Spiced Potato, Spinach and Butternut Squash Filo Pie
I created this delicious veg-packed spiced potato filo pie for Scotty Brand. It is not only vegan, it also works out at just £1.30 per portion. It would make a great centrepiece to any dinner party, but is also an easy recipe to follow for a midweek dinner. It has everything I love in a recipe - ease, flavour, texture and lots of healthy goodies.
Ribeye Steak with Anchovy and Garlic Butter, Parmesan Truffle Chips and Miso Marmite Mushrooms
Like most people, I definitely find that I eat less red meat but when I do, I make sure I buy the highest quality. I always go for ribeye - they just have the best flavour thanks to the marbling of fat. Served with an anchovy garlic butter, it really takes your steak to the next level. The saltiness from the anchovies makes the most wonderful seasoning. This is decadent and so delicious and you’ll never cook a steak in the same way again (go easy on the truffle oil though you don’t want to overpower the meat which is the star of the show).
Simple Salmon Supper
Sometimes you just need a simple dinner with minimal ingredients to get you through the midweek slump. This is the perfect dinner for when you’re short on time and energy. A lot of the ingredients you’ll have in the fridge already or can pick up easily on your way home. There are a few twists in the recipe to make it feel a bit more special than your typical salmon dinner (charring your lemon is such a simple step which really transforms the flavour and makes the dish feel that little bit fancy).
Ultimate Chicken Biryani
This chicken biryani has got everything you want - fluffy rice which absorbs the fragrant and aromatic sauce, tender, moist chicken thighs, sweet caramelised onions and a luxurious saffron milk to finish everything off. This is full of flavour and texture and the whole thing is just a hug in a bowl. Plus at £2.01 a portion it’s an affordable, filling dish the whole family will love.
Harissa Baked Salmon with Pea, Feta and Mint Smash
This is one of my go-to meals for when I am short on time and need a healthy meal fast. The ingredients list is small and are all things which can be easily picked up on your way home or you will have them in your cupboard already. I cook this a lot, and by a lot I mean a lot, but whenever I have it I am surprised at just how tasty it is. Tasty, fresh, quick and easy, I hope this becomes a staple in your house like it has in mine.
Boozy Orange Liqueur Profiteroles with Vanilla and Candied Orange Peel
Everyone likes a profiterole. And that is because there is nothing not to like about them. Served in bowls with more cream or ice cream, they make a great dinner party dessert or piled high in towers for bigger occasions - they are the ultimate crowd pleaser. I made some at my mum’s request this Christmas but filled them with a delicious boozy orange vanilla cream and topped with candied orange peel for some texture. With a few tricks you will nail the perfect choux pastry every time.
Ultimate Spaghetti Bolognese
This is my version of the classic recipe, with a few storecupboard twists in there to elevate your normal bolognese to the next level. Little tricks like adding the parmesan rind for salty depth, some whole milk for richness, soy for umami, dark chocolate for a touch of bitter sweetness and red wine vinegar to balance out the acidity all works to make it just a little bit different. It also tastes better after a night or two in the fridge so if you can wait that long do - its worth it.
Prawn Penang Curry
This is a great recipe which has saved me so many times when I’m short on time and energy. The paste makes enough for several servings of curry and freezes really well. I love prawns in a curry and they work particularly well with this aromatic, nutty, slightly spicy sauce, however this recipe is delicious with chicken too.
Moroccan Potato, Olive and Chickpea Tagine with Apricots and Preserved Lemon
I created this vegan Moroccan inspired tagine recipe for Scotty Brand to celebrate Vegan Month. It’s packed with plenty of fruit and vegetables and is a healthy, filling, low-cost meal which will satisfy the whole family. You won’t even notice it’s plant based.
Panfried Halibut with Romesco Sauce, Charred Broccoli with Olives and Almonds and Crispy Chorizo Capers
This is an easy meal which is packed with flavour and texture but still feels really special. The dish would work well with any meaty fish such as salmon or cod, but it would also be lovely with a chicken breast or cauliflower steak. The romesco sauce is so versatile (I use it for so many dishes) and the crispy chorizo capers make the dish.
Roast Chicken Orzo with Fennel, Lemon and Parmesan
This is a true one pot dish which makes one chicken go a long way. Roasting the chicken on top of the orzo and vegetables allows all the chicken juices to be absorbed by the pasta grains, making them extra delicious. It’s a great way to enjoy a roast but without the many pots and pans and often hefty price tag. Healthy and so comforting at this time of year, this will become a regular recipe in your household I’m sure.
Haggis Bon Bons with Caramelised Turnip Puree, Apple Sauce, Pickled Apples and Turnip Carrot Crisps
With it being Burns Night tomorrow, I thought I’d share a different way to enjoy our national dish. It is a slightly more fancy take on the classic haggis, neeps and tatties but it is a very easy to prepare, delicious and filling meal the whole family will love. The haggis bon bons are so moreish - people will be fighting over each other I promise. With an earthy caramelised turnip puree, crispy garlic seasoned turnip carrot crisps, sweet apple sauce and pickled cubes of apple for sharpness and flavour, I am definitely going to be making these again. The bon bons would also be lovely with a roast chicken dinner.
Apricot, White Chocolate and Pistachio Bread and Butter Brioche Pudding with Cardamom Custard
We all need some comfort at this time of year and I don’t think it gets more comforting than a bowl of bread and butter pudding. I love the flavour combinations here, the fruity apricots and apricot jam, fragrant nutty pistachios, aromatic cardamom and sweet white chocolate are all matches made in heaven. For me, bread and butter puddings need a crispy top, gooey middle and lashings of custard. Easy to make, full of flavour and texture, and utterly delicious.
Roasted Spiced Cauliflower and Red Onion Salad with Chickpeas, Lemon Tahini Dressing and Pomegranates
I love a roasted salad and this one has some of my favourite flavour combinations. Salads don’t have to be boring, and this one certainly isn’t. For £1.67 a portion it’s also reasonably priced considering the amount of fresh ingredients. It’s a great Meat Free Monday meal if you’ve had an over indulgent weekend but doesn’t compromise on flavour and texture. It also just happens to be completely vegan.
Mussels with Chorizo, Red Pepper, Samphire and Garlicky Sourdough
Mussels are one of my all time favourite meals and while I love the classic bacon, leek and cider flavour combo, I decided to mix it up and experiment with a chorizo flavoured mussel recipe. With some added samphire for colour, crunch and saltiness, chopped jarred red peppers for sweetness, white wine and plenty of lemon juice for acidity, and toasted almonds for some nuttiness, this is up there with one of my favourite weekend meals. Minimal chopping, maximum flavour, and all in one pan - the dream.
Tandoori Venison loin with Bejewelled Pilau Rice, Spiced Turmeric Squash Puree, Coriander Mint Chutney and Chaat Masala Yoghurt
This special dish has all of the vibrant, fresh flavours of Indian cuisine. It is definitely a treat, but once you have made it once, you will want to make it again and again for any special occasion. Each of the elements can be made ahead and it is a great way to satisfy your cravings for a roast and curry in one without ruining any New Year diet plans.
Sichuan Chicken Stir Fry with Cashews and Peppers
This is a quick and easy recipe which is perfect for when you’re short on time. It’s also a great fakeaway meal for when those takeaway cravings come calling. Cheaper, healthier and I think tastier than your average takeaway stir fry, I hope this becomes a staple recipe for you as it has for me.
Spiced Indian Lamb Burgers with Mint Raita, Chaat Masala Kachumber and Mango Chutney
I’ve been making these spiced lamb burgers for years. It’s the best way to satisfy your cravings for a curry and a burger in one recipe. They are a favourite with my family and I’m sure will become a favourite for you too.
Gooey Lemon & Orange Polenta Cake with Rosemary Syrup
I love citrusy desserts to finish a meal and this lemon polenta cake is the perfect end to a dinner party. It’s also delicious with an afternoon cup of tea. Served with creme fraiche and raspberries, this is a light and fresh pudding perfect for any time of year.
Tuna Niçoise Salad
This is the perfect dish to keep those January healthy eating intentions going. It will also bring some much-needed summery vibes to your dinner table during these dark nights.