What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase ‘continental food’? Going by its largely accepted meaning, it is a synonym for ‘European cuisine’; or recipes originating in the European continent. A great way to identify what can be termed as continental food is to go by the ingredients – if a dish contains herbs, olive oil, less spices, more cheese; it can be termed as continental!

Another way to distinguish continental food from the rest is to notice the method of cooking; if it is baked, roasted, grilled, stewed or shallow fried; it is most likely a continental preparation.

We are listing here 10 delicious continental dishes from two of our amazing culinary artists, Chef Sheetal and Chef Preety. These authentically prepared delicacies are made perfect by their expertise in cooking continental food.

1. Roast Chicken Breast with Mashed Potatoes

A great roast chicken is every meat lover’s go-to food! A perfect roast chicken is one with a juicy golden crust and a flavorsome seasoning of thyme and rosemary in olive oil. Chef Sheetal serves it with herby mashed potatoes, caramelized vegetables and a drizzle of garlic sauce or whole cloves. This dish is especially eaten by the English people on traditional celebrations but for something as delicious as this; why wait for Christmas!

2. Grilled Chicken Breast with Onion Sauce

Pan-seared breasts of chicken, grilled in herbs and spices, and served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed vegetables, is not just a dish to savor but also an experience to relish. Chef Preety likes to drizzle it with a liberal portion of flavorful onion sauce; a unique blend of tastes that is undeniably delicious.

Vegetable Au Gratin:

Au-Gratin (pronounced oh-GRAH-tan) is essentially a French dish made with boiled vegetables topped with cheese and bread crumbs; baked till golden brown. It is a rich dish since it is loaded with white sauce (or béchamel sauce) made of melted butter, milk, flour and pepper. It is known to be one of the most comforting foods to have – the warmth of melted cheese and the crunch of vegetables and bread crumbs makes it a favorite for many!

Parsley Crusted Fish Fillet with Rosemary Mashed Potatoes

This dish is a great blend of different flavors with parsley, lemon and Parmesan cheese fused into one recipe. The fish is mildly pan fried which gives it the appealing golden brown crust, a herby fragrance and a tangy taste that lingers on. It is enjoyed best with mashed potatoes and Chef Sheetal adds a little herby taste to it by seasoning the mash with aromatic rosemary.

Irish Chicken Bangers and Mash

This is a great dish for those who love chicken sausages! Flavored with garlic and mushroom gravy, this recipe involves cooking the sausages with sage leaves, rosemary, parsley, Balsamic vinegar, olive oil and butter! It’s difficult to go wrong with all of these ingredients, isn’t it? It is called ‘Bangers and Mash’ because traditionally, sausages were known to ‘bang open’ in the course of their cooking. The word ‘mash’ joins the name because the dish is best enjoyed with a side of herby mashed potatoes!

Herb Crusted Lamb Chops, Hash Brown, Sautéed Vegetables and Salad

Just the name is sure to get meat lovers salivating! Juicy pieces of lamb are baked with a crust of bread crumbs, rosemary and garlic in olive oil. The dish simply melts in the mouth! Chef Sheetal serves it with colorful vegetables sautéed in olive oil and hash browns; making this meal absolutely, fantastically, completely wholesome!

Grilled Basa in Peri Peri with Ratatouille

Ratatouille (pronounced rat-uh-TOO-ee) is a classic French stew originating in the French Provence. It is made with lots of colorful vegetables and flavored with herbs, such as basil and thyme, and loaded with cheese with a dash of lemon. It goes very well with grilled white fish; especially when it has been fired up in Peri Peri sauce and served with mashed potatoes and oven fresh garlic bread on the sides.

Garlic Prawn Risotto

Risotto is an Italian rice dish which is smooth and creamy! In this dish, Chef Preety gives it a sea food twist with garlic prawns that have been sizzled with olive oil, butter and Italian herbs. The dish is baked and the result is a creamy concoction of prawns and rice – a staple and very delicious meal for any day!

Peri Peri Chicken in Orange Reduction

Garlic, chili, herbs and lemon make the hot and fiery Peri Peri sauce that arouses your taste buds to a new height! Thanks to the Portuguese who invented the Peri Peri sauce, this chicken is sure to satiate your desire for a spicy, herby chicken delicacy! And what’s more, Chef Preety jazzes it up a little more with sweet-tangy-spicy orange reduction sauce!

Peanut Crusted Chicken Pinwheels:

The most delicious finger-food of all times! These bite-sized pinwheels are made of chicken, cheese and a hot sauce; wrapped in a pastry that has been crusted with crushed peanuts for that crunchy after-taste.

Isn’t that a worth-craving-for list of continental meals? You can try all of these right here in Mumbai! Holachef serves these continental treasures along with a host of other cuisines – but wait, wait – there’s a new menu to choose from everyday! So tune into Holachef and watch out for daily new menus and take your pick!