Spicy Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew

Spicy Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew

Spicy Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew makes a satisfying, comforting bowlful. With an Indian-inspired mix of aromatics, whole and ground spices, this incredibly tasty but easy dish is packed with vegetables and pulses. Eat just as it is, with a dollop of yogurt on top, …Read more

Meaty Stews and Braises

Meaty Stews and Braises

Deep into autumn now, I’m regularly craving rich, meaty stews and braises for dinner. As the evenings get chillier, tasty, tender meat served with the delicious sauce it was cooked in is exactly the type of hearty food I’m after. In this post I share …Read more

Smoky Not-Baked Beans

Smoky Not-Baked Beans

Smoky Not-Baked Beans, spicy with smoked paprika, chipotle chilli flakes, and cumin, might taste like they’ve been lovingly simmered for hours. But they’re actually made in around thirty minutes with a simple base of tinned cannellini beans, onion, garlic, and tomato puree. Enjoy on toast, …Read more

Smoked Mackerel Chowder

Smoked Mackerel Chowder

Smoked Mackerel Chowder is a complete meal in a bowl with bags of flavour and lots of good things in every spoonful. In this thick, lightly creamy soup there’s chunks of fish, smoky bacon, onion, celery, leeks, garlic, potato, and peas, all flavoured with fresh …Read more

Sausage Plate Pie

Sausage Plate Pie

Sausage Plate Pie is easy, economical, and so tasty! With sausage meat and softened onions flavoured with a few dried seasonings baked in a simple shortcrust pastry, this homely pie makes a comforting, filling meal. Great served with mashed potatoes, vegetables and gravy, or chips …Read more

Ham, Olive & Cheese Quick Bread (French Savoury Cake)

Ham, Olive & Cheese Quick Bread (French Savoury Cake)

Ham, Olive & Cheese Quick Bread is inspired by French cake salé or savoury cake. Easy but delicious, it’s made with self-raising flour and eggs so there’s no kneading and no proofing. Just mix up the ingredients and bake. With a moist and soft, cake-like texture, …Read more

Quick Dumpling Soup

Quick Dumpling Soup

Quick Dumpling Soup, based on frozen gyoza and inspired by East and Southeast Asian flavours, can be made in fifteen to twenty minutes. With store cupboard ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chilli oil, a handful of aromatics (garlic, ginger, spring onion) plus your …Read more

Chickpea and Oat Bake

Chickpea and Oat Bake

Chickpea and Oat Bake is inspired by the classic flavours of falafel but in the form of an incredibly easy bake. So simple to make, all you do is stir up the ingredients, pack into a loaf tin or baking tray and cook in the …Read more

Homity Pies

Homity Pies

Homity Pies are rustic open-topped pies with a generous, chunky filling based on potatoes and cheese. In this extra tasty version, the boiled potatoes are mixed with sauteed leek, garlic and spinach, butter, a little cream cheese, plus grated cheddar. Top with more cheddar, and …Read more

Soupe au Pistou (French vegetable soup with basil)

Soupe au Pistou (French vegetable soup with basil)

Soupe au Pistou is a simple vegetable, bean, and pasta soup from the south of France. Traditionally based on seasonal summer vegetables like courgette, beans, and tomatoes, the highlight is the punchy basil and garlic pistou from which the soup gets its name. A stripped-down version of …Read more

Smoked Salmon Smørrebrød (Scandinavian open sandwich)

Smoked Salmon Smørrebrød (Scandinavian open sandwich)

Smoked Salmon Smørrebrød or Scandinavian-style open sandwich has a perfect combination of flavours and textures. Nutritious, wholesome rye bread, cream cheese with lemon, chives and/or dill, topped with crunchy fresh cucumber and rich smoked salmon. Embellish with a garnish of tangy quick-pickled onion, piquant capers, …Read more

Italian Tuna Loaf (Polpettone di Tonno)

Italian Tuna Loaf (Polpettone di Tonno)

Italian Tuna Loaf or polpettone di tonno is a light and delicious seafood variation on the classic meatloaf. With the everyday staples of canned tuna, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, plus a little garlic and parsley, the result is a subtle savoury flavour. Wrapped then gently simmered …Read more

Green Bean, Tomato and Potato Salad with Aioli

Green Bean, Tomato and Potato Salad with Aioli

Green Bean, Tomato and Potato Salad with Aioli contains simple ingredients. But eaten in season when beans, tomatoes and new potatoes are at their best it feels like a real treat. The light dressing is based on cheat’s aioli or jarred mayonnaise flavoured with garlic, …Read more

Chickpea and Spinach Pasta

Chickpea and Spinach Pasta

Chickpea and Spinach Pasta uses tinned chickpeas, frozen spinach and dried pasta to create an economical but tasty dish. Flavoured with garlic, lemon, parsley, hot chilli or mild red pepper flakes, the sauce ingredients can be prepped and cooked in the time it takes the …Read more

Rice and Vegetable Salad

Rice and Vegetable Salad

Rice and Vegetable Salad is a versatile dish you can adapt to whatever veg and herbs you have. Perfect as a side to a range of different foods and ideal for your buffets, picnics, and barbecues. Following this easy recipe, the salad will keep in …Read more

Picnic Food: ideas and recipes

Picnic Food: ideas and recipes

Picnic food doesn’t have to be all about sandwiches. In this post I share some of my favourite recipes for a tasty, varied picnic. From fresh salads, savoury bakes, pies and dips to sweet treats, you’ll find lots to tempt you outdoors with your picnic …Read more

Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes & Mint

Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes & Mint

Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes & Mint has been described as both exquisite and simple. And I have to agree. Cherry tomatoes and chilli flakes are briefly cooked in olive oil subtly flavoured with garlic, then tossed with capers and mint. Light but full of flavour, …Read more

Hummus Soup

Hummus Soup

Hummus Soup is a delicious, easy way of using up leftovers of the ever-popular chickpea and tahini dip. Light and refreshing, but so tasty, it can be ready in just five minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch or unusual first course, I like to top …Read more

Savoury Oat Bake

Savoury Oat Bake

Savoury Oat Bake makes an easy and satisfying vegetarian main course, packed with vegetables, nutritious oats, nuts, seeds, plus cheese and eggs. Serve with salad or cooked veggies, plus a baked potato if you like, for a healthy and surprisingly delicious dinner. Leftovers are great …Read more

Hash Brown Waffles

Hash Brown Waffles

Hash Brown Waffles are golden brown on the outside, soft, and tender within. So easy, but so delicious, enjoy them for breakfast or brunch with eggs, bacon or sausage, or as a side to your favourite meals. I use my mini waffle maker to cook …Read more

Chilli Bean Cheese Toastie

Chilli Bean Cheese Toastie

This Chilli Bean Cheese Toastie is inspired by the flavours of a Tex-Mex chilli but is put together in minutes. The warmly spicy bean, corn, onion, and melting cheese filling is a great contrast to the buttery, crunchy and crispy golden bread. Perfect on its …Read more

Meatless Dinner Recipes

Meatless Dinner Recipes

This selection of meatless dinner recipes will satisfy both vegetarians and omnivores alike. From comforting, creamy risottos and stews, veggie curries, main meal salads, to spicy delights and hearty bakes, you’ll find lots to enjoy.   CREAMY MUSHROOM RISOTTO Risotto is classic comfort food, but …Read more

Chickpea, Chorizo & Kale Soup

Chickpea, Chorizo & Kale Soup

Chickpea, Chorizo & Kale Soup, simple but hearty and delicious, is inspired by the cocidos and caldos of central and northern Spain. Smoked paprika intensifies the chorizo flavour of a garlicky broth that’s subtly spiced with cumin and chilli. Add in chickpeas, potatoes, kale, or …Read more

White Bean Puree with Rosemary & Garlic

White Bean Puree with Rosemary & Garlic

White Bean Puree with Rosemary & Garlic makes a simple yet utterly delicious accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats (lamb, pork, chicken, sausages, meatballs – you name it), seafood, or vegetables. Best served warm, you’ll find so many uses for this versatile puree rich with …Read more

Bean & Pulse Soups

Bean & Pulse Soups

Bean & Pulse Soups are great winter warmers that can be tasty, nutritious and comforting. Whether you’re looking for something chunky and hearty like minestrone or more delicate like simple lentil soup, you’ll find lots to enjoy in this round-up featuring some of my favourite …Read more