Description

Jamie Oliver Nut roast is a savory, baked dish made with a mixture of nuts, breadcrumbs, vegetables, and herbs. It’s often served as a vegetarian main course during special occasions, offering a rich and filling alternative to meat-based roasts.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large carrot, grated

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

150g mushrooms, chopped

200g mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts), roughly chopped

100g breadcrumbs

100g cooked chestnuts (optional)

100g grated cheddar cheese (or a plant-based alternative for the vegan version)

1 tablespoon tomato purée

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

2 eggs (or flaxseed egg for a vegan option)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf tin and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. Cook the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the chopped mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and soften.

3. Toast the Nuts

While the vegetables are cooking, lightly toast the chopped mixed nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. Set them aside.

4. Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, toasted nuts, breadcrumbs, grated cheddar cheese, and cooked chestnuts (if using). Stir in the tomato purée, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add the Eggs

Lightly beat the eggs and fold them into the mixture. This will help bind everything together. For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg).

6. Transfer to the Loaf Tin

Spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf tin, pressing it down firmly and smoothing the top.

7. Bake the Nut Roast

Bake the nut roast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until it is firm and golden on top. Allow the roast to rest for 10 minutes before removing it from the tin.

8. Serve

Slice the nut roast and serve with gravy, roast potatoes, or your favorite side dishes. Garnish with fresh parsley for extra color and flavor.