10 Creative Sunday Lunch Ideas to Try This Weekend

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For many, Sunday Lunch is a beloved tradition, a time to gather with friends and family. Often, we even treat our loved ones with delicious home-cooked food while spending quality time together. However, classic Sunday lunch ideas can become repetitive and mundane.

Thus, we all regularly look for innovative Sunday lunch ideas that are not only tasty but also bursting with flavour. To ease your work, we have curated a list of 10 creative and delectable Sunday lunch recipes you can try this weekend!

From Deconstructed Salads and Wraps to mouthwatering Biryani and delectable chicken Korma, these dishes will ensure that your Sunday lunch is anything but boring. So, read on to learn more about them!

What are some creative Sunday lunch ideas?

Gearing up for Sunday lunch doesn’t have to mean hours spent in the kitchen. Innovation and creativity can turn even the most straightforward dishes into something spectacular.

These Sunday lunch ideas not only dish out a lot of flavours, but they also offer a variety of options to cater to different tastes and dietary requirements. Whether you’re in the mood for an Indian Curry to try out or wish to opt for a vegetarian lasagna, there’s something for everyone on this list!

1. Deconstructed Salads and Wraps

 

Let’s start with a lighter approach to Sunday lunch, using a salad that has been deconstructed and turned into a wrap! Yeah, you heard that right!

Here’s a unique way to enjoy your greens without skimping on taste:

• Start off with a mix of your favourite greens
• Add some colour with fresh veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
• For proteins, grilled chicken works wonders, so add it as well.
• Once everything is done, toss everything together with a light Caesar dressing.
• Just lightly grill or toast tortilla wraps, stuff them with the salad, roll them tight and slice them into bite-sized pieces.

The result is a delightful deconstructed salad wrap that is both refreshing and filling. This is an ‘all-in-one’ meal, perfect for busy households craving quality time together over a delicious and healthy Sunday meal.

2. Biryani

 

One of the world’s most beloved dishes, Biryani, is an explosion of flavours that will transport you to the aromatic streets of India. With its layers of fragrant rice, juicy meat (either mutton, chicken, fish or prawns), and potent spices, this veg or chicken dinner as biryani is a delight for all the senses.

While you can make them in a variety of ways as the best part of Sunday lunch ideas, check out the easiest method below:

• Rinse and soak 2 cups basmati rice for 30 minutes, then drain.
• Heat oil and sauté 1 sliced onion until golden. Add 2 chopped tomatoes and 3-4 green chillies, then 1 lb chicken or veggies, 1 cup yoghurt, and 2-3 tbsp biryani masala. Cook until done.
• Stir in 4 cups water and salt, then bring to a boil.
• Add rice, stir gently, cover, and cook on low for 20-30 minutes.
• Let sit for 10 minutes, then fluff and garnish with cilantro and mint.

Feel like royalty this Sunday with a show-stopping Biryani – Don’t forget to serve it hot with cool raita and buttermilk on the side! Impressive, isn’t it?

3. Veggie-Stuffed Pasta Shells

 

If you’re looking for a vegetarian dish that could still pass for comfort food, look no further than veggie-stuffed pasta shells. These jumbo shells are packed full of ricotta cheese, spinach, and various other veggies, then covered in a rich marinara sauce and baked to perfection.

To make this delicious recipe:

• Boil jumbo pasta shells, drain, and set aside.
• Mix ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for filling.
• Fill shells with the mixture, place in a baking dish with marinara sauce, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes (20 minutes covered, 10 minutes uncovered).

Voila, the result is a gooey, cheesy pasta dish that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds. A bonus tip is that this dish pairs beautifully with a light side salad or some crusty bread, making it a crowd-pleaser for your Sunday lunch!

4. Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sampler

 

A gourmet grilled cheese sampler is a delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. In short, instead of just one type of cheese, this sampler features a variety of cheeses and tasty additions, including fancy bread, unique spreads, and more!

Check out how to make it:

• Pick your favourite bread and a few types of cheese.
• Layer in any add-ins you like. It can be sweet and spicy fillings or meaty additions.
• Butter the outside of the sandwich and cook on medium heat until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
• Cut the sandwiches into smaller pieces to sample different flavours.

Indeed, this gourmet grilled cheese sampler is fun to make and perfect for sharing with friends or family. They will come to you to request the same dish for Sunday suppers as well.

5.  Slow Cooker Indian Curry

 

The convenience of a slow cooker for preparing Indian Curry ensures a hassle-free cooking experience. It allows you to savour the rich gravy infused with exotic Indian spices without the fuss.

Whether you wish to prepare a veg curry or a non-veg curry for the main course, following the below steps would help:

• Chop the onion, garlic, and ginger. If using meat, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
• Add the chopped onion, garlic, ginger, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and salt and pepper to the slow cooker.
• Stir in the chicken, beef, or chickpeas and the vegetables. For vegetarians, replace the meat items with Paneer.
• Set the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the protein is cooked through and tender.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over rice or with naan bread.

Enjoy this hearty meal with your loved ones for a truly memorable dining experience.

Also Read: Mutton and Vegetable Curry Recipe

6. Chicken Korma Gravy

 

Being a part of the Indian curry, chicken korma is an Indian classic that is cooked slowly in a pot. One may even consider it as an instant pot recipes dish. It combines tender chicken with a luxurious blend of spices and creamy sauce.

Follow the instructions carefully to prepare this chicken recipe:

• Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until golden brown.
• Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
• Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned.
• Reduce heat, then mix in yoghurt and ground almonds/cashews. Stir well to combine.
• Add korma curry paste/spices and coconut milk (if using). Season with salt. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

So what are you waiting for? Include this dish in your Sunday lunch ideas, and watch as everyone requests it again for Sunday dinner!

7. The Best Lasagna Ever

 

To make your Sunday extra special, choose the ultimate comfort food with the best lasagna ever. You can even layer a big batch of it with tender pasta, rich gravy, and a blend of flavours, this classic dish is a sure crowd-pleaser for your Sunday gathering.

The easiest way to make it:

• Cook 12 lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
• Brown 1 lb ground beef or sausage; drain excess fat. Add 2 cups marinara sauce and simmer.
• In a bowl, combine 15 oz ricotta cheese, 1 egg, 1 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and salt/pepper.
• In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Layer 4 noodles, half the ricotta mixture, a third of the mozzarella (about 1 cup), and more meat sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with noodles and sauce.
• Finish with remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
• Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
• Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Whether it’s a family time or a special occasion, this lasagna recipe stands out with its creamy sauce and savoury meat filling.

8. One-Pan Asian Tofu Stir Fry

 

Another excellent recipe to try for your Sunday lunch is a vibrant one-pan Asian tofu stir fry. This dish combines the freshness of seasonal veggies with the umami flavours of soy sauce and sesame oil, creating a wholesome meal packed with nutrients.

Here’s the instruction to prepare it:

• Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut it into cubes.
• Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.
• In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the mixed vegetables, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.
• Return the tofu to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce and stir everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using, and serve over cooked rice or noodles.

Overall, quick and easy to prepare, this stir fry adds a colourful and flavourful touch to your weekend menu, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience for the whole family.

9. Seafood Paella

 

Seafood paella, a traditional Spanish dish, is a delightful option for a Sunday lunch. This aromatic one-pan meal combines rice, seafood, and a mix of spices like saffron and paprika.

Check out the Seafood paella recipe below:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet or paella pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté until softened.
• Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, and saffron. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Pour in the broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
• Gently stir in the mixed seafood. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the seafood is cooked through and the rice is tender.
• Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

This dish is a great choice to impress your guests or indulge in a special family meal.

Also Read: Latest Indian Seafood Recipes

10. Paneer Lababdar Gravy

 

The last one on our list is Paneer Lababdar. It is a creamy and aromatic Indian main course dish perfect for your Sunday lunch spread. This decadent vegetarian curry features soft paneer cubes simmered in a luscious tomato-based gravy infused with a medley of spices.

Let’s check out how to make it:

• Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds, then add chopped onions. Sauté until golden brown.
• Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chillies. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Add tomato puree and salt. Cook until oil separates from the mixture.
• Gently mix in paneer cubes and garam masala. Cook for a few minutes.
• If using, stir in cream and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or rice.

So don’t wait any further and treat your family to a culinary journey with this exquisite dish.

Including Side Dishes and Desserts

While the recipe ideas mentioned above are worth trying, you may even consider including some enticing side dishes and delectable desserts in your Sunday menu. Here’s how you can spice up your lunch:

Emphasising Seasonal Vegetables

Brighten your Sunday lunch ideas with seasonal veggies like roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash. Add colour with heirloom tomatoes or rainbow carrots seasoned with thyme or rosemary. These fresh vegetables make your meal tasty and nutritious—enjoy the delicious flavours they bring!

Adding Flair with Homemade Condiments

Make your Sunday lunch better with homemade condiments like tangy pickle juice, zesty barbecue sauce, sour cream, or any creamy gravy. Add mustard sauce or fruity chutney for a tasty upgrade that will impress everyone!

Delightful Desserts to Share

Enjoy a delicious dessert to finish your Sunday feast. Try a tasty apple crumble with cinnamon or classic bread pudding with warm caramel sauce. For something lighter, serve a refreshing fruit salad with mint. These sweet treats are perfect for sharing and will leave everyone wanting more!

Conclusion

These 10 Sunday lunch ideas are versatile, and all the ingredients are conveniently available almost everywhere. So, for this weekend, ensure you conclude your Sunday lunch gastronomic journey with a fusion of diverse flavours that cater to all palates.

Lastly, we wish you a happy cooking and happy dining experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a typical Sunday lunch?

A typical Sunday lunch is a meal that brings people together in the afternoon. It usually includes a big roast of meat, mashed potatoes, buttery vegetables, and gravy. However, these meal options can sometimes be boring for many people.

How can I make my Sunday meal interesting?

To make your Sunday meal interesting, you can prepare some delicious dishes, including Indian Curries, Colourful Salads, Gourmet Grilled Sandwiches, and Biryanis. While thinking of Sunday lunch ideas, you may even add side dishes like roasted seasonal vegetables, tangy pickles, creamy sauce, etc. End your meal with your favourite sweet dish.

How can I make my Sunday lunch recipes healthier?

Sunday lunch can be made healthier by incorporating more seasonal vegetables, using lean proteins like tofu or seafood, and opting for lighter cooking methods such as grilling or baking. Additionally, adding a variety of colourful veggies and limiting added sugars and fats can boost your meal’s nutritional value.

What are some quick Sunday lunch ideas for non-vegetarians?

Non-vegetarians can discover quick and delicious Sunday lunch ideas with dishes like chicken drumsticks, rotisserie chicken, meatballs, pork chops, pork shoulder, and chicken korma. You may even pair them with homemade condiments and delightful desserts for a complete meal.

How to make a good Sunday lunch?

A healthy Sunday lunch includes lean or plant-based protein, whole grains, fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and fruit for dessert. To ensure you have a balanced meal, consider making a salad or a lunch variety plate. This way, you can easily include all these elements and enjoy a nutritious meal!