Simple/rustic but impressive recepies for family lunch

[Richtea67]

Hi, so the in laws are coming over next weekend for lunch with us before heading off for the Xmas holidays. I'd like to do something quite simple/rustic and tasty, but that also feels special. Last time I did a selection of homemade soups and breads plus a filo pastry tart and that went down well. FIL does not eat red meat but will eat poultry and fish.

Roast chicken, baguettes and a couple of salads. Maybe a pillow pack of leaves, Waldorf salad and a potato salad in vinaigrette so you don’t have too much mayo.

What about a chicken pot pie? Super easy if you use ready made puff pastry.

You could spatchcock a chicken (or two if they're small). It's incredibly easy, the chicken roasts quicker, and seems to impress. You can marinade to suit any type of cuisine. It also fulfils the looking 'rustic' part of the brief.

As the previous poster said, serve with salad, etc.

Cassoulet if it would be suitable for FIL, or coq au vin. Paella is easy to make and can look spectacular, or perhaps make a fish soup such as Cullen Skink.

Risotto - I once got a recipe by Valentina Harris from an arborio rice packet. It was for mushroom risotto, and it changed my life, culinarily speaking. It is delicious. I add cooked chicken too. Even better heated up the next day. Its rustic yet sophisticated. You need veg or salad on the side, as it doesn't look much on the plate.

Various quiches and a green salad

A white bean cassoulet with chorizo and warm sourdough?

I would probably roast chicken or duck with sweet and sour cabbage, potato mash with leeks and onions, some nice rustic bread and apple pie or custard crumble with forest fruit.

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/chicken-arrabbiata-stew-parmesan-dumplings

Someone on here recommended this. It's very east, very delicious and inexpensive. It's become a family favourite.

Nice big veggie lasagna with salad, olives, and garlic bread.

If they're driving after lunch I wouldn't do something overly heavy - a big meal + long drive is prime time for falling asleep at the wheel.

How about a luxury fish pie with a mix of fish and prawns with some green veg.

Rabbit on a Stick?.
I haven't tried it myself, but my rustic neighbour tells me that the most difficult bit is inserting the stick (fortunately the rabbitt is dead at this stage) you can image the rumpas if it wasnt'l!

Thanks some great ideas on here...may look into the spatchcock chicken or stew ideas. That risotto sounds lovely too.