25 recipes that will instantly take the stress and strain out of your Easter lunch planning

To anyone responsible for magically bringing together a festive feast, we feel you! It might even seem easier to climb Table Mountain on a windy day than to plan a menu and then cook it all, but fear not. We’ve taken the time to go through our bank of recipes to offer you some inspiration. Below you’ll find a host of delicious ideas just waiting to be brought to life in your kitchen.

Move over, Martha Stewart!

Starters and nibbles
To whet the appetite – offer a selection of platters where everyone can help themselves. Or, if you prefer a more formal affair, plate individual dishes for each person.

Bruschetta with brown mushrooms, peppers and coriander pesto

Porcini mushroom croquettes

Goat’s cheese puffs with thyme salt

Zucchini labneh tart

Camembert with caramelised figs

Mains
Lamb is the traditional Easter meat but we’ve included some chicken and also a true SA favourite – pickled fish. We’ve also got some plant-based options should your guests be plant-based eaters.

Roast garlic, thyme and oregano lamb

Braai leg of lamb with chimichurri sauce, pomegranates and cauliflower and zucchini puree

The perfect roast chicken

Cape Malay pickled fish tacos

Apricot, origanum and garlic braised lamb shanks

Vegetarian

Aubergine cheesecake

Brinjal stacks with couscous and pesto

Potato and vegetable torte

Roast butternut and Swiss chard barley risotto

Side dishes
We’ve said it before and we’ll happily say it again… your side dishes can make or break a meal so pick them wisely and don’t treat them as an accessory (or worse – cook them listlessly).

Pumpkin, sweet potato and pear bake

Roast vegetables with a tahini-yoghurt drizzle

Stuffed, baked sweet potatoes

Grilled potato, corn and green beans with pesto dressing

3 ways with roast potatoes

Dessert department
During Easter, there’s no such thing as ‘over the top’ so the more indulgent and drool-worthy you go, the better! Check out these sweet treats that will make your heart skip a beat.

Hot cross bun ice cream

Chocolate Easter egg surprise cake

Amarula and orange Malva pudding-filled eggs

Baked Nutella chocolate torte

Chocolate marshmallow Easter egg fridge bars