Christmas Kedgeree

Christmas Kedgeree Recipe - A Traditional British Dish for the Holidays

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Christmas Kedgeree is a traditional British dish that is perfect for a festive holiday breakfast or brunch. This dish combines the flavors of smoked fish, rice, eggs, and cream with a hint of curry powder for a unique and delicious meal.

History

Kedgeree originated in colonial India during the British Raj and was brought back to England as a popular breakfast dish in the Victorian era. It was traditionally made with leftover fish, rice, and eggs, combined with cream and spices to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

4 tbsp of butter
2 cups of cooked rice
2 cups of smoked yellowfish or smoked haddock
0.75 cup of heavy cream
1 tsp of curry powder
salt to taste
4 hard boiled eggs
3 tbsp of chopped parsley

How to prepare

Christmas eve

Prepare hard boiled eggs.
Cook rice, fluff gently and refrigerate.
Prepare the fish. You can use any type of fish, but I recommend using thick slabs of smoked yellowfish or thick slabs of smoked haddock. Thin fillets tend to break up into pieces that are too small.
Place the fish in a pan, cover with water, and heat gently until just before boiling point.
Drain the fish and refrigerate. Boiling it will turn it into mush during the final cooking.

Christmas morning

In a microwave dish or double boiler, melt butter and heat cream (reserving 3 tsp for moisture adjustment).
Add cooked rice and mix well.
Gently break the cold rice into bite-size pieces and add them to the mixture.
Chop the hard boiled eggs and add them to the mixture.
Adjust the moisture of the mixture before heating it.
The microwave mixture should be moist but not damp.
If using a double boiler to heat the mixture, add the reserved cream until the mixture is slightly sloppy or it will dry out during heating.
Heat the mixture in the microwave on high, stirring every minute until hot.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

Variations

Substitute the smoked fish with smoked salmon or cooked shrimp for a different flavor.
Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or carrots for added texture and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use thick slabs of smoked yellowfish or smoked haddock to prevent the fish from breaking up too much during cooking.

- Adjust the moisture of the mixture before heating it to ensure that it is not too dry or too wet.

- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Christmas Kedgeree with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to gently break the cold rice into bite-size pieces to prevent it from becoming mushy during cooking.

- Heat the mixture in the microwave on high, stirring every minute to ensure even heating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of smoked fish or seafood in place of smoked yellowfish or smoked haddock.

- Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the hard boiled eggs, cooked rice, and smoked fish the day before to save time on Christmas morning.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Christmas Kedgeree in individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Christmas Kedgeree with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of hot tea for a delightful holiday meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Kedgeree contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Kedgeree contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Kedgeree contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Kedgeree contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Kedgeree is a good source of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish, eggs, and dairy.

Summary

Christmas Kedgeree is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Christmas Kedgeree is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a festive holiday breakfast or brunch. With a rich history and a unique blend of flavors, this dish is sure to become a new holiday tradition in your home.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Christmas Kedgeree. It was many years ago, during the holiday season, when my dear friend Margaret invited me over for a festive dinner. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, the warm aroma of spices and herbs greeted me, filling the room with a sense of comfort and joy.

Margaret was a master in the kitchen, and her culinary skills never failed to impress me. She had a knack for creating delicious dishes that were both elegant and comforting, and her Christmas Kedgeree was no exception. As she bustled about, stirring pots and chopping vegetables, I couldn't help but be drawn to the enticing smells emanating from her stove.

"Would you like to help me with the Kedgeree, dear?" Margaret asked, smiling warmly at me. I eagerly nodded, eager to learn the secrets behind this intriguing dish. As we worked together, she shared the story of how she had first discovered the recipe.

"It was many years ago, during a trip to India," Margaret began, her eyes lighting up with nostalgia. "I had the pleasure of dining at a small, family-run restaurant in Mumbai, where I was served the most delicious Kedgeree I had ever tasted. The blend of fragrant spices, tender fish, and fluffy rice was simply unforgettable."

Inspired by her culinary experience, Margaret had spent years perfecting her own version of the dish, adding her own unique twist to the traditional recipe. As we chopped onions and diced tomatoes, she shared her tips and tricks for creating the perfect balance of flavors in the dish.

"Christmas Kedgeree is a special dish for me because it combines the festive flavors of the holiday season with the exotic spices of India," Margaret explained, as she added a pinch of cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg to the pot. "It's a dish that brings together the best of both worlds, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors that is perfect for celebrating the season."

As the Kedgeree simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing aroma, Margaret and I chatted about our shared love of cooking and the joy of sharing good food with friends and family. It was moments like these that I cherished most, when I could learn from a dear friend and create lasting memories in the kitchen.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived as Margaret ladled the steaming Kedgeree onto plates, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. I took my first bite, savoring the complex flavors and textures that danced on my tongue. It was a dish unlike any other I had tasted before, a true feast for the senses.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Margaret and I toasted to friendship, good food, and the magic of the holiday season. In that moment, I knew that the recipe for Christmas Kedgeree would become a cherished tradition in my own family, a dish that would bring joy and warmth to our holiday celebrations for years to come.

And so, with a heart full of gratitude and a belly full of delicious food, I thanked Margaret for sharing her recipe and her culinary wisdom with me. As I left her home that evening, with a container of leftover Kedgeree in hand, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of recreating the dish for my own loved ones, passing on the tradition of Christmas Kedgeree to the next generation.

As I write this story now, many years later, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the friendships and memories that have shaped my love of cooking. The recipe for Christmas Kedgeree continues to hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and connection that can be found in sharing good food with those we hold dear. And so, with a twinkle in my eye and a spoon in hand, I look forward to creating many more delicious meals and cherished memories in the kitchen.