‘Tis the season of the roast dinner, but traditionalists should look away immediately, as some Brits are cooking up a culinary storm with their odd choices of condiments.
Apparently, some are enjoying ketchup, mayonnaise and even yoghurt with a roast, according to McCain research, which found maverick cooks are opting for alternative condiments, including salad cream, BBQ sauce and sour cream.
McCain was particularly surprised to find one guy who likes his roast with custard:
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Yet what is this blasphemy in aid of?
The study of 2,000 adults was commissioned by McCain – the chip company – who are planning to launch an experimental restaurant experience, especially for roast dinner lovers.
Mark Hodge, from McCain, said:
As a family business, we understand that a roast dinner is at the heart of the nation’s taste buds.
This is why we wanted to launch the #GreatRoastDebate to uncover and celebrate its diversity and inspire the country to share their unusual combinations.
He continues:
From fish and meatballs to ketchup and sour cream, we are clearly a country that loves to experiment.
However, some things will never change and what has become clear is that we all still love a roast potato, like McCain Roasts that are made just as you would at home – basted, never battered – for a perfect golden, crispy finish.
The poll revealed the wonderful ways people upgrade their roasts, with unconventional veg and an array of quirky condiments.
One in ten like ketchup with their roast, with others enjoying hot sauce, tartar sauce and even mango chutney.
It was also revealed the new varieties of veg on the side of a roast, with sweetcorn and kale proving popular choices. Other alternatives include courgette, sweet potatoes and beetroot.
Yet roast potatoes are a must, with 85 per cent agreeing they are essential.
The study, conducted via OnePoll.com, found nearly two thirds of Brits couldn’t give up a roast dinner.
Three out of four ‘traditional’ Brits will treat themselves to a roast dinner on a Sunday, but one sixth agree there’s no particular day for such a tasty tea.
Eight per cent are spoiling themselves by having an average of at least two roasts a week.
Chicken still reigns supreme as our roast meat choice, followed by beef, pork and lamb. Three quarters of Brits concluded it’s perfectly acceptable to enjoy Yorkshire puddings with any meat.
Three in ten will even indulge in sausages as part of their Sunday roast, with an equal number accompanying their roast with gammon – some will even enjoy fish, a fried egg or meatballs.
More than seven in ten also appreciate a Brussel sprout with a roast any time of the year.
The gravy preference of the nation is of a thick consistency with nearly two thirds agreeing all they need is enough for what’s on their plate.
Top ten things Brits think a roast should include; the all-important roast potatoes, with meat and gravy listing second and third best.
Bizarrely, carrots come in at fourth in the top ten, beating the majestic Yorkshire pudding at number five.
Broccoli is the third favourite veg, at sixth place, surprisingly deemed more important than stuffing, which follows. Bringing up the rear are peas, my personal favourite, parsnips and the much-maligned Brussel sprout.
Now you decide. Cast your vote with this quiz:
The restaurant will be open from 8-10 December at the Old Truman Brewery where there will be over 100,000 roast combinations on offer at the restaurant which are based on the research findings.
Consumers will be able to book tickets through EventBrite from 25 November.
A former emo kid who talks too much about 8Chan meme culture, the Kardashian Klan, and how her smartphone is probably killing her. Francesca is a Cardiff University Journalism Masters grad who has done words for BBC, ELLE, The Debrief, DAZED, an art magazine you’ve never heard of and a feminist zine which never went to print.