If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we need to celebrate special occasions as and when we can. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, graduation, new job, new year, religious festival, promotion, exam pass, or a new baby, taking the opportunity to get together and enjoy the event is a must. 

One of the best ways you can mark a special occasion is with food. Some people choose to go out for a meal or to order something in, but if you’re the type of person who likes to have people over and cook, we’ve put together some of the tastiest recipes suitable for every occasion. 

Roast Lamb 

No matter what the occasion is, roast lamb will always go down a treat. When cooked well, roast lamb is definitely a showstopper, and what’s more, people from all faiths can eat It (it’s a good way to use meat held back for yourself under the Qurbani meat distribution rules, and it’s popular on Easter, too).  

Lamb can be prepared in a number of ways, but pairing it with traditional mint and rosemary is always a good idea. For side dishes, consider crispy roast potatoes, seasoned roast parsnips and carrots, and a good stock sauce/gravy. 

Nothing says special occasion quite like a leg of roast lamb, so whether you’re celebrating a big birthday, a new baby, or a major achievement like getting a new job or passing an exam, whipping up a succulent roast lamb dish is the perfect way to indulge. 

Risotto 

Risotto is simplistic in nature but actually makes the ideal meal for a special occasion because of how versatile it is and how it can be cooked in bulk and served to a large group. It’s also not that hard to make and it tastes delicious, so when all you want to do is enjoy the moment and eat great food, risotto presents the perfect chance to do just that. 

Depending on your preferences, you can add seafood, mushrooms, or even just vegetables like butternut squash. 

Ravioli 

Sticking with the Italian theme, ravioli is a great dish for a special occasion. Like risotto, it can be cooked to suit any and every preference, including vegetarians, pescatarians, and meat-eaters alike. It is commonly served with beef wrapped inside, but you can swap it out with crab, spinach, squash, mushrooms, goats cheese, broccoli, ricotta, or even nettles.  

You can handmake the pasta if you really want to go all out and make a big effort, or you can purchase it pre-made if you’re short on time. 

Dumplings 

Dumplings are thought to have originated in China as a way to bat off the cold, but they have since turned into a global dish loved by almost everyone. Like ravioli, dumplings can encase a wide variety of fillings. Some of the most popular types of dumplings include: 

• Tangbao dumplings – made with a pork or crab soup inside
• Shuǐjiǎo dumplings – commonly filled with rice, shrimp, or pork (popular on the Chinese New Year)
• Har gow dumplings – a type of shrimp filled dumpling 
• Wonton dumplings – can be filled with either pork or seafood (shrimps) and vegetables 

Dumplings can be served alongside a range of other dishes, including salad, noodles, and soup. 

Summary 

When you have a reason to celebrate, doing so over a table topped with delicious food is often the best way. Nothing brings people together quite like a shared meal, so it’s important you have the right food to impress. Hopefully, these meal ideas have inspired you and are just what you were looking for to mark your next celebration or special occasion.