Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and quick Christmas cake? Whether you're a busy professional or a busy parent, this Nigella-inspired recipe is perfect for those who want to whip up a festive treat in no time. With only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a mouth-watering Christmas cake on the table in just a few hours. So let's get started with this professional and well-organized introduction to the quick Christmas cake recipe Nigella has in store for us.
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Cheddar, Large Egg Yolk, All Purpose
If you're looking for a crispy and flavorful side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than these assorted cheddar crisps. Made with a blend of sharp and mild cheddar cheese, these crispy bites are the perfect accompaniment to your juicy chicken. You can even mix in some crumbled bacon for an extra savory kick.
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Potato Dumplings with Tamarind Chutney (Samosas)
Main Ingredients: Jaggery, Tamarind Concentrate, Ground Cumin, Black
Take your beer can chicken to the next level with these flavorful and unique potato dumplings. Made with a combination of mashed potatoes, spices, and tamarind chutney, these dumplings are a delicious and unexpected addition to your meal. Serve as a side dish or appetizer for a truly memorable meal.
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Homemade Naan Bread
Main Ingredients: Naan, Active Dry Yeast, Milk, Sugar, All Purpose Flour
No beer can chicken meal is complete without some fresh and warm naan bread on the side. Skip the store-bought version and try making your own at home. This recipe uses yogurt for a soft and pillowy texture, and garlic butter for a flavorful finish. Your guests will be impressed by your homemade naan skills.
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Cauliflower Cake
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Florets, Red Onion, Olive Oil, Rosemary
Looking for a unique and healthy side dish to serve with your beer can chicken? Look no further than this savory cauliflower cake. Made with eggs, cauliflower, and a variety of spices, this cake is both delicious and nutritious. Serve it warm with a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a flavorful twist.
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Aloo Curry (Indian Potato Curry)
Main Ingredients: Medium Potatoes, Cooking Oil, Mustard Seeds, Cumin
This flavorful and aromatic Indian potato curry is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. Made with potatoes, spices, and coconut milk, this curry is rich and creamy with just the right amount of heat. Serve over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal.
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Chicken Korma
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Small Onions, Fresh Ginger, Garlic
Take your beer can chicken to the next level with this delicious and creamy chicken korma. Made with chicken thighs, cashews, and a variety of spices, this dish is full of flavor and will pair perfectly with your juicy chicken. Serve over a bed of fluffy basmati rice for a complete meal.
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Fluffy Zucchini Bread
Main Ingredients: Zucchinis, Salt, Whole Wheat Flour, Instant Yeast
If you're looking for a lighter side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, try this fluffy zucchini bread. Made with zucchini, olive oil, and nutmeg, this bread is both moist and flavorful. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for a delicious addition to your meal.
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Cheese Naan
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Yeast, Baking Powder, Sugar, Salt
Upgrade your naan game with this cheesy and flavorful version. Made with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, this naan is perfect for dipping into your beer can chicken juices. Add in some chopped herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
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Chicken Empanada
Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Brown Sugar
Add some Latin flair to your beer can chicken meal with these tasty chicken empanadas. Made with shredded chicken, bell peppers, and adobo seasoning, these empanadas are packed with flavor and are the perfect handheld side dish. Serve with some salsa for a delicious dip.
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Indian Cabbage
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Cumin Seed, Jalapeno, Yellow Onion
Spice up your cabbage game with this flavorful Indian-inspired dish. Made with cabbage, coconut milk, and a variety of spices, this dish is a great way to add some veggies to your beer can chicken meal. Serve as a side dish or use it as a topping for your chicken tacos.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
If you're planning a holiday feast with beer can chicken as the star, this cranberry Christmas cake is the perfect dessert to go with it. Made with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and cinnamon, this cake is festive and delicious. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet finish to your meal.
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Easy Vegan Beetroot Falafel
Main Ingredients: Beetroots, Sweet Potato, Small Red Onion, Garlic, Fresh
For all the vegans out there, this easy beetroot falafel is a great side dish to pair with your beer can chicken. Made with beetroot, chickpeas, and spices, these falafels are flavorful and satisfying. Serve with some hummus for a delicious dip.
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Avocado Hummus
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Medium Avocados, Tahini, Salt, Lemon Juice
Upgrade your hummus game with this creamy and delicious avocado hummus. Made with chickpeas, avocado, and tahini, this dip is packed with flavor and pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. Serve with some pita bread for a delicious appetizer.
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Yotam Ottolenghi’s Cauliflower Cake
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Red Onion, Olive Oil, Rosemary, Eggs
Celebrity chef Yotam Ottolenghi's famous cauliflower cake is a must-try for any beer can chicken meal. Made with cauliflower, herbs, and feta cheese, this savory cake is perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm for a delicious side dish that will impress your guests.
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Savory Loaf Cake With Spinach
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Milk, Vegetable Oil, Red Pepper, Spinach, Feta
Looking for a unique and tasty side dish to pair with your beer can chicken? This savory loaf cake with spinach is the perfect option. Made with spinach, parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this cake is flavorful and satisfying. Serve it warm with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a delicious twist.
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Indian Potato Curry
Main Ingredients: Medium Potatoes, Oil, Garlic Paste, Red Chili Powder
This classic Indian potato curry is a perfect side dish to serve with your beer can chicken. Made with potatoes, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, this dish is flavorful and hearty. Serve with some naan bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Spiced Chocolate Olive Oil Cake
Main Ingredients: Nigella, Cake, Chocolate Cake, Unsweetened Cocoa
For a unique and decadent dessert to serve with your beer can chicken, try this spiced chocolate olive oil cake. Made with cocoa powder, olive oil, and a blend of warm spices, this cake is rich and flavorful. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet finish to your meal.
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Lebanese Cheese Fatayer
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Feta, Yogurt, Mozzarella, Parsley, Nutmeg
Add some Middle Eastern flavors to your beer can chicken meal with these delicious Lebanese cheese fatayers. Made with feta cheese, mint, and olive oil, these savory pastries are perfect for dipping into your chicken's juices. Serve warm for a truly satisfying side dish.
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Easy Naan Bread Without Yeast
Main Ingredients: Self Raising Flour, Salt, Nigella Seeds, Natural
If you're short on time but still want to make naan bread to go with your beer can chicken, try this easy yeast-free version. Made with flour, yogurt, and baking powder, this naan is quick and easy to make, and still has that deliciously chewy texture. Serve warm for the best results.
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Bint Al Sahn (Yemeni Honey Cake)
Main Ingredients: Milk, Egg, Sugar, Salt, Flour, Instant Yeast, Brown
End your beer can chicken meal on a sweet note with this delicious Yemeni honey cake. Made with honey, flour, and cardamom, this cake is rich and fragrant. Serve with a cup of chai tea for a truly satisfying dessert experience.
Ingredients you'll need:
1. Mixed Dried Fruit
Start off by preheating your oven to 180°C. In a large mixing bowl, combine 500g of mixed dried fruit and 100g of dried cranberries. These dried fruits will add a burst of flavour and a festive touch to your Christmas cake.
2. Spices and Zest
Next, add in 2 teaspoons of mixed spice, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and the zest of one orange and one lemon. These spices and zest will give your Christmas cake a warm and fragrant aroma, perfect for the holiday season.
3. Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream together 200g of softened butter and 200g of light brown sugar. Once well combined, add in 4 beaten eggs and 1 tablespoon of black treacle, and mix until smooth.
4. Flour and Breadcrumbs
Now, it's time to add in the dry ingredients. Sift in 200g of self-raising flour and 100g of fresh breadcrumbs into the wet mixture. Fold in the dry ingredients until well incorporated.
5. Combine the Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dried fruit and spices, and combine well. Transfer the batter into a greased and lined 9-inch cake tin, and smooth out the top with a spatula.
6. Bake and Decorate
Pop the Christmas cake into the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Once done, let the cake cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate with your favourite toppings, such as marzipan, fondant, or icing, and add some festive garnishes like holly or berries.
And there you have it, a delicious and quick Christmas cake that will impress your friends and family without taking up too much of your time. So why not give this Nigella-inspired recipe a try and spread some holiday cheer with your loved ones. Happy holidays!
