This retro prawn cocktail is straight from the 80βs, but is a must on the Holiday food table even today! Plump, juicy prawns tossed in a pink rose marie sauce; this classic dish is easy to make and tastes 10/10!
This prawn cocktail is one of those dishes that instantly feels a little special, even though itβs incredibly easy to put together. Itβs cool, creamy, fresh, and quietly indulgent and the kind of recipe I reach for when I want something elegant without spending too much time in the kitchen.
I love how adaptable it is. You can make it for a casual lunch, a dinner party starter, or even a festive spread when you want something light before the mains. Crisp lettuce, sweet prawns, creamy avocado, and that nostalgic rose marie sauce, simple ingredients, but they come together beautifully.
Prawns β I have used raw jumbo prawns as this size works best for this recipe. You can use pre-cooked prawns as well
Olive oil β to cook the prawns
Lettuceand cucumber β make for a fresh and crunchy base for the prawn cocktail
Avocado β adds richness and a buttery texture
Rose Marie sauce
Mayonnaise β forms the creamy backbone of the sauce.
Ketchup β adds sweetness and colour.
Worcestershire sauce β brings depth and umami.
Cayenne pepper or red chilli powder β adds gentle heat.
Lime juice β brightens and balances the richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes. Thaw completely, pat dry, and cook or chill before assembling.
Is this recipe spicy?
No. The heat is very mild and can be adjusted or skipped entirely.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
You can prep the prawns and sauce ahead, but assemble only at serving time.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
A few drops of soy sauce can work in a pinch, though the flavour will differ slightly.
Richaβs Top Tips
Donβt overcook the prawns. Prawns cook very quickly and overcooked prawns taste chewy and rubbery. Cook them until theyβre just pink and and tender.
Chill the prawns and sauce before assembling for the best flavour and texture.
Pat prawns dry if using pre-cooked ones to avoid a watery cocktail.
Assemble just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Customisation Ideas
Add a little finely chopped celery for extra crunch.
Replace lime juice with lemon juice for a sharper finish.
Stir in a spoon of Greek yogurt to lighten the sauce slightly.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
Storage Ideas
Avoid storing assembled cocktails as they tend to become watery and lose freshness.
Prawns: Cooked prawns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Sauce: The rose marie sauce keeps well refrigerated for 2β3 days when stored separately in an airtight jar.
Vegetables: Chop lettuce, cucumber, and avocado just before serving for best texture.
This prawn cocktail is proof that simple food can still feel thoughtful and elegant. With fresh ingredients and a well-balanced sauce, itβs the kind of dish that never really goes out of style.
Retro Prawn Cocktail β Straight from the 80βs!
This prawn cocktail recipe is straight from the 80βs. Crisp lettuce, plump, juicy prawns and an addictive cocktail sauce thatβs perfect as a dipping sauce. Its an appetizer that will take everyone back in time!
900gramsRaw Jumbo Prawnstails on (Or freshly cooked prawns)
1teaspoonOlive Oilif using raw prawns
3cupsLettuceroughly chopped
2Avocadosdiced
1Cucumberdiced
Rose Marie Sauce
3/4cupMayonnaise
2tablespoonsKetchup
1tablespoonWorcestershire Sauce
1/2teaspoonCayenne Pepperor Red Chilli Powder
1teaspoonLime Juice
Instructions
If using raw prawns, heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the prawns for 3-4 minutes on each side till they turn pink. Sprinkle lightly with salt and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for sauce and refrigerate.
When ready to assemble, add lettuce to the bottom of a glass, top with a few pieces of cucumber, avocado and finally prawns. Drizzle with the sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
Poaching prawns: If you prefer poaching prawns instead of cooking them, add salted boiling water to prawns in a bowl and let them sit for 5-6 minutes, till the prawns turn pink.
Fresh vs. Frozen Prawns: If you happen to stay by the sea, please buy your prawns as fresh as possible and peel them at home if you can. If you donβt, then buy your prawns frozen because they will be better than the prawns that are sold seemingly fresh. Frozen prawns are frozen within a few hours of catching them. Thaw them completely before cooking.
Refrigerating:Β I prefer serving these cold, but its best to chill each element separately rather than assembling them and then chilling, because the sauce can pool at the bottom. The sauce can be made 4-5 days ahead and refrigerated, and the prawns stay well refrigerated once cooked for a day.
Mayonnaise:Β I canβt stress how important it is to use good quality mayonnaise for this recipe, and no, you canβt substitute it with greek yogurt. Either make your own at home β itβs really easy, I promise and I have anΒ Instagram video that shows you how to make mayo, or buy mayonnaise made with whole eggs.
Less than 24 hours after undergoing a heart procedure in an Indiana hospital, former NBA star and owner of the successful cannabis/hemp company Viola Brands, Al Harrington, was all smiles as we sat down to commence a candid conversation. Thatβs all you need to know about this extraordinary athleteβs toughness, tenacity and determination: When thereβs a job to do, Al Harrington shows up and shines. And shine he did.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Harrington was the 25th overall pick in the 1998 NBA draft after being selected as a McDonaldβs High School All-American. Bypassing college hoops altogether, Harrington played six seasons with the Indiana Pacers then spent the following decade with the Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards before retiring in 2015. In all, Harrington played in 16 seasons in the NBAβthatβs quite an impressive run to be sure.
amazing race: βItβs just amazing where weβve come, and weβre not gonna stop,β Harrington says of his cannabis and hemp brand, Viola.
So it wasnβt a complete surprise when Harrington applied that hard-earned discipline from his playing days to his next venture, Viola Brands, the largest Black-owned cannabis brand producing products since 2011. Currently available in nine statesβArizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey and PennsylvaniaβViolaβs mission, according to Harrington, is to βincrease equity and ensure Black and brown people are afforded the opportunity to be a part of a fast-growing industry that has historically left them disenfranchised.β
Viola Brandsβ latest big moves involve his recent collabs with fellow former NBA star, Allen Iverson, by partnering in distributing the popular strains Iverson β01 and β96. Most exciting, perhaps, is the latest news out of this team: Viola Brands recently announced theyβre once again partnering with Iverson as well as Horticulture Co. and Circle K to launch a line of Allen Iverson-branded, hemp-derived THC beverages called IVERSON. Circle K is the exclusive retailer for this national rollout, which is considered one of the very largest for THC products in American mainstream retail.
This is a very big deal.
Itβs with this knowledge and energy that we entered our conversation with Al Harrington, the tough as nails, eloquent ambassador for all things cannabis. Heβs all heart. But you already knew that didnβt you?
full circle: Harrington has partnered with fellow NBA star Allen Iverson (left), Horticulture Co. and Circle K to launch their beverage line nationally at Circle K
Letβs go back to when you were a McDonaldβs High School All Star pickβyou mustβve been pursued by every top college teamβwhat went into the decision to go straight into the NBA draft?
Yeah, man. Well, my story goes, when I was young, I was always the clumsiest kid in the room. Never got picked to play sports. At the end of my eighth-grade year, I was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatters, which is basically a huge growth spurtβI grew from 5β10β to 6β4β in one summer. When I got to high school, I wasnβt even gonna try out for basketball, but the JV coach, thank God, put me on the team. I was the worst player on the team. I couldnβt dunk. I couldnβt catch. But the next summer, I met this guy named Sandy Pyonin, who became my AAU coach, and thatβs when everything changed, man. He taught me how to play basketball, how to dribble, shoot, run. Everything. I switched high schools and by my junior year, it all started to click. My senior year, I went to the Nike All-American Camp and ended up being MVP there, which put me in the top ten in the country. And I told my coach if I become No.1, I want to go pro. And he was like, βI donβt know about all that.β
It sounds as if you couldβve used a couple of years in college before going pro.
You know what, I probably could have. My AAU coach always says that. But I mean, shit, I played 16 yearsβso letβs not get it twisted. [Laughs] When I got to the league, I never, not once thought I didnβt belong. I never thought that my teammates, or the guys I played against, were that much better than me or that I shouldβve gone to college. You know what Iβm saying?
all kobe, no beef: βI had success in New York [with the Knicks] because I just never wanted to get booed,β Harrington says, here in 2010 at Madison Square Garden playing against Los Angeles Lakersβ legend, Kobe Bryant.
Letβs talk about New York CityβI remember you with the Knicks, and all of a sudden, everything clicked for you. You scored more points than ever. Was something different playing at Madison Square Garden versus other places?
Iβll say why I had success in New York was really because I just never wanted to get booed. [Laughs] In New York City, theyβll boo your ass in a minute. So, I always made sure I had my best games in New York because I never wanted to get booed. But I can say I never got booed once in my two years playing there!
How did Viola, your successful cannabis brand since 2011, get its name?
So, my grandmotherβs name is Viola. Right around the time I started playing for the Denver Nuggets, cannabis was just making its way onto the medical scene and I was reading about it every day in the newspapersβIβm a big newspaper readerβand at the end of that year, my grandmother came to see me play. When she got there, she was taking all this medication for high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucomaβ¦I told her Iβd just read that cannabis can cure glaucoma. She looked at me and she said, βReefer?! Boy, you trying to get me to smoke reefer?! You outta your mind!β And she laughed and laughed. But the next day I come home and sheβs sitting in the kitchen complaining about how bad her eyes hurt, and I told her βGrandma, look, youβre in a legal market here. Doctors recommend cannabis for patients dealing with what youβre dealing with, so why donβt you just give it a try?β I called a dispensary, and they recommended a strain called Vietnam Kush. We bought this Volcano bag system, had her go outside and she tried it. I asked her how she was feeling. She was crying, and she said, βIβm healed! I havenβt been able to read the words in my Bible in more than three-and-a-half years.β I hug her and we call my mother, and sheβs telling her, βGod gave me my sight back. Everythingβs so bright.β Thatβs what inspired me to just start learning more about cannabis, weed, reeferβwhatever you want to call itβbecause of the medicinal benefitβthe miracle it was for my grandmother.
Did she live long enough to see the company?
Yep, she did. She died in 2021, so she lived to 91 years. When I launched the company, she came to the launch party. And after we got done with dinner and everything, we were driving home and she was like, βAl, that was a lot of people, and everybody was saying my name, my name was everywhere.β Sheβs like, βIf anything happens bad, will I go to jail?β [Laughs]
Not only do you have the deep medical origin story, but Viola is legitimately committed to entrepreneurs of color.
I mean itβs always been the focus once I got into the industry. This industry isnβt easy and itβs not really set up for us to be successful, especially when people have limited resources. And after COVID, itβs been in this kind of wonky place because so many people lost money betting on these huge players that couldnβt produce. But you know, at the end of the day, itβs like sportsβyou come into a game with a game plan to stop Steph Curry, and if it donβt work, you got to readjust the plan. So, weβve pivoted into the adult beverage space; we continue to stay relevant and make sure that we keep a seat at the table as this industry continues to evolve.
A few years ago, you wrote an article stating there was still a war on marijuana. Do you think thatβs still in place, particularly given the recentβand shockingβ federal ban on hemp Trump signed into law?
Yeah, you see it all the time, man. Obviously, it makes no sense, right? Youβd think that train has left the station already when it comes to banning any cannabis at this point. But thatβs just the world we live in, especially in the US. Like the fact that thereβs still Red Dye 40 in damn near everything we eatβitβs so funny the things they choose to care about when thereβs other things that are really, really affecting and hurting all of us, even children. Itβs just a weird time and the war on cannabis is continuing. [US Senator] Mitch McConnell throwing that in there in a budget bill is just criminal, right? Because whoβs gonna stop a budget bill to address a hemp ban?
And Trumpβs not gonna read the fine print, as we know.
I mean, even if he did, heβs not going to stop itβpeople have been out of work for more than 40 days, right? He canβt stop that to say, βI donβt want hemp in thereβ and go back and forth. But thereβs always gonna be hurdles along the way, βcause weβre going through prohibition, and weβll find a way to come out good on the other side, itβs just gonna take us more time and moneyβand energy that a lot of people donβt seem to have anymore, because we kinda tired and beat up from getting to where are today. But at the end of the day, we see how much good is done and itβd be crazy for us to stop now.
You said post-COVIDβs been wonky for the cannabis industry and capitalβs sort of dried upβwhat Iβve seen is a lot of consolidations and collaborations. Iβve seen your recent work with Allen Iverson. I see you with Ricky Williams. How have you teamed up, and how are collaborations a part of Viola now?
Being an NBA player for 16 years, I understand that no matter how good Reggie Miller was by himself, if it wasnβt all of us collectively working together, he ainβt gonna win no games. So thatβs kind of how I see it. For me, being able to join forces with people that are like-minded and come from sports is importantβI know that athletes donβt quit. And what we do is really intentional.
Is the Iverson collaboration just on the beverage line?
No, so we actually started our collaboration with Allen Iverson in 2021, and it started with just flower. Then it went from flower to vapes to edibles and pre-rolls. Then we started concocting these beverages about two years ago, and we did a collaboration with a company called Tempters, where we provided the terpenes. Weβre coming up on our two-year anniversary with them. Last month, we launched the IVERSON beverage and we got a national mandate with Circle K. So weβll be in 3,000 Circle Ks.
Huge news. What a massive win.
Thank you, bro. I mean that came together so fast, man. God has always been on my side. And the fact that we met Circle K when we did and they allowed us to get in on that fourth quarter set, which was already done six months ago, was a huge play for us. We have all of our beverage line in there, five different brands. Specβs, which is the biggest grossing THC beverage liquor store chain in the country, based in Texas, we just launched in there last week, and weβre just growing it from thereβGoody Goody, Total Wine, Gopuff, weβre working on more. Obviously, with this bill, they just snuck a monkey wrench in there, but weβre still business as usual, weβre just going to have to work and lobby. We got a year to fight it, and I think weβll make some weight because these products are too good and theyβre helping so many people.
Weβve seen a lot of celebrity brands who come into the space, and donβt succeed. Is Violaβs success also partly due because you do enjoy the plant and itβs part of your life? What are some of the strains or forms of consumption that you enjoy?
So for me, I prefer OGs, you know, I just love the way OGs make you feel, it checks all the boxes. It gives you the body high, a little bit of a head high and relaxes me. Iβm not a big sativa smoker because it makes my heart race and I get in my head. For OGs, I like the Skittles for flavor and high, so weβve been doing a lot of variations of cuts with Skittles. Lemon Cherry Gelato had a huge run; weβre doing a lot of crossing with that. Weβre crossing a lot of stuff with Blue Nerds right now. I prefer a hybrid, because I donβt like being too high where I canβt do anything. Iβm looking more for functional, right? And thatβs what we brought to the beveragesβI drink beverages every single day and I smoke more socially. All our beverages have clean ingredientsβlow sugar, low calorie. Always standing true to our roots of health and wellness. Iβve literally lost millions of dollars because I wanted to make sure we stayed with the quality. Bottom line? This brand has my grandmotherβs name. If itβs not good enough for Grandma Viola to smoke, then weβre not allowing nobody else to smoke it. And to your point, I honestly believe thatβs why weβre still here and well respected after all these years.
Yeah, nobodyβs booing you in the cannabis space either, thatβs for sure.Β
No doubt. I still got that fear. [Laughs]
Where are you in five years?
In five years, man, I hope that weβre still in this game. I think weβll have some of the best spirits in the cannabis space, maybe circle back to edibles. I think weβll be one of the biggest brands in convenience, through Circle K, hopefully 7-Eleven and weβre talking to Target. You know, when I started I never wouldβve thought that Iβd ever be sitting in a store next to Doritos and Pepsi. [Laughs] Itβs just amazing where weβve come, and weβre not gonna stop. Weβll keep trying to break down all those damn barriers.
Spacecraft was 'rotating in an unexpected manner' and might have shifted orbit
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Microsoft has good news for administrators: while some organizations now pay for security updates on older Windows versions, the inconsistent quality remains free.β¦
Lawsuit concedes the bird is still the word for many
X has filed a lawsuit against a social media startup over the Twitter brand, effectively acknowledging that millions still use the Twitter domain, call Elon Musk's platform "Twitter," and their emissions "tweets."β¦
Italian cream cake, also called Italian wedding cake, is a fabulously moist cake with flavors of coconut, pecans, and almond. Itβs slathered with cream cheese frosting, and all the flavors come together beautifully. (soy-free and gluten-free options)
Italian wedding cake is normally much more decadent, with a cream cheese buttercream frosting with tons of sugar. I converted it into a lighter, vegan version.Β
Traditionally, Italian cream cake is supposed to be dense, but I aimed for a texture thatβs still moist and fudgy, but with a little airiness. For the cream cheese frosting, I kept it less sweet, but you can always add more sugar if you prefer.Β
This cake it absolutely delicious and perfect for special occasions! Itβs moist and fluffy with a rich texture and tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting. The toasted coconut and pecan toppings add texture and an incredible flavor.
The cake comes together quickly with everyday ingredients. If you donβt have almond extract, you can omit it. Thereβs still plenty of flavor without it!
Why Youβll Love Italian Wedding Cake
lightened up version of the traditional recipe, but still moist and decadent-tasting
delicious combination of textures and flavors β fluffy cake, creamy frosting, and toasty coconut and pecans on top
This whole roasted herb garlic roast chicken has the perfect crispy chicken skin and tons of flavour from herbs, garlic and butter. This post includes detailed instructions on how to roast chicken, make a flavorful herb garlic butter, a delicious jus, as well as tips to prep and carve a chicken.
If thereβs one recipe my family always requests I make every Christmas, itβs this Herb Garlic Roasted Chicken. It makes for such a delicious meal; super satisfying and has all the Christmas-y vibes. This is a complete meal with roasted veggies and gravy made from the leftover meat juices, which means you donβt have to cook separate dishes when hosting and nothing goes to waste!
This recipe and itβs steps might feel long and complicated, but donβt let that intimidate you. Iβve explained each and every step in detail so that itβs simple to follow. You can also take a look at the video below!
Lemon β halved and placed inside the cavity to add freshness and aroma
Rosemary sprig β tucked inside the chicken for subtle herbal flavor
Olive oil β to brush the chicken for a golden, crisp roast
Marinade
Butter β adds a really nice flavor and aroma
Garlic β minced, to infuse the chicken with a deep, savory flavor
Herbs β finely chopped sage, rosemary, and thyme add a lovely earthy aroma and flavor
Paprikaand pepper β for a hint of spicy kick and seasoning
Lemon zest and juice β for brightness and tanginess
Vegetables
Onions and potatoes β for flavor and texture
Garlic head β halved
Chicken stock β poured into the pan to keep the roast juicy and form the base for the gravy. I donβt recommend replacing this with water
Gravy
Flour β to thicken the pan juices after roasting, turning them into a rich, savory gravy
How to Make Herb Garlic Butter
The herbs we have used are thyme and sage, and some people also like to add parsley. They are not overpowering and they beautifully complement each other. Weβve added some paprika and ground pepper for some heat. My favourite and most underrated ingredient is lemon for some citrusy zing! Everything is mixed with butter β this is such a simple marinade with clean flavours.
We use this herb butter under and on the skin which is how this roast chicken recipe is packed with flavour.
Three Important Steps For The Best Crispy Skin Roast Chicken
Loosening chicken skin: The key to getting that crispy skin on the roast chicken is to loosen the skin of the chicken before marinating it. The skin on the chicken traps all the juices of the herb garlic butter and allows the meat to absorb flavours really well. It makes the chicken really succulent and also gives a nice crispy skin on top. Be as careful as possible so you donβt tear the skin. Donβt skip this step, otherwise youβll end up with a fab looking chicken on the outside but with bland meat on the inside.
Marinating the chicken: The advantage of having loosened the skin of the chicken is that you can not only put the herb garlic butter over the chicken, but also under the skin and inside the cavity! This actually creates a double whammy of flavours! We recommend marinating the stuffed chicken overnight in the fridge for max flavour!
Trussing the chicken: Trussing is basically when you tie up the wings and legs of a chicken, or any bird, before roasting it. For this roast chicken, we havenβt trussed the bird like it is traditionally done. Weβve just tied the legs to make it more presentable! Tuck the wings of the chicken behind the neck. This prevents the wing tips from burning as the chicken roasts.
How To Cook A Whole Chicken
I like to use a cast iron skillet to roast the chicken and veggies, but any roasting pan will do. Elevate the chicken (breast side up) by placing it on top of the veggies β this way the meat juices will easily drip down into the pan. A drizzle of olive oil on top ensures it gets that golden colour. With me so far? Great job! Weβve added chicken stock and a few sprigs of rosemary to the pan. And weβll use these reduced juices to make a delicious jus. Yum yum!
Richaβs Top Tips
If your chicken was refrigerated, take it out of the fridge 60 minutes before you are ready to roast it to bring it to room temperature. This will ensure even cooking.
Preheat the oven at 200 degrees C. Preheating helps to cook the meat evenly.
Bake the chicken at 200 degrees C for about 25-30 minutes
The cooking time will differ based on the size of the chicken. The general rule is 25 minutes cook time for 500 grams of chicken. Our 1 kg whole roast chicken took about 50 minutes to cook.Β
After baking for 30 minutes, baste the chicken β with the rendered fat and juices of the chicken and veggies in the bottom of the pan. After basting it, put the chicken back in the oven for another 20 minutes.
At this point, if the skin is browning up too quickly, place another tray on the rack above the chicken. This will prevent the heat from hitting the chicken skin directly.
When the oven temperature hits 75C or 165F, OR when you see those meat juices running clear, thatβs when you know that the chicken is done.
Rest for 10-15 minutes before carving
How to Carve Chicken
Now itβs carving time! Cut off and remove the twine completely. Use a fork and a meat knife and cut between the joints of the leg and body. If your chicken is cooked perfectly, it should cut right through without any hassle. Next, keeping your hand for support, horizontally slice off each breast of the chicken. The wings can be taken off next. And finally, you can shred any extra meat off the carcass. The carcass is perfect to make stock.Β
Roast Chicken Gravy
Usually the gravy is made with a roux of flour and butter and the meat juices. Weβve taken a shortcut by directly whisking in flour. (Just saving you and me a couple of extra steps!) The jus will turn out to be a nice golden brown and saucy. Itβs my favourite part of the dish coz itβs like all components of this dish rolled into one! Plus we donβt want to waste a single bit of flavour in that pan. Serve this jus in an elegant piece of crockery, and pour it onto the chicken pieces in front of your guests. Howβs that for presentation?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes! Use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more potent. Rub them between your fingers before adding to release flavor. Note: the taste will be deeper and slightly earthier than fresh herbs.
Whatβs the best way to know if the roast chicken is done?
The most reliable way is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone); the chicken is done when it reaches about 75Β°C and the juices run clear.
Serving Ideas
Serve the carved herb garlic roast chicken with the roasted onions, sweet potatoes, and garlic from the pan, plus a generous drizzle of the lemony pan gravy.
Pair with simple sides like mashed potatoes, buttered green beans, steamed veggies, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
For a more casual meal, serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up all the buttery, herby juices.
Customisation ideas
Swap sweet potatoes with carrots, regular potatoes, or parsnips for a different roast veggie mix.
Change up the herbs by using Italian seasoning or adding oregano and parsley if you do not have sage or thyme.
Add a touch of heat with chilli flakes or cayenne in the marinade, or a bit of honey for a sweeter, caramelised finish on the skin.
This herb garlic roast chicken is the kind of recipe you can come back to on special occasions, but it is comforting enough to make for cozy weekends too. With crisp skin, juicy meat, and plenty of roasted veggies and gravy on the side, it is simple enough for everyday cooking but impressive enough for guests.
If you make this recipe, donβt forget to send me pictures over on my IG @my_foodstory. I love seeing your recreations and chatting with you guys!
Classic roast chicken made scrumptious with our very own herb garlic marinade. This detailed foolproof recipe will help you make the perfect homemade roast chicken.
1kgwhole chickenat room temperature giblets and neck removed from cavity
1Lemon halved
1sprigRosemary
Olive Oilfor brushing
Marinade
Β½cupSalted Butter
2tablespoonGarlicminced
Β½teaspoonSagechopped
Β½teaspoonRosemary chopped
Β½teaspoonThyme chopped
1tablespoonPaprika
1 Β½teaspoonSalt
Β½teaspoonPepper
1Lemon Zested
1tablespoonLemon Juice
Vegetables
3Onion quartered
2Sweet Potato chunks
1headGarlic halved
Β½cupChicken Stock + ΒΌ cup extra
Gravy
1tablespoonflour
Instructions
Add all the marinade ingredients to a mixing bowl and whisk together to combine. Use the back of a spoon to gently loosen the skin. Turn over the chicken and repeat the process using the other end of the spoon. Use the spoon to insert marinade underneath the chicken skin. Massage the chicken and spread the marinade evenly. Remember to add butter in the cavity as well. Rub the remaining marinade all over the chicken. Cover the chicken and rest for 2-3 hours or overnight.
Stuff the rosemary sprig into the chicken cavity along with half a lemon. Tie legs together with kitchen string.
Lightly grease a roasting pan. Mix the sweet potato, onion, and garlic in a bowl. Place some of the vegetables in the center of the roasting pan. Place breast-side up on top of the vegetables in the middle. Place the remaining vegetables on the sides of the pan. Tuck the wings underneath the chicken as they cook faster and we do not want to overcook them. Rub the chicken with some olive oil and drizzle some over the vegetables as well. Add half a cup of chicken stock to the pan.
Preheat the oven to 200C. Roast in the oven for 45-50 minutes. baste using the pan juices half way through cooking time. Remember when cooked, juices run clear when chicken thigh is pierced with a skewer. Internal temperature should read 75C.
Remove from the oven and allow it to stand for 10 minutes before serving. To carve the chicken, first cut out the legs. Then proceed to cut the breast out carefully, seperate the wing tips and then remove the meat from the cavity area.
Remove the vegetables from the roasting pan and move it to a serving platter. Add 1 tablespoons of flour to the pan and whisk it with the pan juices. Bring this mixture to a boil over low heat till the liquid thickens up to make a gravy. Add up to an additional quarter cup of stock if necessary. Serve hot along with the chicken and vegetables!
Video
Notes
The chicken I used was approximately 1.2 kgs.Β This took 90 minutes at 220C. The time may vary depending on your ovenβs capacity and the size of the chicken.Β
Use chicken with skin on as the skin gives it that crispy roast texture.Β
Remember to marinade the chicken well. Apply the marinade in between the skin and meat. These pockets can hold ample amounts of marinade and help get the flavour all the way into the meat.Β
Knowing when the chicken is cooked:Β The internal temperature of cooked chicken should read 165F/73C. The most handy way to tell would be using a meat thermometer. If you do not own one, you can cut and check the juices. If the meat is white in colour and the juices run clear that means the chicken is cooked. The meat or the juices should not have a red/pinkish hue.Β
Getting rid of juices Tip 1: A trick to getting rid of the juices if you absolutely prefer it that way is to remove the chicken once its cooked and place the sheet pan with veggies back into the oven on the top rack. Turn the broiler or the top element on and let the veggies broil for 3-4 minutes. This will get them nice and crispy and evaporate all the juices in the sheet pan.
Getting rid of juices Tip 2:Β Another way to get rid of the juices is to sear the thighs on both sides in a pan first before placing them in the oven. This can help lock in the juices so that you have less liquid when it comes out of the oven.
Earth's orbit is starting to look like an LA freeway, with more and more satellites being launched each year. If you're worried about collisions and space debris making the area unusable β and you should be β scientists have proposed a new metric to contribute to your anxiety: the CRASH Clock.β¦
Eight-hour EVA was also first outing for new spacesuits
A pair of taikonauts ventured outside China's Tiangong space station this week to take a closer look at the cracked viewport window of the Shenzhou-20 vehicle.β¦
Copilot β your cuddly companion for nighttime introspection
Microsoft analyzed 37.5 million de-identified Copilot conversations from January to September 2025, excluding commercial and educational accounts. The findings reveal distinct usage patterns based on device, time, and day.β¦
This sun-dried tomato roast makes a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table. Packed with umami and filled with a hearty blend of mushrooms and potatoes, it delivers deep flavor and satisfying texture in every slice. Completely vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free with an easy nut-free option.
This is my version of a vegan holiday roast. We make this βmeatβ mixture with some white beans and almond flour, and process it until smooth. I also add some sun dried tomatoes for that rich, umami flavor.Β
Next, make the stuffing with cooked mushrooms, potatoes, and herbs. Place that on top of the bean mixture, roll it up using the parchment, and bake it.Β
It turns into this delicious, amazing-smelling roast thatβs full of herbs and deep umami flavor from the sun dried tomatoes. Itβs just perfect!
Itβs completely gluten-free, but if you prefer, you can use all-purpose flour instead of tapioca starch. Itβs also soy-free, since many of you asked for a soy-free option after I made that very popular tofu holiday roast a few years ago.Β
You can easily adjust the flavors to your taste! Use fewer sun-dried tomatoes or different herbs, if you like. I usually serve it with a side salad, my simple vegan gravy, and some roasted vegetables for a perfect holiday or dinner plate.
Why Youβll Love Sun Dried Tomato Roast
umami-packed vegan holiday roast
savory mushroom-potato stuffing
make-ahead friendly vegan holiday entree
naturally gluten-free and soy-free with nut-free option
Billionaire's bid progresses while agency braces for sweeping reductions and program uncertainty
Jared Isaacman has cleared another hurdle on his way to becoming the next NASA Administrator after the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation gave the billionaire SpaceX customer the nod.β¦
Younger finance pros are just as loyal to Microsoft's venerable spreadsheet app as their elders
Despite its advancing years, Microsoft Excel is proving a hit with young finance professionals, many of whom reckon the aging number-cruncher has a bright future.β¦
Native MCP support lands in Insider Dev and Beta builds
Microsoft has begun rolling out a public preview of native support for the Model Context Protocol (MCP) in the latest Windows 11 Insider builds, edging its much-touted βagentic OSβ vision closer to reality.β¦
Brussels accused of using Ad Composer quirk to post link disguised as a video
X has terminated the European Commission's ad account after Brussels used it to post a video announcing the platform's β¬120 million Digital Services Act (DSA) fine β which was in fact just a link to the press release.β¦