Weeknight Paella

While I don’t adhere strictly to the traditional methods or ingredients for paella in this recipe, it’s my quick and realistic version suitable for midweek. The sherry and chorizo add a lot of flavour, so go for the best quality you can find. If you can’t find Manzanilla sherry, any dry sherry or Marsala isContinue reading “Weeknight Paella”

Tagliatelle with Cherry Tomatoes, Chilli and Rosé

A summery pasta you can knock up in no time. But don’t let its simplicity fool you – it pays back tenfold in flavour, which seems to build as you eat. The rosemary gives a deep, background herbal hit that makes a nice change from the more front-and-centre basil or parsley. I make this asContinue reading “Tagliatelle with Cherry Tomatoes, Chilli and Rosé”

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”

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”

Spiced Squash, Lamb and Spinach Phyllo Pie

A great way to use up leftover lamb, this pie is packed full of vegetables, spices and different textures. While the various stages take a little time to complete, none are hard, and the end result is infinitely rewarding. As a bonus, next time you have vegetarian guests to feed, simply omit the lamb forContinue reading “Spiced Squash, Lamb and Spinach Phyllo Pie”

Leek and Potato Soup with Bacon, Whiskey and Cream

A hearty, earthy soup that will warm you up on a stubbornly cold day. The whiskey adds a subtle complexity that seems to bring out all the other flavours. Feeds 4 – 6 Ingredients 2 – 3 slices of smoked streaky bacon, thinly sliced1 tsp olive oil½ tbsp butter2 – 3 leeks (depending on size),Continue reading “Leek and Potato Soup with Bacon, Whiskey and Cream”

Herby Cucumber and Tomato Salad

A heavy scattering of herbs gives this salad a distinctly Eastern Mediterranean vibe. Eat alongside grilled meats, a roast chicken or spiced lamb for a fresh and vibrant side dish. Feeds 4 Ingredients 1 cucumber, quartered lengthwise and chopped1 x 330g packet cherry tomatoes, halved1 small red onion, finely dicedJuice of half a lemon1 tbspContinue reading “Herby Cucumber and Tomato Salad”

Bar Nuts

The perfect snack for watching the game. Smokey, spicy and intensely savoury, these nuts are just the thing with a cold beer, or three. Ingredients: 4 cups raw, unsalted mixed nuts – I like walnuts, cashews, pecans and macadamias1/4 cup brown sugar3/4 tbsp sweet smoked paprika1/2 tsp cayenne1/4 tsp cinnamon1 tbsp flaked sea salt suchContinue reading “Bar Nuts”

An Afternoon Fiesta

A menu suitable for sports-watching, a casual birthday, or a fun entertaining idea. An Afternoon Fiesta Margaritas Bar NutsGuacamole and Tortilla ChipsPulled Pork Sliders Build-Your-Own ChilliCornbreadRice Red Velvet Cupcakes Margaritas, I mean real margaritas, are amazing. Once you get over the first sip they begin to go down very easily. Made of fresh lime andContinue reading “An Afternoon Fiesta”