Easter lunch for 6 in under 4 hours

We’ve all been there: we had dreams of an elaborate menu, but life got in the way, and now the long weekend is almost here and that lamb shoulder you planned is sold out in store. Before you panic, there’s still time – your Easter lunch will not be a disaster. We’ve put together a simple menu that’s ready to serve in under 4 hours and doesn’t break the bank. Roll up your sleeves, start the clock, and let’s get cooking!

The mains

The roast [1 hour]

Since you’re on a time crunch, brining the chicken overnight is not an option. Try our butter-basted version instead.  TASTE’s Food Editor, Hannah, swears by this method when shooting Woolies TV ad. The result is a juicy, tender chicken with crispy, golden skin. Trust us: a whole roasted chicken is never boring.

Get the recipe for the best-ever roast chicken here.

The compromise [10 minutes]

If you’re trying to have lunch ready in under 3 hours, a slow-roasted leg of lamb is not going to cut it. But if lamb is a must on your Easter table, you could do a lamb rack, which cooks in only 30 minutes. Or make things even faster and go for chops – they’re easier on the pocket and are cooked in 10 minutes flat. We suggest marinating your chops the night before, if you can. If it’s warmer in your region, you can even braai them.

Get the recipe for lamb chops with rosemary and lemon here.

Sides and veg

You need some greens [30 minutes]

You’ve probably heard of whole roasted cauliflower, but its brassica cousin, broccoli, is just as delicious roasted whole. Place this in the oven at the same time as the chicken to stay on schedule. Serve on a bed of thinly sliced fennel, Granny Smith apples and citrus slices to add some much-needed acidity to your menu.

Get the recipe for whole roast broccoli here.

Add some crunch [15 minutes]

The best menus have an array of flavours and textures. This carrot salad is dead-easy (ask the older kids to help make the ribbons with a veggie peeler). Keep it in the fridge for an hour or so to allow the flavours to get acquainted while you make the rest. Only dress it when you’re ready to serve to keep it crunchy.

Get the recipe for carrot salad here.

Amazambane are a must [1 hour]

Just because this is a cheat’s menu doesn’t mean you have to forgo tradition. Spend some time on everyone’s favourite part of a roast meal: crispy, golden roast potatoes.

Get the recipe for the crispiest ever roast potatoes here.

Great grains [45 minutes]

Grains and legumes help bulk up meals, and chances are you already have some in your pantry. This salad may sound pedestrian but trust us: it’s a flavour bomb. Chilli flakes, cumin seeds, red masala, ginger, garlic and tomato paste make it anything but boring. To speed up this recipe to a 10-minute project, use canned lentils instead of dried ones.

Get the recipe for the warm lentil salad with couscous and vegetables here.

Dessert

Hot cross heaven [1 hour]

Turn stale hot cross buns into a dessert that’s worthy of seconds with The Lazy Makoti’s genius recipe.

Get the recipe for the chocolate hot cross bun bake here.

Drinks

On the house[10 minutes]

Maximise a bottle of rosé by making punch – the perfect drink for your guests or family to sip on while you put the finishing touches on your great Easter menu.

Get the recipe for the tequila-and-strawberry rosé punch here.