Thai-Scented Chicken Soup

This is chicken soup, but with all the fresh and vibrant flavours of a Thai green curry. If you’re a little under the weather, this is exactly what you want to be eating. The soup must be served absolutely piping hot, like a just-made cup of tea or a punishingly hot bath. Otherwise it missesContinue reading “Thai-Scented Chicken Soup”

Warm Lentil Salad with Sausages

This is an easy and nutritious meal, perfect for the colder months. If you’re in the market for something a little more elegant, substitute the sausage for pan-seared salmon and drizzle with garlic aioli. Serves 6 Ingredients 1kg cherry tomatoes500g puy lentils (dried weight)1 onion, peeled and halved2 bay leavesOlive oilSalt and pepper2 tbsp redContinue reading “Warm Lentil Salad with Sausages”

What to Cook Between Christmas and New Year

This is a special time of year when we all slow down, take stock, and look forward to a New Year. At this stage in the festivities, I want lots of comforting dishes that feel celebratory enough to feed friends and family without requiring a lot from me in return. If you’re in need ofContinue reading “What to Cook Between Christmas and New Year”

Spiced Falafel Burgers with Red Cabbage

A healthy, vegetarian and speedy dinner to feed four. Great if you need some real food, fast, or if you’re looking for a brief break from heavier winter fare. The red cabbage, gentle spice and sweetness from the carrot and apple give it a wintery vibe, but of course these are great any time ofContinue reading “Spiced Falafel Burgers with Red Cabbage”

Merry Meatballs in a Bread Bowl

Meatballs get a festive twist with redcurrant, rosemary, brandy and cream. Perfect as picky finger food for a party served in one large, hollowed-out loaf of sourdough with toothpicks for spearing, or as a main course in individual crusty rolls, next to some form of vegetable. The meatball portion of the recipe will make enoughContinue reading “Merry Meatballs in a Bread Bowl”

Old Fashioned Beef Stew with Dumplings

Delightfully old fashioned and frugal, this meal is comfort and joy in a pot. The stew is deliberately simple in its ingredients, so make sure you use the best quality beef you can find. It’s a cheap cut and you don’t need very much, so go for quality, here. Although I would make this toContinue reading “Old Fashioned Beef Stew with Dumplings”

One Pan Chicken and Chorizo Supper

Chicken supremes are boneless, skin-on chicken breasts with the wing attached. It’s a treat to have a little wing to gnaw on at the end, so give it a go if you wouldn’t usually pick up this cut. However, if you can’t find supremes, skin-on chicken breasts will obviously work just fine. Feeds 2 IngredientsContinue reading “One Pan Chicken and Chorizo Supper”

Smoky Barbeque Sausage and Bean Stew

Bowl food you can really cosy up with. This takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus simmering time. A total bargain, effort-wise. Feeds 4 generously Ingredients Olive oil500g sausages (approx. 4 – 6, depending on size)1 large onion, diced2 bell peppers, diced2 – 3 cloves of garlic, roughly chopped1 bay leaf1 small bunch of freshContinue reading “Smoky Barbeque Sausage and Bean Stew”

Greek Couscous Salad with Feta Yogurt Dressing

This is a fresh and zesty weeknight meal you can knock up in under 30 minutes – maybe even 20, if you get your act together. Feeds 4 Ingredients 2 skin-on, boneless chicken breastsSalt and pepper1 mugful (dried) wholewheat couscous1 lemonOlive oil1 red pepper2/3 cucumber2 handfuls cherry tomatoes½ small red onion (¼ of a largeContinue reading “Greek Couscous Salad with Feta Yogurt Dressing”

That Time I Roasted a Whole Duck

Chinese Peking duck with hoisin sauce, served with thin pancakes and slivers of fresh vegetables, is one of my favourite takeaway treats. It’s expensive, but I’ve never minded too much because I’ve always been rather intimidated by cooking a whole duck at home. I’ve seen a load of instructions for first dropping the duck intoContinue reading “That Time I Roasted a Whole Duck”