Fusion

Christmas

Dinner: 5 Indian Recipes To Replace The Traditional Roast

Quick Summary

Christmas dinner is getting a modern makeover, and Indian flavours are totally in charge. Instead of the usual roast turkey or glazed ham, this year, experiment with bold Indian festive dishes like Butter Chicken Wellington, Tandoori Turkey, and spiced vegetarian dishes. This article looks at five India-inspired recipes that turn the traditional Christmas spread into a colourful, flavourful fusion feast, which will be perfect for a holiday table. Dive deeper to know more. 

Deep Dive

Christmas food is about culture, climate, and creativity. In the UK, the classic roast is the heart of the festive Christmas table. But as palates are evolving and global cuisines are blending, Christmas menus are beginning to look very different. For many families in India and across the diaspora, Christmas is about community, nostalgia, and food that tastes like home. This also extends to the festive platter, where spices, tandoor-style marinades, rich gravies, and vibrant sides do the work of a carved roast. 

A fusion Christmas menu takes care of both worlds: the comfort of a traditional holiday dinner and the warmth of Indian spices. It keeps the Christmas dinner vibes intact while introducing flavours such as kasuri methi, garam masala, coconut milk, and smoked chillies. These dishes do not just replace the classic roast; they reinvent it. Read this article to learn about five Indian-inspired ideas that can take centre stage at the Christmas festive table in an Indian style. 

Butter Chicken Wellington

A festive idea inspired by the classic Beef Wellington, this version has tender pieces of tandoori-style chicken wrapped in a rich, creamy makhani sauce. The filling is cooked down until thick and buttery, ensuring it stays firm inside the pastry. It is then enclosed in puff pastry, scored on top for a golden finish, and baked until crisp. This results in a dramatic centrepiece with layers of texture of the crunch of pastry, the silky sauce, and the smoky, spiced chicken within. This recipe has the grandeur of a traditional roast with the Indian warmth.

Tandoori Turkey With Herb Butter

For those who prefer the familiarity of a Christmas turkey but want something bolder, a tandoori marinade works beautifully. Combining yoghurt, ginger–garlic paste, Kashmiri chilli, lemon juice, and garam masala, the marinade helps in tenderising the bird while adding vivid colour. Herb butter tucked under the skin brings moisture and richness, balancing the spices with a homely flavour. Roasted low and slow, this turkey develops charred edges reminiscent of a tandoor while staying juicy inside. This goes well with mint yoghurt, spiced gravy, or even a cranberry-kasuri methi chutney for a festive twist.

Coconut Malai Roast Vegetables

Not every showstopper needs to be meat-based. A platter of roast vegetables coated in a coconut-malai glaze brings fragrance, creaminess, and festive charm. Seasonal vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are tossed in a mixture of coconut cream, fresh curry leaves, mustard seeds, and green chillies. When roasted, the vegetables caramelise lightly, while the glaze thickens into a velvety layer. The dish is comforting and brings freshness, and sits beautifully alongside bolder mains. It is also a perfect option for vegetarian or vegan guests without compromising on Christmas richness.

Kashmiri Rogan Josh Shepherd's Pie

A fusion take on the British favourite, this version replaces the classic minced filling with slow-cooked rogan josh. The Kashmiri dish, known for its deep red colour and aromatic spices, creates a hearty, warming base beneath the mashed potato layer. The potatoes can be infused with saffron or simply kept buttery for contrast. Once baked, the top turns crisp and golden while the rogan josh bubbles underneath, with layers of flavour and texture. This dish is familiar yet festive, making it a comforting option for those seeking a crossover between British and Indian holiday flavours.

Achari Paneer Tikka Bake

A reliable favourite for festive gatherings, achari paneer tikka bake has the familiar comfort of paneer tikka and the richness of oven-baked flavours. Paneer cubes are marinated in a yoghurt mixture mixed with pickling spices such as mustard seeds, fennel, nigella, and fenugreek, giving the dish its signature tang. Peppers and onions add colour and sweetness, while the baking process gives a gentle smokiness without a tandoor. This results in a vibrant dish for the festive spread that offers bold and warm flavours that pair beautifully with rice, rotis, or a simple winter salad.

Christmas Reimagined

A fusion Christmas menu proves that festive traditions can evolve without losing their spirit. By bringing together Indian flavours and classic holiday influences, these dishes create a dining experience that is both familiar and exciting. Whether it is a Butter Chicken Wellington that slices like a luxury roast, a Tandoori Turkey that fills the room with warm spices, or a vegetable dish enriched with coconut and curry leaves, each recipe offers something unique for a modern festive table. This Indian inspired theme adds colour, aroma and a different touch to the Christmas dinner. It welcomes new flavours while keeping the original essence of Christmas intact!