Orange And Cranberry Nut Roast

Recipe and images courtesy of Romy London (@romylondonuk on Instagram

This festive orange and cranberry nut roast is the perfect centerpiece for any holiday table, bringing warmth and comfort to your celebration. The harmonious blend of toasted nuts and aromatic herbs, complemented by sweet-tart cranberries, creates a rich and satisfying dish. When sliced, it reveals a beautiful array of textures and seasonal flavors that make every special occasion memorable!

Prep time: 45-50 minutes
Cooking time: 50-55 minutes

Ingredients (serves 8)

• 250g mixed nuts (100g almonds, 75g walnuts, 75g cashews), toasted and roughly chopped
• 100g fresh breadcrumbs (preferably from sourdough)
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 celery sticks, finely diced
• 2 medium carrots, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 2 oranges
• 150g dried cranberries (soak 100g in orange juice, reserve 50g for decoration)
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tbsp water
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp tamari soy sauce
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (adds umami flavor)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Glaze:

• 4 tbsp cranberry sauce
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Zest of 1 orange

For Decoration:

• 2 oranges, thinly sliced
• Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs
• Reserved cranberries

Instructions

1. Toast the nuts in a dry pan until fragrant (about 5-7 minutes), then roughly chop. This enhances their flavor significantly.
2. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 2lb loaf tin with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
3. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cooking until softened (about 8-10 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add carrots, herbs, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5 minutes more. Stir in tamari sauce and set aside to cool slightly.
5. In a large bowl, combine the toasted nuts, breadcrumbs, soaked cranberries (drain first), orange zest, nutritional yeast, and the vegetable mixture.
6. Add the flaxseed mixture and season generously with salt and pepper. The mixture should hold together when pressed - if too dry, add a little orange juice.
7. Press firmly into the prepared tin, smoothing the top. Cover with foil.
8. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden and firm.
9. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by combining cranberry sauce, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and orange zest in a small pan. Simmer until slightly reduced.
10. 10 minutes before the end of cooking, brush the top with half the glaze.
11. Let cool in the tin for 15 minutes before carefully lifting out.
12. Arrange orange slices on top, brush with remaining glaze, and decorate with fresh herbs and reserved cranberries.

Top Tips:

• Make one day ahead and reheat - the flavors develop beautifully overnight.
• Toast the breadcrumbs lightly for extra texture!
• For extra richness, add 2 tbsp of port to the glaze.
• Serve with extra cranberry sauce on the side.