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Recipes for the enthusiastic home cook
Green Shakshuka is a modern take on the classic dish which features eggs cooked on top of a spicy tomato and pepper sauce. In this version, there’s lightly spiced green vegetables and herbs instead of the peppers and tomatoes. I’ve used broccoli, courgette, baby spinach, …Read more
Beetroot, Blueberry & Mint Smoothie may sound like an odd combination, but it’s one of my absolute favourites. Naturally sweet, but with a little earthiness from the beetroot, plus mint and lime juice to give a fresh zing. Perfect as a light breakfast or snack, …Read more
Tomato & Broad Bean Salad with Salsa Verde makes a wonderfully summery meal. I like it with some feta cheese crumbled over the top. But you can leave that off for a completely plant-based dish. Eat on its own, with bread, with a range of …Read more
Spinach & Avocado Smoothie is a quick breakfast, but one that will keep you full for hours. A beautiful shade of green from spinach, but with avocado, banana, peanut butter and yogurt, it packs a hefty nutritional punch too. I came up with …Read more
Thai Pickled Shallots are a great little item to have tucked away in the cupboard or fridge. Flavoured with chilli, garlic, ginger, lemon grass and coriander, you only need a few, thinly sliced, to perk up salads and virtually any dish with a South-East Asian …Read more
Aubergine with Tomatoes, Chickpeas & Yogurt makes a great vegetarian main course or part of a mezze style meal. Aubergines & chickpeas are braised in a spicy tomato sauce inspired by the food of the Middle East and North Africa. To serve, contrasting creamy yogurt …Read more
Lamb with Anchovy, Garlic & Rosemary is a classic flavour combination found in both France and Italy. In this recipe, it comes in the form of a rich stew. Chunks of tender lamb plus a little belly pork, pancetta or bacon are joined by cannellini …Read more
Batata Harra literally means spicy or hot potatoes. This is my wonderfully moreish version, based on the Lebanese classic. Traditionally deep-fried, I prefer the convenience of roasting the diced potatoes. Dressed with a mix of garlic, spices, herbs and lemon, I think it’s a light, …Read more
Chicken with Mushrooms, Bacon, Garlic & Spinach makes an easy, flavour-packed dinner. Moist, tender chicken thighs with a crispy skin, plus spinach, in a garlicky, buttery broth flavoured with smoky bacon and earthy mushrooms. All it needs is some potatoes, grains or, to increase the …Read more
Za’atar is a versatile Middle Eastern spice blend that’s a useful addition to your kitchen cupboard. Eat it with bread and olive oil, sprinkle over roasted vegetables, salads, eggs or yogurt, in marinades or as a dry rub. While za’atar is becoming more widely available, …Read more
Labneh is a creamy, Middle Eastern style yogurt ‘cheese’ that’s easily made at home. All you do is strain plain, full-fat yogurt for 24-hours until it’s rich and soft like cream cheese. Great for spreading or dipping into, you can flavour it how you like …Read more
Coconut & Lime Cake brings together a classic flavour combination in a light and fluffy treat. The moist, buttery cake has a great balance of sweet coconut and tart lime, and is coated in a simple lime icing. Perfect for dessert or afternoon tea with …Read more
Karniyarik is a Turkish dish of soft baked aubergines stuffed with meat in a tomato sauce. My version includes lamb mince spiced with cumin, cinnamon, and chilli, topped with the traditional slice of green pepper and tomato. Served with rice or bulgur pilaff, a salad …Read more
Empanada de atún is a traditional pie from Galicia, up in Spain’s north west corner, where I’ve enjoyed it many times. Filled with tinned tuna, onions, peppers, olives and hard-boiled eggs in a tomato sauce, the simple ingredients nevertheless create a pie that’s incredibly good. Best …Read more
Homemade Elderflower Cordial is simple and delicious. Make this delicately perfumed drink using foraged flowers found between late May and mid-June. Besides a bowlful of flower heads, the only other ingredients you’ll need are lemons, an orange, sugar and water. Recipe adapted from River Cottage. …Read more
Turkish Eggs with garlic yogurt, or çilbir to give its Turkish name, is a strangely addictive little dish. Gently poached eggs sit on thick and creamy, garlic-scented yogurt, topped with a drizzle of melted spiced butter. Perfect for a light meal on its own, or …Read more
Fresh Mint & Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is probably my favourite flavour of ice cream. And whether you have an all-singing, all-dancing ice cream maker, a simple one like mine, or none at all, this creamy, fresh and indulgent treat is really easy. …Read more
Cheesejacks are moreish little bites of oats baked with cheese and whatever seasonings you fancy. A crispier version of savoury flapjacks, I love them with drinks or just as a tasty nibble on their own. Adapted from The Cranks Recipe Book. CHEESEJACKS & …Read more
Apricot & Almond Scones take a classic combination and use it to flavour wonderfully light, American-style scones. Dried apricots are soaked to bring them back to plump lusciousness and are complemented by flaked almonds and a touch of almond extract. Heavenly with a light drizzle …Read more
Pasta with Sardines & Fennel is my take on a Sicilian classic, but using convenient and easily available tinned sardines. Fresh fennel, fennel seeds, lemon and garlic are joined by raisins and pine nuts. Topped with crispy mollica breadcrumbs or ‘poor man’s Parmesan’, Pasta with …Read more
Five Spice Pork Belly is a rich blend of cubed pork braised in a spicy tomato sauce. As well as Chinese flavours like five spice mix and Shaoxing rice wine, there’s a Thai influence too. The best of both worlds! Try Five Spice Pork Belly …Read more
Salsa Verde with Roasted Cauliflower is perfect for those who love robust flavour. With powerful ingredients like garlic, capers, herbs, & optional anchovies, this Italian cold sauce can enliven so many dishes. In this post I give you my version of Salsa Verde & I …Read more
Beer & Cheese Bread with Oats is a hearty, rustic loaf that’s full of flavour. It’s perfect for eating with cheeses, meats and pickles or alongside soups and stews. In this post I show you how to make it using my easy, no-knead overnight method …Read more
Raspberry & Coconut Scones might just be my best ever scone. Bursting with juicy raspberries and with the sweet taste of coconut brought by desiccated coconut, coconut milk and a light coconut drizzle, I think they’re irresistible. Use fresh or frozen raspberries in these American-style …Read more
Mint Cordial, made with just fresh mint, sugar and water, is a refreshing drink on a hot day. Try it over ice and topped with sparkling water or use it in mojito style cocktails with rum, vodka or gin. If you’re blessed with …Read more