Chef Michael Weldon's Effortless Easter Menu Delivers Big Flavor
This Easter long weekend, impress your guests with a three-course feast that minimizes kitchen time and maximizes enjoyment. Chef and Coles ambassador Michael Weldon has crafted a menu featuring fresh seafood, tender lamb, and a playful dessert twist, all designed for simple preparation and crowd-pleasing results.
Baked Banana Prawns with Parsley, Garlic and Lemon Butter
Start the meal with buttery baked banana prawns, a flavorful appetizer that comes together quickly. The dish combines 16 Coles Banana Prawns, butterflied and cleaned, with a rich butter blend.
Ingredients for Parsley, Garlic and Lemon Butter:- 250g butter at room temperature
- 1 bunch parsley
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1 red chilli, chopped
- Sea salt
- Pickled chilli and lemon wedges for garnish
Method: Preheat oven to 200°C. Blend butter ingredients until smooth, then spread or pipe into prawns. Bake until just cooked, and serve with garnishes.
Slow Roasted Spiced Lamb Leg with Tahini Yoghurt and Herb Chickpea Salad
The centerpiece is a tender slow-roasted lamb leg, seasoned with a robust spice rub and served with creamy tahini yoghurt and a fresh herb salad.
Spice Rub Ingredients:- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 1 lemon, zest
Additional Ingredients: 1 Coles Lamb Leg, 1 cup chicken stock, 1 head garlic (halved), 4 shallots (peeled and halved), 2 tomatoes (quartered), 2 tbsp olive oil, pinch sea salt.
Tahini Yoghurt: Mix 2 cups Greek yoghurt, 2 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp cumin powder, sea salt, and olive oil.Herb and Chickpea Salad: Combine 1 can chickpeas (drained), parsley, coriander, mint leaves, 1 shaved shallot, and sliced roasted red peppers. Dress with olive oil and sea salt.Method: Preheat oven to 140°C. Coat lamb with spice rub, place in tray with garlic, shallots, tomatoes, and stock. Roast until falling apart, then increase heat to 220°C to caramelize. Rest, carve, and serve over tahini yoghurt with salad.
Hot Cross Bun Ice Cream Sandwich with Spiced Caramel
End on a sweet note with a creative dessert: hot cross bun ice cream sandwiches drizzled with spiced caramel sauce.
Spiced Caramel Ingredients:- ½ cup cream
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ginger
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup caster sugar
- 85g butter
- Pinch sea salt
Additional Items: 6 toasted Traditional Hot Cross Buns, 1 tub Coles Easter Sticky Date inspired Ice cream.
Method: Warm cream and spices without boiling. Cook sugar into caramel, then mix in cream. Remove from heat, add vanilla and butter, stir, and cool. Assemble sandwiches with ice cream and drizzle with caramel.
This comprehensive guide ensures a stress-free Easter celebration, allowing hosts to focus on enjoying the holiday with family and friends. With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, Michael Weldon's menu proves that impressive feasts don't require complex effort.
