Spring Vegetable, Mint, Feta and Ricotta Tart
This recipe celebrates all the good things about the spring/summer. It is also very, very quick to make, uses just a handful of ingredients and would make a lovely starter or light lunch. Crispy puff pastry with a creamy, salty and citrusy feta and ricotta mixture, crunchy asparagus and a drizzle of pesto completes the tart for a lovely veggie meal ready in no time.
5 Ingredient Pea & Mint Soup
Healthy, filling, and perfect for this time of year, this makes a great starter, lunch, or dinner served with warm crusty bread. The soup itself uses only 5 ingredients, is a doddle to make and is a cheap, hearty meal which can keep you going for a few days if you make a big batch. I jazzed ours up with a dollop of creme fraiche on the top, some extra mint leaves, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and some toasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds, but you could use sour cream, a drizzle of double cream or even add some pancetta croutons if you like.
Roast Squash, Chickpea and Kale Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing
One of my favourite salad recipes for when I feel the need for some veggie goodness. The butternut squash could be substituted for sweet potato and you could use any other leafy greed instead of the kale. The key is letting it marinade in the dressing for at least 30 minutes so it can start to soften. The creamy tahini dressing is addictive and so versatile. With some toasted crunchy pumpkin or sunflower seeds to top it off, its a healthy and satisfying light dinner or lunch and works perfectly for leftovers.
Roasted Spiced Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad with Green Tahini Dressing
I’m a big fan of a roasted veg salad and this one is one of my go-to’s. The combination of the spiced, charred vegetables with the nutty freshness of the green tahini dressing is so tasty and some sweet raisins and toasted almonds add more flavour and texture. It’s a great lunchbox salad and very affordable too. It can also be made vegan very easily by using dairy free yoghurt in the dressing.
Garlic, Lemon and Anchovy Spatchcock Chicken with Pea Shoot Sauce and Rosemary Parmesan Potatoes
Roast chicken is up there with one of my ultimate comfort food meals. But sometimes it’s nice to have a lighter version. This recipe is full of freshness and in season ingredients. With a simple lemon, garlic, anchovy and herb marinade, and some roasted fennel and shallots, you get lovely chicken juices to drizzle over the top once it’s ready. A zingy green sauce made with pea shoots, capers, lemon and plenty of fresh herbs it brings everything to life. I tried out a slightly different recipe to my usual goose fat roasties by adding a rosemary parmesan salt during the last five minutes of roasting which I am always going to do from now on. Some simple stir fried greens on the side completes this summer roast feast.