BBC Lifestyle (DStv channel 174) is your festive co-host with inspiration from celebrity chefs including Jamie Oliver, Nadiya Hussain and Nigella Lawson
Friendsmas is all about good people, good vibes, and unforgettable food and this year, BBC Studios Africa is your festive co-host with a menu that brings the magic of the season straight to your table. Inspired by the mouthwatering recipes featured across BBC Lifestyle’s festive programming, from globally renowned chefs Jamie Oliver, Nadiya Hussain and Nigella Lawson, we’ve crafted the ultimate Friendsmas spread that’s big on flavour, easy to pull off, and perfect for gathering your favourite people. Head to BBC Lifestyle Tuesdays at Wednesdays to discover top tips ahead of hosting season. Just look at how our favourite foodie, ChopsWithDrey, on Instagram hosted her friends using Jamie Oliver: Seasons festive food ideas.
Whether you’re hosting a long-table feast or a chilled potluck night, these dishes will bring warmth, creativity, and that signature BBC flair to your celebration.
If there’s one dish that guarantees the “wow” moment at the table, it’s Jamie Oliver’s: Dukkah Roast Chicken with Smashed Aubergine, Roasted Squash & Fluffy Couscous. It’s fragrant, festive, and loaded with North African-inspired flavours, making it perfect for a shared table with friends.
The preserved lemon, rosemary, chilli and pomegranate deliver a beautiful depth of flavour, while the sides feel warm, generous and celebratory. Best of all: it’s a simple one-tray roast that looks impressive with very little fuss.
Dukkah roast chicken & smashed aubergine
Serves: 6
Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes (plus resting)
Ingredients (shortened list):
- Whole chicken, preserved lemons, pomegranates, rosemary, chillies
- Aubergines, garlic, tahini, lemon
- Mixed squash & sage
- Couscous, extra virgin olive oil, Parmesan, parsley, seasoning
Method (condensed):
- Marinate the chicken: Combine pomegranate juice, chopped preserved lemons, rosemary, chilli, oil, salt & pepper. Rub generously over the chicken.
- Prepare the sides: Roast aubergines with garlic until soft; roast squash with olive oil, sage, salt & pepper until tender.
- Roast everything together: Place the chicken and veg in the oven at 180°C for about 1 hour 20 minutes, basting halfway.
- Make the smashed aubergine: Scoop out roasted aubergine, squeeze in roasted garlic, add tahini, lemon, parsley, and seasoning.
- Prepare couscous: Cover with boiling water, fluff, and season.
- Serve: Layer couscous, top with smashed aubergine, place the roast chicken on top, add squash, drizzle honey, scatter dukkah, and finish with pomegranate seeds.
It’s beautiful, colourful, fragrant and absolutely Friendsmas-worthy
More Dishes to Round Out Your Friendsmas Table
Tomato & Ricotta Galette
Rustic, fresh, and elegant. A perfect starter or veggie-friendly centrepiece. Inspired by Jamie Oliver: Seasons.
Sticky Apple Tart
A quick, no-fuss dessert using store-bought pastry, ideal for ending the night on a sweet note without spending hours in the kitchen.
Where to Find More Festive Food Inspiration
Alongside Seasons, BBC Studios Africa brings a full line-up of festive inspiration across its channels, from travel and home renovation to spice adventures and family entertainment.
Highlights this festive season include:
- Nadiya’s Cook Once Eat Twice – 21:00 Tuesday 9th December
British chef and author, Nadiya Hussain, shows how to make your weekly shop go further by cooking once and transforming leftovers into new dishes. Expect clever ideas like turning carrot soup into fish curry or roast chicken into hummus. It’s all about saving time, money, and food while keeping flavour front and centre
- Nigellissima: Christmas Special – 19:00 Tuesday 16th December
Nigella Lawson brings an Italian twist to Christmas with a festive feast inspired by her love of Italy. She travels to Venice for ideas, then creates a sumptuous buffet featuring cocktails, Parmesan shortbreads, panettone stuffing squares, and turkey stuffed with Italian sausage.
- Jamie Oliver: Seasons – 20:00 Tuesday 16th December
Jamie Oliver takes us on a delicious journey through the kitchen calendar. These winter recipes emphasise comfort, warmth, and seasonal ingredients such as root vegetables, squash, and various meats for stews and roasts.
- Nigella’s Amsterdam Christmas – 19:00 Wednesday 17th December
Nigella explores Amsterdam at Christmas time, drawing inspiration from Dutch and Indonesian culinary traditions. She visits markets and artisan shops before creating festive dishes such as spiced speculaas biscuits, a no-bake Advocaat and ginger cake, and a sumptuous chicken biryani. The special captures the magic of Amsterdam’s canals and Christmas fairs while offering fuss-free recipes for home
- Jamie’s Cook Ahead Christmas – 19:00 Thursday 18th December at 19:00 Thursday 19th December
Jamie Oliver shares clever make-ahead recipes to take the stress out of Christmas Day. From versatile vegan gravy and adaptable stuffing to flavoured butters and a potato & fennel gratin that doubles as a vegetarian centrepiece, everything can be prepped and frozen in advance. He even adds a retro twist with a chocolate-orange Arctic Roll dessert.
