18+ Christmas Truffles Recipe Nigella Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Apr 7, 2024
Christmas is a time for indulgence and what better way to treat yourself and your loved ones than with delicious homemade truffles? These bite-sized balls of chocolatey goodness are a staple of the holiday season and are sure to impress at any gathering. While there are countless variations of truffle recipes out there, I have to say that Nigella Lawson's Christmas truffles are truly something special. Her recipe combines the rich flavors of dark chocolate and brandy with a hint of orange zest, making them a perfect festive treat. Follow along as we break down the steps to creating these delectable treats in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Cheddar, Large Egg Yolk, All Purpose
Want to add some crunch to your beer can chicken? These assorted cheddar crisps are the perfect accompaniment. Simply mix together shredded cheddar cheese, flour, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Roll the mixture into small balls and flatten them onto a baking sheet. Bake until crispy and serve alongside your delicious beer can chicken. The combination of the smoky chicken and the sharp cheddar flavors will have your taste buds singing.
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Potato Dumplings with Tamarind Chutney (Samosas)
Main Ingredients: Jaggery, Tamarind Concentrate, Ground Cumin, Black
For a unique twist on beer can chicken, try pairing it with potato dumplings and tamarind chutney. These savory samosas are filled with a flavorful mixture of potatoes, onions, and spices. The tangy tamarind chutney adds a burst of sweetness to balance out the spicy flavors. Serve these alongside your beer can chicken for a meal that will transport you to the streets of India.
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Homemade Naan Bread
Main Ingredients: Naan, Active Dry Yeast, Milk, Sugar, All Purpose Flour
No meal is complete without some delicious bread, and homemade naan is the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken. This soft and fluffy bread is easy to make and can be cooked on a grill or in a cast iron skillet. The warm and chewy naan pairs perfectly with the tender and flavorful chicken. Don't be surprised if your guests ask for seconds (or thirds) of this delicious combination.
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Aloo Curry (Indian Potato Curry)
Main Ingredients: Medium Potatoes, Cooking Oil, Mustard Seeds, Cumin
For a vegetarian option that is still full of flavor, try pairing your beer can chicken with aloo curry. This Indian potato curry is made with a fragrant blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The creamy potatoes and hearty chickpeas make this dish a satisfying and delicious pairing for your chicken. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
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Chicken Korma
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Small Onions, Fresh Ginger, Garlic
If you're looking for a more traditional Indian dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try chicken korma. This creamy and aromatic chicken dish is made with a blend of spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, and turmeric. The rich and flavorful sauce is the perfect complement to the smoky and tender beer can chicken. Serve it with some warm naan bread for a meal that will impress your guests.
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Fluffy Zucchini Bread
Main Ingredients: Zucchinis, Salt, Whole Wheat Flour, Instant Yeast
Zucchini bread may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of dishes to pair with beer can chicken, but trust us, it's a winning combination. This fluffy and moist bread is made with shredded zucchini, spices, and a touch of honey for sweetness. The light and refreshing flavors of the bread will balance out the richness of the chicken, making it a perfect pairing for a summer barbecue.
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Cheese Naan
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Yeast, Baking Powder, Sugar, Salt
Looking to take your naan bread to the next level? Try making cheese naan to serve alongside your beer can chicken. This bread is stuffed with a mixture of cheese, herbs, and spices, and then cooked until golden and crispy. The gooey cheese and flavorful herbs add a burst of flavor to the soft and chewy naan. It's the perfect accompaniment to your smoky chicken.
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Chicken Empanada
Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Brown Sugar
For a portable and handheld dish to enjoy with your beer can chicken, try making chicken empanadas. These savory pastries are filled with a delicious mixture of chicken, vegetables, and spices. The flaky crust and flavorful filling make them a great partner to the smoky and tender chicken. Serve them as an appetizer or as a side dish for a full meal.
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Indian Cabbage
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Cumin Seed, Jalapeno, Yellow Onion
If you're looking for a lighter side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, consider Indian cabbage. This dish is made with shredded cabbage, onions, and a blend of spices, including cumin and coriander. The crisp and refreshing flavors of the cabbage are a nice contrast to the rich and smoky chicken. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.
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Easy Vegan Beetroot Falafel
Main Ingredients: Beetroots, Sweet Potato, Small Red Onion, Garlic, Fresh
For a vegan option that is still bursting with flavor, try pairing your beer can chicken with beetroot falafel. These falafels are made with a mixture of chickpeas, beets, herbs, and spices. They are baked until crispy and golden, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried falafel. The earthy and slightly sweet flavors of the beetroot will pair nicely with the smoky chicken.
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Avocado Hummus
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Medium Avocados, Tahini, Salt, Lemon Juice
Hummus is a staple in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines and is the perfect side dish for beer can chicken. For a twist on the classic hummus, try making avocado hummus. Simply blend together chickpeas, avocado, garlic, and tahini for a creamy and flavorful dip. The richness of the avocado will complement the smoky flavors of the chicken, making it a match made in heaven.
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Cauliflower Cake
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Florets, Red Onion, Olive Oil, Rosemary
Cauliflower may not be the most exciting vegetable, but when it's turned into a cake, it becomes a whole new dish. This savory cake is made with a blend of cauliflower, eggs, and cheese, and then baked until golden and crispy. The creamy and cheesy flavors of the cake pair well with the smoky and tender chicken. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course for a vegetarian option.
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Indian Potato Curry
Main Ingredients: Medium Potatoes, Oil, Garlic Paste, Red Chili Powder
If you can't get enough of Indian flavors, try pairing your beer can chicken with a simple and delicious Indian potato curry. This dish is made with potatoes, onions, and a blend of spices, making it a budget-friendly option that is still bursting with flavor. Serve it over rice or with some warm naan bread for a satisfying and tasty meal.
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Lebanese Cheese Fatayer
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Feta, Yogurt, Mozzarella, Parsley, Nutmeg
For a more exotic and unique side dish, try making Lebanese cheese fatayer to serve with your beer can chicken. These savory pastries are filled with a mixture of cheese, herbs, and spices, and then baked until golden and crispy. The rich and flavorful filling pairs well with the smoky chicken, making it a great option for a dinner party or special occasion.
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Easy Naan Bread Without Yeast
Main Ingredients: Self Raising Flour, Salt, Nigella Seeds, Natural
If you love naan bread but don't have yeast on hand, don't worry, you can still make delicious naan to serve with your beer can chicken. This easy recipe uses baking powder and yogurt to create soft and fluffy bread without the need for yeast. It's a great option for those who are short on time or ingredients. Serve it warm alongside your chicken for a delicious meal.
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Pide
Main Ingredients: Flour, Water, Dry Active Yeast, Sugar, Salt
Pide is a Turkish flatbread that is filled with a variety of toppings and then baked until crispy. For a unique and tasty side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try making pide filled with a blend of cheese, herbs, and spices. The crispy and savory bread will complement the smoky flavors of the chicken, making it a great addition to your meal.
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Bombay Potato - A spicy Indian potato curry with...
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Ghee, Sunflower Oil, Panch Phoran, Equal
If you love spicy food, then you have to try Bombay potato with your beer can chicken. This dish is made with a blend of potatoes, onions, and spices, including chili powder and garam masala. The bold and spicy flavors of the curry will pair well with the smoky and tender chicken. Serve it with some rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
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Puri (Puffed Fried Indian Bread)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Oil, Nigella Seeds, Salt
If you're looking for a fun and easy side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try making puri. This puffed and fried Indian bread is made with a simple dough and is perfect for dipping into curries or sauces. The crispy and airy texture of the puri is a nice contrast to the tender and juicy chicken. Plus, it's a fun and interactive addition to your meal.
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Ginger Coconut Sweet Potato Stew with Kale and Lentils
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Onion, Dried Chili Flakes, Ground
If you're looking for a hearty and healthy side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, consider making a ginger coconut sweet potato stew. This dish is made with a blend of sweet potatoes, lentils, kale, and a fragrant blend of spices. The creamy and flavorful stew is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients and adds a nice balance to the smoky chicken.
No Indian meal is complete without some chutney, and mango chutney is the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken. This tangy and sweet condiment is made with ripe mangoes, spices, and a touch of vinegar. The fruity and spicy flavors of the chutney pair well with the smoky and tender chicken. Serve it on the side or drizzle it over your chicken for an extra burst of flavor.
The Ingredients
To start, Nigella's Christmas truffles require just a handful of ingredients, making them an easy and budget-friendly option for your holiday baking. You will need dark chocolate, double cream, brandy, vanilla extract, orange zest, and cocoa powder for rolling. Make sure to use high-quality dark chocolate for the best results. You can also add in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Melting the Chocolate
The first step in this recipe is to melt the dark chocolate. You can do this using a double boiler or by microwaving in short intervals, stirring in between. Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, add in the double cream, brandy, vanilla extract, and finely grated orange zest. This combination of flavors is what sets Nigella's Christmas truffles apart from other recipes.
Rolling and Coating
Once the chocolate mixture has cooled, it's time to roll the truffles. You can use a small ice cream scoop or spoon to form them into bite-sized balls. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate until firm. When ready, roll the truffles in cocoa powder for a classic finish. Alternatively, you can also roll them in chopped nuts or shredded coconut for some variety.
Storage and Serving
These truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for your holiday gatherings. To serve, remove them from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying. These truffles also make for a great homemade gift, just place them in a decorative box or tin and tie with a festive ribbon.
In conclusion, Nigella Lawson's Christmas truffles are a must-try for any chocolate lover during the holiday season. They are simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and are bursting with rich, festive flavors. Give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with these decadent homemade treats. Happy holidays!
