The ETDT recipe edit: what to make for a summer Sunday lunch

Summer inspo from Diana Henry, Sabrina Ghayour and Olia Hercules among other favourite food writers

Photo credit: Rawpixel.com

If Sunday lunches are the highpoint of  your weekend what do you do during the summer? Of course you can continue to tuck in to hearty roasts, Yorkshire pudding and gravy but it all seems a bit heavy when the weather is hot. (Not that it always is in the UK, admittedly …)

Barbecues are great but maybe more like something you’d do on a Saturday night. And perhaps, like me, you’re a flat-dweller and don’t have a garden or outdoor space.

Personally I like the elements of a winter Sunday lunch but given a summer twist. A roast chicken left to cool slightly and served at room temperature or tiède as the French call it. (Of COURSE they have a special word for it) A leg of lamb butterflied and cooked on the grill rather than in the oven (though, as you’ll see below, you can do it in the oven too). Salads instead of vegetable sides.

And a fruit pie or tart. Yes, please! There are so many amazing fruits in season right now - strawberries, cherries, apricots, gooseberries … Am I alone in loving gooseberries?

The French, of course, have the right idea and head for their local patisserie to pick up a beautifully glazed fruit tart on a Sunday morning to save them having to make it themselves. No shame in that if you’ve got a good bakery nearby but there is a pride and a pleasure in putting a homemade pud on the table.

You could also make a selection of homemade ice creams which can be done ahead and make the perfect finale after a heavier main course.

Or a JELLY - look out for the Friday 5 tomorrow for a lovely summer berry jelly! 

Anyway here are 9 recipes I’ve picked out that you might like to try.