based in Cape Town, who can often be found in search of the next great plate of food. Follow her on Instagram @jess_spiro to see what she's eating.
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