Panfried Halibut with Pancetta Crumb, Cauliflower Puree, Wilted Spinach and Crispy Caper Vinaigrette
The key to this recipe is the caramelised cauliflower purée which pulls everything together. The saltiness from the pancetta crumb also works really well with the purée, as does the citrus hit and texture from the crispy caper vinaigrette. The star of the show however is undoubtedly the fish. Simply panfried in a little oil and some seasoning before being finished with some butter and lemon juice in the pan. I would always try and buy from my local fishmonger if I can, but I know this isn’t accessible for everyone, as long as what you’re buying is sustainable and works with your budget then it’s totally up to you.
Chicken Noodle Soup with Pickled Carrot Salad
If you need a healthy, cleansing recipe after the rich indulgence of the festive period, then look no further than my recipe for chicken noodle soup. This is a budget friendly, tasty meal which is also great for clearing out your fridge.
Cajun Spiced Salmon with Pea Guacamole, Black Bean and Chilli Quinoa and Citrus Red Cabbage
This is a healthy, vibrant and delicious salmon recipe which is packed full of plenty of nutritious vegetables. The pea guacamole is an absolute game changer and works really well with the cajun spices on the salmon. Full of colour and texture, it also makes great leftovers the next day.
Ribeye Steak with Marinated Heirloom Tomato Salad, Burrata and Basil Rocket Pesto
I love the type of meal which you can put in the middle of the table and watch everyone help themselves. This steak burrata salad is perfect for those evenings when you want something light and easy to prepare. It’s full of Italian flavours and delivers on every level. It’s delicious, perfect for a dinner party and by following my simple recipe below you can have everything prepared ahead of time.
Classic Linguine Vongole with Samphire and Crispy Parmesan Breadcrumbs
Any kind of seafood pasta is up there with my ultimate food heaven. I could just eat bowl after bowl. This is the recipe for my version of the classic linguine vongole. I think there are just some recipes which shouldn’t be messed around with and this is one of them. The combination of white wine, garlic, chilli and clams is just too good - I’ve added some crispy parmesan breadcrumbs for some added texture and some lovely samphire for added greenery and saltiness but ultimately I’ve stayed true to the original flavours.
Whipped Feta, Ricotta and Courgette Tart with Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes and a Basil Parmesan Dressing
This was such a lovely and light dinner which would be ideal for a picnic or even as a starter for a dinner party if you made individual tarts. The combination of flavours were so fresh and tasty. It’s meals like this that make you don’t miss meat - the crispy puff pastry, salty and creamy whipped feta, the roasted tomatoes bursting with sweetness, and the sharp, herby dressing all work together so well. A satisfying vegetarian meal which won’t disappoint.
Peach, Fennel and Pistachio Cobbler with Lavender Creme Anglaise
I think cobblers are such underrated puddings - what’s not to love about sticky, syrupy fruit with a light and gooey sponge which soaks up all the fruit juices, a crispy topping and a creamy, rich custard on the side. I added fennel seeds because they go so well with peaches and the crunchy pistachios added more texture too. Adding some lavender to the vanilla custard is a complete game changer - it just gives a slightly floral hint which worked really well with the other flavours. Not the most refined of puddings, but definitely one of the tastiest.
Sunshine Paella
I decided to make this chicken, chorizo and prawn paella to bring some sunshine back into our lives during these cold winter nights. Full disclaimer - I know that chorizo is not in traditional Spanish paella recipes and is a very sensitive and contentious issue… However, I LOVE the flavour of chorizo in my paellas so couldn’t resist including it in my recipe! It gives such a nice smoky heat to the sauce which is just too yummy. Sometimes I find paellas too dry so my recipe is saucier than it should be traditionally but this is just how I prefer it.
Chinese Five Spice Bang Bang Cauliflower with Ginger and Spring Onion Fried Rice and a Soy Honey Sauce
This is one of my favourite recipes I’ve made recently and is perfect for a meat free meal. The crispy cauliflower bites are baked rather than deep fried so are healthy, but still so lovely and crispy. With a sticky soy reduction and some pea filled brown rice, this is a cheap and healthy meal to kick start your week - oh and it’s vegan too.
Ginger Sesame Chicken with Orange, Garlic and Peanut Broccoli, Brown Rice and a Soy, Lime and Coriander Dressing
This is a bowl which just feels like it’s nourishing you from the inside out with every mouthful. Full of fresh, clean flavours and lots of texture - it’s quick, tasty and healthy. The broccoli recipe is from Ottolenghi’s Simple and is one of my favourites - a must try. This is a staple dish in our kitchen and I hope it will become one of yours too.
Cherry Amaretto Frangipane Galette
For me, cherry and almond is the perfect combination and my frangipane galette has everything I want in a pudding - crisp pastry, gooey almond frangipane, sweet fruit, the crunch of nuts and a hint of booze. Serve with vanilla ice cream for the perfect dinner party pudding.
Baharat and Orange Chicken Thighs with Saffron Jewelled Rice, Dukkah Roasted Carrots and Dill Tahini Yoghurt
This is one of my favourite recipes I’ve made recently and would make a great alternative to your Sunday roast. The flavours are also quite festive and Christmassy. The spiced chicken thighs with the sweetness of the orange and pomegranate glaze were so tasty and the rice was buttery and rich with saffron, nuts and dried fruits. The carrots were roasted in a mixture of spices and topped with pistachios, dukkah and fruity pomegranates. The creamy dill tahini yoghurt underneath really made the dish - this is definitely a side that could go with anything.
Panfried Halibut with Warm Tartare Sauce, Crushed Potatoes with Spring Onions and Chives, and Wilted Spinach
Halibut will always be my favourite white fish. It’s so meaty and tasty and can be paired with so many things. With fish as beautiful as this, all it needs is to be panfried in some rapeseed oil and basted with lots of butter, seasoning and lemon. Served with a warm tartare sauce and some crushed new potatoes, this is one of those simple dinners which feels very special. I could eat this every night.
Rosemary, Thyme and Garlic Baked Camembert with Homemade Fig Jam and Fennel Seed Croutons
If you’re not having baked camembert during the festive period then frankly you are doing Christmas all wrong. What is better then salty cheese studded with herbs, garlic and nuts, topped with a sweet balsamic fig jam and served with fennel seed ciabatta croutons to dunk into all that cheesy, oozy goodness.
Slow Cooked Chilli Con Carne with Chocolate, Ancho Chilli and Coffee
Not all chilli con carnes are created equally and this is one of the those chillies. The combination of the beef brisket and pork shoulder works so well together, while the chocolate and coffee add a real depth and richness. I love a slow cooked recipe I can shove in the oven and forget about, and the longer you leave this one, the better. It also always tastes so much better after it’s had a night in the fridge and the flavours have had a chance to develop, so if you can make it a day ahead. If you’re after a special, fuss-free dinner party dish which won’t break the bank then this is the one for you.
Za’atar Halloumi Flatbreads with Tzatiki and Greek Sumac Salad
Meat-free, healthy, delicious, and full of some of my favourite Greek flavours, this halloumi dish is a knockout. I love halloumi and by marinading it in a mixture of za’atar, garlic, lemon and finishing it in the pan with a drizzle of honey, you will not be able to resist it.
Dukkah Roasted Butternut Squash with Brussel Sprouts, Dates, Labneh, Zhoug and Pecans
This dish would make a great side dish but it also made a lovely light dinner for us. Meat free and vegetarian, it’s full of flavour and texture. The roasted squash and sprouts crusted with dukkah, coriander, cumin seeds and nigella seeds is delicious. Teamed with creamy labneh yoghurt which is so easy to make, zingy green zhoug dressing, crunchy toasted walnuts and sweet juicy dates, this would be a great addition to any feast and a different way to have sprouts on Christmas Day.
Spiced Lamb Chops with Mustard Seed Slaw and Chat Masala Potatoes
I love any kind of spiced marinaded lamb and after several tries, I think I might have found the perfect lamb marinade. If you can, do marinade the chops in the fridge overnight. It just helps the flavours to really sink into the meat and make it extra tender and juicy. Paired with a fresh and zingy slaw it is a marriage made in heaven.
Crab, Fennel and Courgette Bucatini with Anchovy, Caper and Lemon Parsley Breadcrumbs
Crab and fennel is a classic combination. Teamed with lemon, parsley, chilli, anchovies and capers, the flavours just come alive. This is the recipe for my crab bucatini which is healthy, full of flavour and so versatile. It is both a perfect quick midweek meal and a dish to impress for a dinner party. For me it’s the breadcrumbs which make this recipe so don’t miss out on those.