As the new year unfolds, celebrated food writer Meera Sodha has unveiled a vibrant and inventive recipe set to become a staple for future festive tables. Her creation, published on 10th January 2026, offers a stunning plant-based centrepiece that reimagines the traditional roast with bold, global flavours.
A Colourful and Flavourful Centrepiece
The recipe ingeniously combines humble, seasonal British vegetables with the aromatic spices of a curry. The star of the show is a whole swede, roasted until tender and caramelised. This is accompanied by a generous bundle of purple sprouting broccoli, a vegetable prized for its delicate stems and striking colour. The dish is brought together with a fragrant curry sauce that bathes the vegetables, transforming them into something truly special.
Sodha's approach is both practical and celebratory. She acknowledges the desire for a show-stopping main dish for vegan gatherings, moving beyond nut roasts and pies. This recipe provides exactly that—a visually impressive and deeply satisfying option that promises to be a conversation starter at any dinner table.
The Magic of the Curry Sauce
The accompanying curry sauce is where the recipe's depth of flavour truly lies. While the original article details the specific blend, it's described as a rich, spiced gravy that complements the natural sweetness of the roasted swede and the slight bitterness of the broccoli. It's this fusion of roast dinner comfort and curry house warmth that defines the dish's unique character.
This sauce ensures the meal is moist and packed with flavour in every bite, addressing a common concern with vegetable-centric roasts. It's designed to be spooned generously over the vegetables, tying all the elements together harmoniously.
Why This Recipe Matters for Modern Cooking
Meera Sodha's 2026 recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it's a reflection of contemporary eating trends. It speaks to the growing demand for exciting, vegetable-forward cuisine that doesn't feel like a compromise. The use of swede and purple sprouting broccoli highlights a commitment to seasonal, readily available produce, making it an accessible yet special meal.
The dish successfully bridges cultural culinary traditions, creating a new classic for the UK's diverse food landscape. It offers a perfect solution for those hosting mixed-diet gatherings, providing a centrepiece that is likely to appeal to vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike with its robust flavours and appealing presentation.
Ultimately, this recipe from one of the UK's most trusted cookery writers signals a continued evolution in home cooking. It encourages creativity with vegetables and demonstrates how global influences can refresh even the most traditional of British meal formats, promising delicious results for years to come.
