ROASTS

If you order roast beef at a restaurant, you get to enjoy that family favourite without doing any of the work. What meal could possibly bring more comfort to anyone than a delicious roast beef dinner.

While the roast beef is the star on the plate, there are many things that enhance and complement it.

Classic Toppings and Sides

From beef broth to horseradish, restaurants know how to top up this favourite family classic, the perfect roast beef dinner.

Classic toppings: Au jus is a French term meaning "with juice," and it usually refers to a light beef broth served with roasted meat, often a roast beef sandwich. The sauce is made by using the drippings left in the pan after cooking the meat, which are then simmered and sometimes reduced to concentrate the flavor. It’s typically savory, with a rich, meaty taste that complements the beef it’s served with.

Horseradish is a root vegetable with a sharp, pungent flavor. When grated or prepared into a sauce, it has a spicy, tangy kick that can really clear the sinuses! It’s often used as a condiment to add heat and flavor to dishes, especially beef dishes like prime rib or roast beef. The heat comes from the enzyme in the horseradish root, which can be quite intense when fresh but tends to mellow out a bit when mixed with vinegar or cream in prepared sauces.

Combining au jus and horseradish is a popular way to enjoy roast beef—dipping the beef in the savory au jus and then adding a dollop of horseradish for a spicy kick makes for a flavorful experience!

Accompaniments

There are several sides that create a well-rounded and satisfying meal, with each component adding its unique flavor and texture to elevate the roast beef experience.

Yorkshire Pudding: This classic British side is a perfect match for roast beef. The light, airy texture of Yorkshire pudding soaks up the rich, savory juices of the beef, creating a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture. Its slightly crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior provide a satisfying complement to the hearty, meaty main dish.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic are a comforting and flavorful side that pairs wonderfully with roast beef. The garlic adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the potatoes, enhancing the overall richness of the meal. The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes also balances the robust flavors of the beef.

Roast Vegetables: Roasted carrots, beets, and green beans offer a vibrant, sweet, and earthy contrast to the savory roast beef. Carrots and beets, when roasted, develop a caramelized sweetness that complements the meat’s rich flavors. Green beans provide a fresh, slightly crisp bite that adds variety and balance to the meal.

Mushrooms: Sauteed or roasted mushrooms add an umami-rich depth to the plate, enhancing the savory notes of the roast beef. Their rich, meaty flavor complements the beef, while their tender texture provides a pleasing contrast to the roast’s crisp exterior.