Survey reveals Brits’ favourite homemade meals and greatest cooking concerns

Roast dinner tops list of most cooked meal

Brits’ favourite dishes and greatest cooking concerns revealed by Opies

• Comfort foods spaghetti bolognese, curry and casserole among Top 10 favourite meals made at home
• 62% of people are scratch cooking at least 4 days a week
• 61% of Welsh residents are cooking the same menu each week and over half are looking for small ways to improve their midweek meal choice – and now we are more at home this is more pertinent than ever

The lid has been lifted on the nation’s cooking habits, concerns and favourite meals – with a classic roast dinner taking the top spot of Britain’s most popular home-cooked dish.

The survey, by Opies, found almost two-thirds (62%) of Brits are cooking a main meal from scratch at least four nights a week, increasing to 69% for those aged 55 and over.  However, the survey also reveals that over half of us (55%) tend to cook the same meals each week, and 58% saying they are looking for ways to make small changes to their repertoire.  Interestingly, despite food being the second most popular category on Instagram with five million Instagram posts in the first quarter of 2019 (source: Fanpage Karma), over a quarter (28%) of GB adults say they are either bored or very bored with their weekday meal choices.

The Opies’ survey has revealed, from a list of dishes, the top 10 meals that UK households make on a regular basis¹ revealing that those living in Wales love cooking a curry more than any other regional British household.

1. Roast Dinner – 59%
2. Pasta and Sauce – 50% (excludes pasta bake)
3. Curry – 49% (includes Thai and Indian)
4. Spaghetti Bolognese – 49%
5. Stir Fry – 41%
6. Casserole – 35%
7. Cottage Pie / Shepherd’s Pie – 33%
8. Chilli Con Carne – 33%
9. Bangers & Mash – 32%
10. Fish & Chips – 26%

Respondents were also asked to share what they take into consideration when deciding what to eat. Unsurprisingly time to prepare is the top consideration (56%), with health (51%), cost (47%) and convenience (47%) all playing their part. 1 in 5 Welsh households also bear in mind food provenance when selecting homemade menus.

Emma Pozzetti, Brand & Digital Marketing Manager said:

“Our survey indicates that whilst we may be cooking more from scratch ourselves there is considerable repetition in our meal repertoire, with over half of those surveyed cooking the same meals week in, week out. The findings also reveal a desire for ideas on how to simply and easily improve regular home-made dishes.”

“We generally see an uplift in sales of the Opies product range at Christmas, so it is likely that either unused or half-used jars are left hiding at the back of the fridge. Including these Opies additions within our midweek meals will not only eliminate any potential food waste but it is a great way to easily embellish dishes and elevate everyday family favourites.”

Easy and cost-effective ways to elevate Britain’s Top 10 Favourite Meals

1. Roast Dinner surplus into a Leftover Sandwich

A quick and delicious way to use up cold meats is in a Leftover Sandwich. So why not consider adding Swiss cheese, and a layer of Opies Cocktail Gherkins for extra crunch and tang? For indulgence, finish with a good dollop of mustard and mayonnaise.

2. Pasta & Sauce – upgrade to Linguine with Cheese, Pickled Walnuts & Herbs

Stir soft cheese into cooked pasta with lots of chopped herbs, then add some finely chopped Opies Pickled Walnuts to really intensify the flavour of the dish. This is a favourite amongst children and adults alike.

3. Spaghetti Bolognese – be bold with a couple of added extras

Add some Opies capers and cocktail onions to a traditional tomato sauce to intensify flavour and create a welcome crunch. To save time, or perhaps for Meat free Mondays, try Opies’ recipe for Roasted Pepper Tomato Sauce, which can be batch cooked and frozen for added convenience.

4. Curry – change it up with a one-pot recipe

As a step-up, why not make a quick and easy Chicken & Lemon Biryani? Full of fresh, zesty flavour from the Opies Sliced Lemons, this one-pot recipe also saves on washing up.

5. Stir Fry – upgrade with a luxury take on a fake away

Rather than make a trip to the takeaway, recreate a Sweet & Sour Stir Fry at home. Opies recommend adding Stem Ginger in Syrup for an easy yet surprising way to add both sweetness and subtle spiciness to the stir fry.

6. Casserole – cheer up a Chicken Casserole

Nothing beats a warming casserole. For a time-saving option, Opies suggest using cooked chicken in the dish. Adding Pickled Walnuts creates a depth of flavour that perfectly complements the meat and root vegetables.

7. Cottage / Shepherd’s Pie – an easy upgrade to a family favourite

It’s easy to elevate this British classic. Follow Opies’ recommendation and Pickled Walnuts to the meaty sauce to make a rich flavour reminiscent of Worcestershire sauce. Top with grated potato and parsnip for a decorative finish that has extra crunch.

8. Chilli Con Carne – calm down the spice but increase the taste

Some like it hot and some don’t? For those in the household who prefer a milder meal, top the homemade chilli with cocktail gherkins: they deliver on taste and offer a crunchy texture. Anyone who prefers to turn up the heat should stick to the jalapenos and additional sliced fresh chillies!

9. Bangers & Mash – make a moreish onion gravy

Make gravy all the more richer by throwing in some small, silky cocktail onions. It will transform the overall taste of this family favourite. After all, a really rich onion gravy is the perfect partner to soft mashed potato and slightly charred sausages.

10. Fish & Chips – transform with homemade Tartare Sauce

Did you know Tartare Sauce can be made in super-quick time? This traditional sauce is a fantastic way to upgrade Fish & Chips – and homemade is always best. Opies suggest mixing mayonnaise with lots of capers and gherkins to deliver a gentle, natural saltiness to the sauce.

For more recipes click here  https://www.dropbox.com/s/job2dmk61hlibmo/All%20recipes.docx?dl=0