Global Sides for Festive Pies
Around the World in Six Sides: the Ultimate Pie Pairings 🌍
Christmas is a time for indulgence, family, and - most importantly - food. While our festive pies already pack a whole lot of holiday magic, why not take your Christmas feasting to the next level with some global-inspired sides?
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Think outside the cranberry sauce jar and explore how delicious festive flavours from other cultures really are! From buttery potatoes to zesty salads, these global pairings are here to take your pies on a culinary world tour.
1. The UK: Classic Roast Veggies with a Twist 🥕
Let's start off with our very own classic Christmas sides. I think we all know that nothing beats roasted parsnips, carrots, and sprouts with our Christmas Day dinner! For a proper festive upgrade, though, we say toss them in a honey and mustard glaze or sprinkle over some crushed hazelnuts.
These caramelized beauties are a dreamy pairing for a Venison & Port Pie, with the veggies adding a touch of sweetness to balance the hearty, savoury taste of the venison!
2. France: Potato Dauphinoise 🥔
Though we may arrange out Christmas plate a bit like this👆 in the UK, let's head over to France and see what they have in store for us! Some French foodies say why settle for plain mash when you can have layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in cream, garlic, and a hint of nutmeg?
After all, this indulgent side is magnifique alongside the Turkey, Ham, Brie & Cranberry Pie, enhancing its creamy Brie notes while adding a little French flair to your feast. Yum- maybe it really is time to switch up our traditional mash pairing after all!
3. Morocco: Spiced Couscous Salad 😋
Now, this one may seem like a bit of a no-brainer. Morocco is known for their exciting flavours so their sides easily match the vibe of our Moroccan-inspired Veggie Tagine Pie!
Brighten up your plate with fluffy couscous mixed with pomegranate seeds, fresh mint, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Perfect with the Tagine pie, this side brings out the pie's rich North African spices and adds a festive pop of colour to your table.
4. Italy: Caponata, or Insalata di Natale (Christmas Salad) 🥗
When it comes to Italian cuisine, we couldn't choose just one side!!
Sicily's Caponata- a sweet-and-sour Sicilian vegetable dish made with aubergines, tomatoes, olives, and capers, is our first choice here. Serve this alongside the Sprout Pie, and you’ll turn even the most hardened sprout sceptics into believers. The tangy caponata complements the nutty, cheesy richness of the fill.
Our second recommendation is Italy’s Insalata di Natale - a colourful, zesty salad made with fennel, oranges, and pomegranate seeds! It's quintessentially festive and perfect as an appetizer or light side dish to pair with any hearty pie 🥧
5. Germany: Sauerkraut and Kartoffelsalat (Potato Salad)
Germany does NOT mess around when it comes to festive sides, and their Kartoffelsalat is proof! This tangy, creamy delight is a holiday staple, often made with a warm bacon vinaigrette or a light mayo dressing. Pair it with our Pigs in Blankets Pie, and you’ve got a harmony of smoky, salty flavours that’ll leave everyone reaching for seconds 🤤
But why stop there? Add a side of sauerkraut for a hit of sharp, fermented goodness. The kraut’s acidity cuts through the pie’s richness, while its crunch adds a whole new layer of texture to your plate. It’s the ultimate savoury-sour combo to elevate your Christmas feast!
6. Japan: KFC-Inspired Coleslaw
Now this one may sound a bit silly! But did you know that KFC is a Christmas tradition in Japan?! A creamy coleslaw inspired by the Colonel himself is our pick for a fresh and crunchy pairing to the handheld Turkey, Ham & Cranberry Pasty, or even the Cranberry Sausage Roll!
We know it feels a bit rouge, but if you want a portable feast with a festive and international twist, this is going to rock your world 🌏 (And who doesn't love a bit of slaw?!)
✈️ Bring the World to Your Table ✈️
So this Christmas, give your pies the global treatment they deserve! Whether you’re staying traditional or spicing things up, these international sides will make your festive meal one to remember!!
It may be absolutely freezing outside, but take your tastebuds somewhere exciting when planning your world tour of flavour 🤩
Go on- Take a Chunk!
