If you are from Newcastle, you know that Sunday roast is not just a meal, it’s a tradition. This meal is deeply embedded in the Northeast culture, and it is something that locals look forward to every week. A classic Sunday roast dinner in Newcastle comprises of roasted meat, vegetables, crispy roasties, rich gravy, and maybe even a bit of stuffing or Yorkshire pudding. However, what sets Geordie Sunday roast apart is the use of local and traditional ingredients and the unique flavor combinations.
If you are a true Geordie, you know it’s not a Sunday roast dinner if it’s not served with stottie bread. Stottie is a type of bread that is as much a part of the Northeast’s identity as the Angel of the North. This bread is soft and fluffy on the inside and has a crusty exterior. It’s perfect for mopping up the meat juices and gravy or for making sandwiches with the leftovers. While some prefer white stottie bread, others would opt for the brown one, which is made with wholemeal flour.
Another must-try item on a Geordie Sunday roast is pan haggerty. This cheesy potato bake is an essential part of any Newcastle Sunday dinner. It is made from layers of thinly sliced potatoes, onions, cheese, and butter. The dish is cooked until the potatoes are tender and the cheese has melted to create a deliciously gooey layer on top. Some variations of pan haggerty also include bacon or sausage, adding a meaty flavor to the dish. Whether or not you’re a fan of cheese, you will fall in love with this dish.
When it comes to the main meat of the Sunday roast, roast beef is the preferred choice for most Geordies. The beef is slow-roasted for several hours until it’s perfectly tender and juicy. Locals also like to use beef that is reared in Northumberland, Durham, or Yorkshire, as it’s said to have superior flavor. If you’re not a fan of beef, roasted lamb or pork are also popular choices. One twist that Geordies often add to their roast meat is cranberry sauce. This sweet and tangy sauce complements the rich meat and helps to cut through the heaviness of the dish.
While the meat is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the meal, the vegetables that accompany it are just as important. Roast potatoes are a staple of any Sunday roast and are cooked until they are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Locals also enjoy honey-roasted parsnips, which are sweet and caramelized, and buttered carrots, which are soft and tender. Savoy cabbage or kale, cooked with butter and a touch of nutmeg, also finds a place on the Geordie Sunday roast plate. Other favorite vegetables include Brussels sprouts, green beans, and carrots.
One of the advantages of living in Newcastle is the proximity to the sea. As a result, seafood can sometimes be a welcome addition to Sunday roast. Seafood lovers might include cockles, mussels or jellied eels in their roast dinner. While this is not a tradition unique to Newcastle, it is certainly something that sets the Geordie roast apart.
In conclusion, a Geordie Sunday roast is more than just a meal, it’s a cultural experience. From the roast meat to the vegetables to the accompaniments, every ingredient is carefully selected to create a harmonious plate of food. It’s a meal that brings family and friends together, and one that everyone can enjoy. If you’re ever in Newcastle on a Sunday, be sure to try this iconic meal for yourself and discover why it’s an important part of Geordie culture.